1 of 26

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

flying empty; paying passengers cannot be permitted to enter the flight they are ticketed for, particularly when the airline delays resulted in the passengers being late to begin with.

So with the plane we were supposed to be on sitting outside the window for at least 20 minutes after we got there, we decided to eat.

In order to eat at an airport, you must ensure you bring lots of cash or at least have lots of money on your credit card. Prices are outrageous for food inside an airport terminal. Even fast food places that out in town you can eat for $3-5, you can expect to pay double that just because it is inside the airport terminal.

After our meal, conversationally I asked my co-worker what seat she was on for the connecting flight. She said something like 12-C. I cocked an eyebrow and asked again. When she gave the same answer, I dug out my boarding pass. I turned it so she could see my seat assignment, 12-C.

I had her give me her boarding pass and headed to the nearest Continental ticket agent.

When it was my turn I explained to the lady behind the counter what the circumstance was. She explained that the airline thought my co-worker had caught the last flight. WHAT!? We were on the same plane from Corpus Christi to here, if she had made it; wouldn't I have made it as well?! In her attempt at humor, she explained they were trying to save space.

My response to that was if I only get half a seat, does that mean I only have to pay half price for it. She promptly gave me another seat.

Each plane that was departing from the gates around us had similar announcements. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have overbooked this flight and at this time we are looking for volunteers willing to remain here and catch an alternate flight to your destination."

Every flight had that announcement! Our plane was leaving in the evening hours. We finally get the boarding call and get on our plane.

The flight was uneventful until we landed in Norfolk, Virginia. Once we landed and heading to our gate to deplane, we heard the pilot make another announcement, "Ladies and gentlemen, we will be arriving at gate 10 shortly. However, the terminal is without electrical power so it will be necessary to deplane down stairs. Luggage will be available on the sidewalk out front between luggage carousels 4 and 5."

At this point, I couldn't imagine anything else that could make this flight even more entertaining. However, again I would be proven wrong.

A girl in the row behind me has her cell phone out. Permission had been granted to use these devices after we landed. She made a call to someone and since the plane wasn't noisy and we were in such close proximity, it was impossible to miss her side of the conversation.

"Yeah, we have landed. They just said our suitcases will be brought out to the sidewalk. I don't understand why we have to get it from the sidewalk. What is wrong with the baggage claim area?"

Hmmm, I could only hope she was not traveling unaccompanied. Hello! Last I heard it took electricity to operate those baggage claim carousels!

When we stepped off the plane, we walked across the tarmac again to our terminal. We climbed the stairs and entered the stifling hot concourse. Of course, as always seems to be the case, we were at the far end of the concourse and had to walk the entire length of the concourse to get to the parking lot to exit.

Learn more about this author, B. L. Babb.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Best and worst experiences with airlines?
We want to hear your view. Write now!