Thursday, June 09, 2011

Chaos at the Airport

OK, not really chaos -- just wanted to use that Kim Wilde song title -- but my flight at LaGuardia has been delayed five times already. It goes to Chicago -- where I then connect to Tulsa -- and I can't figure out what the problem is. (Too hot out there to take off?) The morning started with me getting into it with the agent over United's (well, ALL airlines' anymore) bullshit "self" check-in where you ALWAYS end up having to have an agent assist you. ("I don't work here, so why don't you just check me in in the first place instead of making me feel like you're doing me a favor by 'assisting' me here?") The woman handled the situation well, for which I gave her credit. It didn't help that Orbitz referred ONLY to US Airways on the itinerary only to arrive to be told the flight is being "operated" by United, and that I needed to go downstairs to catch a shuttle bus to another terminal!
(So much for paying $45 for a cab so I wouldn't be stressed!)

I'm at the gate reading and texting, so I guess there's nothing left to do but be patient -- my specialty!

8 comments:

R said...

Kenneth - major THUNDERSTORMS in Chicago - everything is delayed coming in and out of O'Hare. Sorry about the hassle of "Operated by United Airlines." Continental is now in the mix with United too, so there's yet ANOTHER "sharing" airline with United in addition to US Airways!

Eps said...

Yup. Raining like hell here!

Michael said...

Something ain't right! Nobody can fly it in the weather.
bop2pop.com

Chris said...

Kenneth- One thing to keep in mind: A big clue that your flight will be operated by another carrier is if the flight number is very high (typically 3000 and up).

For example, US Airways flights operated by United appear to be in the 6000-7000 range.

Bart said...

Yes, Ken - we had BAD storms here in the Chicago area late last night and into late this morning - this Midwest weather can wreck havoc, as you should know. =c)

parkavman said...

This doesn't sound like being patient is one of your specialties

Tim said...

.....and nothing like going from 95 yesterday at this time to the current 50 degrees in Chicago

jm said...

As an airline employee we are constantly *forced* to push the kiosk on folks - I am curious though - you said she recovered well...What did she do!?