My name is Michael Schwartz, and if your name is too, here’s a free ticket to Dubai.
My name is Michael Schwartz, and if your name is Michael Schwartz too, I want to give you free plane tickets that will take you across the world and explore a luxurious locale.
On Christmas morning in 2014, my Twitter account lit up with news that an airline company had accidentally listed plane tickets at crazy low prices. These tickets, so called “mistake fares,” seemed to me the perfect chance to seize a once in a lifetime opportunity. I raced to the bank to deposit my Christmas money (I am a cash strapped college student — don’t judge my lack of available funds!) and raced back home to get to my computer. Within minutes, I had booked my flight.
New York City to Abu Dhabi, October 6 to October 13, for $220 roundtrip. This same ticket now could set you back $1450.
Abu Dhabi and its close neighbor Dubai, are fascinating cities in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi offers the chance to check out one of the world’s most largest mosques. Take a quick free shuttle to Dubai, and you can visit the gold souks, the tallest building in the world, and Ferrari World (the world’s largest indoor and first Ferrari theme park.)
Unfortunately, I can’t go. Both of my older sisters are pregnant and due around the time of the trip, and I want to be there for the birth of my nephews. I cannot receive a refund, sell, or change the name on the ticket.
Last year, I read a story about about a Canadian man who booked round-the-world plane tickets for himself and his girlfriend. The relationship ended before their trip started, and the man set out to find another Canadian woman with the same name as his ex-girlfriend. Despite complicated ticketing rules that prevent one from changing names listed on the bookings, another woman was able to explore the world for free because her name fit.
I have been blessed many times by folks who fed, sheltered, and transported me after I made ill-thought out travel decisions. Once, a group of senior citizens invited me and a friend, right off the street, to their monthly potluck night while we attempted to bicycle across three states. Another time, I planned to camp in the woods after driving five hours to visit a college campus — only I forgot the tent! A woman who was previously my camp counselor offered me her couch on a moment’s notice. Spontaneous travel can be complicated, but the fun and joy of it all is well worth the struggle and I am grateful to those who have helped me experience the world. I want to pay it forward.
I’m hoping to find another American citizen, also named Michael Schwartz, who is available Oct 6 to Oct 13 to travel from New York City to Abu Dhabi. He can have my ticket, free of charge — although I wouldn’t be opposed to receiving a few postcards from his travels.
If you are reading this and your name is not Michael Schwartz, please share this article to help find someone who can use my ticket. If you are reading this and your name is Michael Schwartz, please email IsYourNameMike@gmail.com to get in touch with me.
