Reader beware! Time for a rant. We were seduced and screwed by Olympic Airlines.

Last month when planning our 8 day trip to Prague for Christmas the best flight from Athens had an early afternoon departure time which meant either an overnight hotel stay in Athens/Piraeus or taking the morning Olympic flight. The pros were the airport is only 3 minutes from our home; the flight is only 20 minutes long; the cost is less than the hotel and ferry combined. The con is Olympic Airlines.

We have always advised travelers that they are difficult to deal with because they allow over-booking by passengers and travel agents so that they show full when they are not. We also knew they are strike prone because the employees are objecting to EU mandated privatization. We knew flights were often canceled for unknown reasons so we very carefully watched the weather and the news stories. Yesterday I rode over to the airport and asked about today's flight. I was answered with a shrug and a comment that they know nothing about tomorrow today.

Sure enough we show up ready to go 45 minutes before and the airport has an eerie feeling; no activity and a group of workers lounging over the baggage equipment smoking and chatting. The flight has been canceled supposedly due to a mild breeze from the "wrong" direction. I am guessing more likely due to somebody not wanting to come to work that day.

Now we are taking the evening ferry to Piraeus for midnight hotel arrival and noon departure for airport where our "best flight" is now very expensive due to change charges. And our holiday in Prague is one day shorter.

I would appreciate comments from anyone who has anything good to say about Olympic Airlines. If I asked for negative comments I am sure I would be flooded.