Christmas And A Funeral

July 13, 2010

in Delay/Cancellation Stories

On Christmas Day 2005, my family received the grim news that my grandfather had passed away from Alzheimer’s. While we knew this was going to happen within that 2 week period, obviously we were not expecting it to happen on Christmas Day. We had to book a ticket to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which anyone from the Midwest knows is always a pain in the winter time. Needless to say my prediction was not far off from disaster.

Leaving Jacksonville, Florida: Arrived at the gate 40 min early, ended up getting mixed messages from the ground crew that there were maintenance issues with the plane. Two hours later apparently the engine had failed so they had to issue a new plane for us.

Chicago: Fog delay in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is now causing our flight to be cancelled. Five hours later we are told that we will be flying to Moline, Illinois and that shuttle buses will be there to drive us to Cedar Rapids.

Moline, Illinois: No buses are there, they have not yet left Cedar Rapids and we will have to wait. At this point my family and I decide to rent a car; we caught our first break when we ended up getting the last car at Avis.

Return Trip: Delay at Cedar Rapids causes us to miss our connecting flight to Jacksonville from Chicago. After begging and pleading our story to the ground crew, all 3 of us were able to get First Class tickets on a flight leaving 2 hours later.

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Peace Lover July 14, 2010 at 1:44 pm

I am so sorry to hear about your loss especially during the wonderful time of Christmas. I have recently lost my grandfather so I know how you feel. I was at work when I heard the news. I was so shocked I fainted. But remember, those we love are never gone. They are still with us in our hearts.

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rerere July 14, 2010 at 4:09 pm

I know how you feel. Before I was even born, my grandma died on Christmas day of cancer. My mom said it was unexpected, and was sad to see the unopened presents for her. I feel your pain, but luckily they didn't have to fly anywhere like you did.

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