After arriving at midway…
Her destination achieved 12 hours later!
The line for check in snaked all thru the hallway behind the terminal back around to the front. It wove back and forth with resignation and hope. We left the airport after standing with her an hour and she still had a flight…just 30 minutes late.
(Midway made the news, camera crews all over the place). The aviation world was coming to a stand still.
But, when we got home…her flight was cancelled!
She decided to try standby.
As she stood in line, it was becoming evident that if she didn’t leave soon, it would be Wednesday (5 days) before she could get out. Gone would be the job she had rebooked for. Gone would be the agreement to pay for the hike in price. Maybe her clothes would be lost too!
Yet, we would have 5 more days together.
Tick, tock the hours went by. She was unwilling to leave the line to get food in case they would call her name. C-58…yes she made it, boarded. The plane waited on the tarmac, close to an hour! Would it actually leave? What was holding it up? So many cancellations, so many flights out of the organized sequence for take off, what was the delay? This flight, as it turned out, was the last flight to actually leave for Los Angeles that night….out of the 17 flights, 10 were canceled.
Finally in the air…oh so hungry…lunch was at least 7 hours ago!
Flew to Houston, didn’t have to change planes…only 11 people stayed on board…whole new set of passengers.
Arrived at lax after 11. An hour later the suitcases start swirling around the baggage pick-up. Thank goodness, Juan was there to pick her up! Hungry and tired! Most food options closed for the night. “In and Out”, but only Juan ate. Hunger turns to nausea. She finds a banana to eat and sleep.
We loved every moment of her visit, but this wasn’t a great way to end it.
although….
Her story was quite tame compared to others.
writekimwrite
Jan 21, 2014 @ 19:27:20
There is such drama in a simple flight home when the weather interferes. You have captured it all here.
magnificient5
Jan 21, 2014 @ 21:20:13
Ugh. What a way to end the trip. So sorry to hear of the fear, worry, and stress for you all. These things happen once in awhile, and make you grateful that they don’t happen very often.
elsie
Jan 21, 2014 @ 22:01:22
Delays, cancellations, waiting are the bane of travel. Relief when you finally arrive home. Winter is a tricky time for traveling.
Donna Smith
Jan 22, 2014 @ 02:31:14
Winter is evidently the time to stay put with a book and a sandwich. You’ve captured the unknowns and stresses well! Glad the trip was ultimately uneventful though.
Kadie B.
Jan 22, 2014 @ 02:39:57
I always get nervous to fly. It is good to hear that she made it home safe and sound! I loved your story and enjoyed your descriptive style. =) thank you
HorseGirl
Jan 25, 2014 @ 06:10:52
Your story got me once again exited for the flight I have in just a few months to visit my friend who is getting married. I think flying is a fun adventure but it can be hard especially with all those long lines you mentioned.
Patricia H
Jan 25, 2014 @ 06:13:46
Don’t anticipate the worse. She has traveled many holidays and this was by far the worst experience! May your trip be adventurous!