travel stories

I learned the hard way that 25 minutes between flights is way too short.

Yesterday marked the worst travel day I've ever had. I've had issues from the get-go. Reno airport: Boarding didn't start until past the scheduled departure time. To make it worse, it seemed like the agents were on slug mode. It took a while for them to call the remaining groups to board, even though there was no one left in line from the earlier groups.

By the time we cleared the runway, the flight was already 20 minutes late.

Phoenix: Only 17 minutes were left for boarding at my connecting flight, and the plane I was in was still taxiing to the gate. With 13 minutes left, some guy decided to block my way coming out of my seat AND going out of the walkway. With 11 minutes left, I quickly checked the departure screen, only to find out that my flight had already departed! I couldn't believe it! So I ran. Only to discover the gate is on the other end of the terminal (It was gate 14, but the terminal was set up to run 25-15, 1-14).

Just when I thought everything was going to end in disaster, the agents at the gate told me that they're keeping the gate open for a few minutes more to accommodate us 'runners.' Whew! Thank goodness! I was the 2nd to the last person to board.

I was so glad I was able to make the connecting flight, because I had another flight to catch in Vegas an hour later.

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About a month ago, we encountered an unusual incident as our flight to LA was preparing for departure. We were on our way to the takeoff area when suddenly the pilot slammed the brakes. Our poor flight attendant was, during that moment, in the middle of outlining the safety instructions. The abrupt force caused her to ram backwards into the cockpit door. Amazingly, a few seconds later she just calmly brushed herself and then asked the passengers if they were comfortable enough to continue with the flight. Actually though most of the passengers were more concerned about her well-being than anything else.

The cause of the sudden stop: A driver of a passenger bus thought he had the right of way and pulled out in front of the plane.

Tsk.

Ah the joys of travel. :P