It was a long day of travel today. We were supposed to leave Cedar Rapids at 9am but when we got to the airport we found that flight was delayed. Luckily we were early enough that we could (barely) catch an 8:15 flight. That left us with enough time in Minneapolis for a nice breakfast.
Then it was on to Seattle. Again we encountered the dreaded “Delayed” flag on our next flight (to Bellingham WA). This turned into one of those rolling delays. Horizon Airlines, who runs flights to Bellingham was really screwed up.
First we were assured that the delay was just because of accumulated little delays throughout the day and were specifically told it was not a mechanical problem. When the inbound plane arrived the story changed to “maintenance is on the plane.”
Our original departure time kept being bumped up in increments of 15 or 20 minutes. Individually not enough to cause us to make drastic changes in plans but cumulatively it eventually added up to 3-1/2 hours total.
By the time we left it was around 8PM (PDT) which felt to us like 10PM to us. After waiting for luggage and the shuttle to our hotel it was well after 11PM to our tired bodies.
At least the room has high speed internet!
We plan on sleeping in late tomorrow – we don’t have to show up for the ferry to Alaska until the afternoon. We are not likely to have internet access for the next few days so don’t worry if you don’t hear anything.
I know all those delays won’t dampen your spirits but have to admit what you describe here sux big time.
I guess flying isn’t what we older ones remember it being. I remember the days you were treated like a king (even in coach). From what I read today you’re treated more like suspected terrorist cattle, just damn lucky they’ll even let you board.
All the delays are a bummer.
Mike, you are correct. I just flew to Michigan to see my mom and just to get on you have to take shoes, belt (if you are wearing one) ear rings may also set it off. I had my digital camera as well as a film camera and asked about them. They did what they called a hand check on the film because it was 800 speed. it’s not the same as it used to be. BUT the lady did say I had the most unique socks. LOL
That’s funny, Alice. Must have been Clarabel socks.
Tom, I heard on NPR this morning there was a big computer crash in ATC at Atlanta which pretty much botched up all the airline schedules—especially on the East Coast.
Things have gotten better since we left Bellingham on the ferry. Though not speedy, it’s a more civilized way to travel. I’ll have a post up soon on that part of the trip.
Actually, we did not encounter any problems with Northwest…we were in first class and they treated us quite well from getting us on an earlier flight in Cedar Rapids because of a delay with our scheduled flight to asking us what we wanted to drink when we boarded in Minneapolis. It was when we got to Seattle for our flight with Horizon Air that the problem occurred….from 1:30 PM to when we took off after 7:00 PM, there were EIGHT different departure times posted plus the agent told us it was not mechanical. However, when it the plane landed, maintenance went on board and it became mechanical. Seemed like every Horizon Air flight had it problems…delays all over the place It was the first and, let me assure everyone, the last time we will travel that airlines!!