Community Chat

[Mmsfoxxie]

@beach-mom, I'd be so frantic if that happened to me.  I've been to the Dallas airport many years ago but don't even remember how it's configurated.

Right now, the worst airport for layovers is in Atlanta (for me).  You need roller skates and even they might not help if you're not familiar with the place.  For me, I requested a wheelchair.  One of my fellow posters suggested it and it was some of the best advice I've ever gotten on here.

I feel so bad for your son!

[beach-mom]

Thank you everyone for your posts and advice! 

He tried to call the "standby" number they gave him (24-hour) at 5:30 a.m. It rang and rang but no one answered. So he checked out and went to the airport. 

He had moved up the standby list to #2. He originally was farther down, but I guess people made other arrangements. They had two seats available! He called me when he was sitting on the plane. He was planning to land, go to his apartment to freshen up, and go to work. 

His original flight was from Philadelphia. He just had his carry-on bag and his backpack. And his toothbrush, but no toothpaste.

I didn't know airports closed either. I don't think they did back when I was flying a lot. I remember getting in around 2 a.m. and although most eating places had closed, I was able to get a sandwich.

We learned they did when he flew home during his first year of college. He got stuck in Washington D.C.

Again, different airline, but same story- his plane got in late, right before midnight, and he had missed his connecting flight. They put him on an early flight the next day. He was 18. He said it was amazing how fast the airport emptied out! They even padlocked the vending machines. He stayed at the gate, and didn't see anyone else. He saw one security guard walking through. I stayed on the phone with him all night. I actually wanted to drive down and get him, but DH said he would be fine. 

Someone else came in around 5 a.m. so I relaxed a little! 

That was Frontier. They airline yesterday was American.

 I had sent him back with two SEALED bags of rice combinations, sealed inside another ziplock bag. Philadelphia TSA let it through; Dallas didn't. 

@Mmsfoxxie - When I flew more I always went through Atlanta. And I always worried I would miss my connecting flight! I walked to the tram, or whatever they call it, because even though I'm not changing airlines somehow the gates were never in the same area! I did have a 3-hour layover once and had time to go to one of the restaurants. My food was delicious! 

I love flying out of the Austin airport. It's small, but everyone there has always been so helpful! 

My favorite airline ever is Cathay Pacific. Everyone was treated like a first class passenger. They had a huge selection of magazines, the seats were luxurious, and the food was amazing! It might be different today!  

Thanks again everyone for your concern!  

[Lilysmom1]

@jlkz Unfortunately no direct flights.  I agree with you though.  That would be preferred!  

[charsha]

@occasionalrain  yes, the train is an option for some. Took the Autotrain to FL last year, would do it again in a heatbeat. Great to have your own car when arriving.

[LuvSoCal]

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@Mz iMac wrote:

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@occasionalrain wrote:

Could be a Seinfeld episode.

Doesn't anyone take trains anymore? 

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@occasionalrain   I do, all the time for long distance trips.

I train from east coast to west coast.

Northeast to Orlando, Florida (Disney World).

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@Mz iMac Just curious...how long a trip is it to get from coast to coast? I don't fly and would really like to visit 3 of my dearest friends who live in the mid-west, Fl and NC. I would make one trip from CA to opposite coast first and then stop in KS on my way back.

[In-x-s]

Sometimes Mother Nature just messes things up --- best not to argue with Mother Nature.  I'd much rather a flight be delayed/canceled, as inconvenient as it may be.

[LTT1]

@beach-mom 

This is just terrible!
What has happened to air travel?

[Mz iMac]

@LuvSoCal  The scenic route takes 15 days.

Straight through takes 4 days. <------ Never done that.

Go on Amtrak's website to check out all the different routes from your State.

You can get off the train at any stop stay over & get right back on the train w/the same ticket. 

I always take the northern route from northeast to California.

Take the southern route returning.

My grands are spread all over the US.  So I always take most of them with me during the summer.  I pick them up along the way to the west coast.  They all come back home w/me for a few weeks in the summer.  They love travelling by train.

For pricing I always deal directly w/Amtrak as sometimes they have deals my travel agent knows nothing about.

I always get all the discounts available that Amtrak offers.  Since I get sleeper(s) & travelling part way w/children I can negoiate the fee or Amtrak gives me the sleepers FREE!

Travelling by train coast to coast is more relaxing than flying.  You can chill out in the observation train (all glass), dining room(s), snack bar (open 24 hrs), quiet train (no talkiing on cells).

Let me know if you have any further questions.