McEmbassy? Every Austrian McDonald’s Now Offering Travel Help for Americans

Thanks to a unique and, for those concerned about commerce meddling in government, somewhat unsettling partnership between McDonald's Austria and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, all 194 of the fast food chain's outposts across Austria are now offering travel help for visiting Americans who need it. 

According to the embassy's announcement on Facebook, U.S. citizens who "find themselves in distress" while in Austria due to, say, a lost or stolen passport can simply enter any McDonald's and "staff will assist them in making contact with the U.S. Embassy for consular services."

Those whose G.I. tracts wind up in distress from visiting McDonald's are apparently on their own. 

What you will get, reports the New York Times, is a "24/7 hotline number for the United States Embassy and a phone to call there if needed."

A McDonald's spokesperson told the Times that those seeking help will not be required to buy anything. 

Judging from the comments on the embassy's post about the new program, many people are lovin' it (badabababa), though the prospect of a corporation becoming involved in government services makes others Grimace.