Sept 09, 2006
My friends, Jason & Melanie, and I have begun our European journey. We had different flights so this is what happened during my flying experience.
My plane from Salt Lake to San Francisco was delayed so when I arrived in San Francisco to make my connecting flight, I saw I only had fifteen minutes until my flight left and that the plane was boarding. I wasn't sure of where to go but I finally found the sign that said my gate number. So I chucked off my sandals and ran to get to my gate. I had no idea that it would be over on the other side of the airport, which is pretty big, so I ran and ran to try to make my flight. Being out of shape that I am did not make this fun. Luckily my big backpack was safely on its way to the plane via a truck or something, I hoped.
Then I saw the huge line to go through security for the international flights. I thought I was doomed until my savior came dressed in uniform calling my flight number and once I raised my hand beckoned me to the front of the line and rushed me through security. But the running was not over. I still had to get to my gate so more running and people telling me to hurry. Let me remind you that I was barefoot this whole time (which at security was quite helpful since you have to take off your shoes). The flight attendant at the gate saw me come running and as I approached said they were waiting for me. "Thank you so much" But you think once I was inside the gate I could relax? Oh no someone said you had better run so I ran to the plane and then once in my seat I commensed my hyperventilating and heart beating out of my chest. The plane taxied away from the gate two minutes later. Boy was I lucky.
It took awhile for my heart rate to come down but I could relax. Well as much as you can relax in a narrow chair with little leg room to keep you comfortable. Then the nine hours of sitting began. We got a couple of meals that weren't too bad. Saw three movies which did well to kill the time. See the reviews here. I tried to sleep some but its hard when your butt goes numb.
Finally we arrived in London 25 minutes late and the next morning at least to them. Stay tuned for more...
6 comments:
I'd heard this story before and it still makes me tense. I always worry that I'm going to miss a flight. Sorry to hear about the bad case of TB. Couldn't you get up and walk around for relief?
I had a 10 hour flight from Houston to London once and tried to get up and walk around a bit. There was no turbulance, but the stewardess said they don't like people up walking around. Something about sudden turbulance that could happen at any time.
It sounds incredibly tense. I would hate to have to run through the airport. I think I'd just tell them that if they want me to get there sooner they better get me one of those transports I always see attendants driving around with no passengers and honking at people to get out of the way.
I don't know which I hate more; having no time to get to a flight, or sitting in the airport for hours and hours waiting for a flight.
Way to go, Cassie! I think I would have keeled over dead about 1/4 of the way there.
It does sound like the scene out of movie.
You're lucky. That happened to my sister and I once, and the door to the plane was still open but the boarding lady WOULDN'T LET US ON THE PLANE. I am still bitter. My sister was also very sick and vomiting occasionally, so I was even more ticked off. What airline were you taking? I will give them my business.
It was United Airlines. I think when it comes to international flights they are pretty good about trying to get everyone on with all the security stuff going on. I was really surprised that I made it on.
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