Travel Nightmare

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

DS was home for part of our family vacation, and is now returning to where he lives.

As I write this, he is supposed to be sleeping before returning to work in the morning.

He is flying American.

His flight from our airport was delayed over an hour. They sat at the gate, but of course couldn't leave the plane.

He had a connecting flight in Charlotte. He allowed himself a little over an hour so there wouldn't be a problem. We were concerned he would be cutting it close, but when he called he said it didn't matter because that flight was also delayed.

He would have 3 hours, plenty of time to get something to eat. Well, it turned out that every eating place there closes at 10. There are no vending machines for food or water or other drinks.

Now his plane has been delayed again for the second time. He said everyone groaned when they made the announcement. He will arrive at his home airport around 3:30 a.m. and to his apartment after 4:30, if he doesn't have to wait long for an Uber.

He is tired and hungry.

This is the second time he's gone through something like this. The first time was on his 19th birthday, when he spent the night in the D.C. airport when his first plane was delayed and he missed his connecting flight home. The airline got him on another flight leaving early the next morning. He was by himself then. The airport emptied out. He didn't see anyone else until around 5 a.m.

I stayed on the phone with him then because he couldn't sleep. He was worried about his laptop, thinking he would fall asleep and someone might "borrow" it, even though there was no one around.

Thank you for listening to me. Why can't airports keep one or two places to get something to eat open 24 hours?

It's probably a problem with staffing, but it seems it could happen somehow!

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

I can't understand why they don't have either a 24 hour shop or some vending machines with food (not just candy or chips) either! The airport can be a bit creepy late at night when no one is around.

Many years ago I went to pick up my son from an international flight late at night and we had to walk what felt like a mile through a maze to get to the overseas terminal. No one was around until we actually arrived at the terminal. I didn't see any terminal employees. I would prefer not to have to do that again!

I've had my share of unpleasant flying experiences when my flights were delayed or cancelled. I try my very best to avoid connecting flights and for many years I have been fortunate to fly direct.

I hope your son arrives home asap safely. Hope he finds something to eat and can get caught up with his sleep.

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

Thanks @haddon9! I always try to fly nonstop too. Years ago the airline lost one of our bags after our flight home. There's nothing like standing at the carousel, seeing all the other bags come out, then going to the airline's baggage claims office, which might be locked, and waiting to talk to someone!

About 3-4 days later our doorbell rang. It was around 11 p.m! DH was sleeping, but I was still downstairs. They're lucky I looked out! On our front porch standing with our large suitcase was a rep from the airline. I opened the door and he apologized for the delay getting our bag to us. I thanked him for finding it.

Since then I have done everything I can to get a nonstop flight! It doesn't always work though!

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

@beach-mom Our Transportation system is a major mess. Currently, lots of people experiencing major challenges with delays, over booking, and compensating for the pilot layoffs. I'm glad that you were able to share your vacation and that your son will be home soon.

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

@phoenixbrd wrote:
@beach-mom Our Transportation system is a major mess. Currently, lots of people experiencing major challenges with delays. I'm glad that you were able to share your vacation and that your son will be home soon.

Thanks @phoenixbrd. He wasn't able to come for the whole time because of work. His flight home was also delayed because of bad weather.

There's never enough time when he does get home. When we pulled in the driveway after getting home from the airport today I already missed him!

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

@beach-mom Losing luggage is a nightmare!

It happened to DH when we started our river cruise in France. Everyone's bag appeared except for DH's. What a way to start a vacation in a foreign country! It didn't bother him too much (would have mad me very upset!) and our son was on the cruise with us so he gave DH a change of clothes.

Fortunately the bag showed up the next day when we were in a port.

Better to have that happen after the trip than in the beginning if it happens at all.

Glad to hear your bag was found & delivered to your home.

Angeldrawers · ‎08-04-2015

At first I thought you were talking about a 7 year old then I see he's an adult. Live and let live. It's a crazy world we live in Mama.

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

@haddon9 - I would panic if that happened to me in Europe! Your DH was lucky your son could help him out with clothes. Yes, at least it happened to us after we were home. But I did wonder if we'd ever see any of our clothes again, and some of DD's cute baby outfits.

Angeldrawers · ‎08-04-2015

Unfortunately my daughter is deceased now but in 2007 my husband just ruined part of her destination wedding whining about his delayed luggage. Watch a downer. When we came home I gifted him a carryon and said I'll never travel with you again without this. Lol

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

@Angeldrawers wrote:
At first I thought you were talking about a 7 year old then I see he's an adult. Live and let live. It's a crazy world we live in Mama.

@Angeldrawers - You're so right!

He just called and he's finally on the plane. By the time he gets to his apartment he will have about 1-1/2 hours to sleep. He can't call out because of everyone else's vacation schedules!

I told him to try to eat something and get some snacks on the plane. He said all he cares about is sleeping. He plans to do that instead! Can't blame him for that!