Run Like Hell
Back in September, I was able to get away for an adventure, the day after my son’s wedding. The timing wasn’t ideal, but it’s all I had to work with. Friends had already booked their trip when I learned they were heading to Iceland. I commented on how it would be a fun get away and the next thing I new, my ticket was purchased and the planning began.
There were three other travelers, my friend, her niece and husband. We would be taking two different flight itineraries, but would coordinate once we landed at our final destination. My friend and I arrived at the airport two and a half hours ahead of schedule and had no problem making it through security and then to the gate. As the time passed our flight kept getting delayed 10 and 15 minutes at a time. Our layover in Canada was 2 hours and 40 minutes, and at this point we weren’t panicking.
Finally, it was time to board, as we all settled in…….and then we sat, and waited. The crew announced there was not only one thing wrong with the aircraft but two. Umm….I’ll was glad to wait while they confirmed. An hour went by without resolution, and were ushered off the plane. Possibly, there would be another plane, but it would take time. Another 30 minutes went by and they announced we would soon board another aircraft. At this point several people were getting worried about making their connecting flights; including me.
If we left the time they planned, there would be a good possibility of making our connection. Fingers crossed we all boarded the plane, settled in and sat. Someone had left two unattended pieces of luggage at the front of the plane that no one claimed after two announcements were made. Finally, on the third frustrated announcement, two young girls claimed their bags. Too much time had passed and I guessed we would miss our connection.
The flight was pleasant even though I was watching the time. The second flight was the longest portion of the flight, and unfortunately, there weren’t any other flights for several hours if we missed our connection. As the plane prepared for landing, the crew announced there would be several people that needed to make tight connections and would those without one, remain seated until the passengers were off the plane. In my head I thought that would never happen.
At this point our connecting flight time was long overdue and we figured we’d have to book something else. When the plane stopped and the doors opened, amazingly enough, only those making a connection were scurrying down the aisle. At this point we had no idea if our plane was still there, even though we assumed it was long gone, but decided we needed to make a run for it. There was no time to stop and look at a board. Most passengers all but broke out in a sprint and mad dash to the other side of the airport. As airline employees guided us along the corridors; they’d point, we’d run. I swear the connecting flight was at the furthest gate.
For some reason we didn’t have to go through security again, which always happened when I’ve traveled internationally. I believe there were five in all that were racing to make the Iceland flight. As my friend and I rounded the corner they were announcing both our names; asking for us to come to the counter. REALLY? We were hauling booty just to get to the gate.
Surprisingly enough, the connecting flight had also been delayed……the good Lord was looking down on us. All five of us made the flight; I don’t think we were on the plane three to five minutes when the plane left the gate. HOLY COW…..what a start to the trip. Thank goodness one of us yelled “run like hell.” It was just the start of our adventure.
xoxox…..Sheryl