Waiting, on a jet plane

The flight out of Nairobi was two hours late. We had boarded and were all in our seats when the Captain came on the PA system.

“Sorry folks, but we have a small problem. The baggage handlers went on strike 10 minutes ago, and they haven’t finished loading our luggage yet. So we’re trying to find another company. I’ll let you know when I’ve got more information.”

A bit later, we heard that an alternative loading company had been located. Even later, we heard that the plane was now ready for departure, so please could we return to our seats and fasten our seatbelts.

I went back and climbed over the nun who had the aisle seat, she was watching a movie and obviously didn’t want to lose the plot, then settled in to my window seat. 42A. It was a good location, at the back of the plane and close to the toilets. We taxied to the runway, accelerated, were airborne. I adjusted my pillow, and slept.

When I woke up the nun said,

“My plane to Rome has just boarded in Zurich.”

I looked at my watch, and realized that my flight to London had just taken off.

Just before we landed the Captain came back on the PA system.

“My apology for the delay, folks, hope you enjoyed the flight. At least we have all our bags with us. A flight that left at around the same time left 12 containers of luggage behind.”

In Zurich I went to the Swissair transfer desk.

“We’ve rebooked you on the next flight”, they said, so I wandered to the lounge and had a coffee, and answered some e-mails, and waited until it was time to go down to the gate. This flight left on time, and arrived promptly at Heathrow.

When I left London and went to check in for the flight to Halifax, I was asked to board promptly as there were strong headwinds, and the plane wanted to get away on time or even early if possible. I had a short connection time in Halifax, so I was all for that, and presented myself promptly at the gate.

We had boarded and were all in our seats when the Captain came on the PA system.

“Sorry folks, but we have a small problem. The left engine won’t start so we’re having the mechanics look at it. So people on the left hand side of the plane, don’t be surprised if you see the engine cowl has been lifted up. Nothing to worry about. It shouldn’t take long. I’ll let you know when I’ve got more information.”

A bit later, we heard that the mechanics were not sure whether it would be a small problem (and quick fix) or a large problem, with a longer fix time. The Captain again:

“Sorry folks, they are going to tow us to another bay so they can look properly at the engine.”

That didn’t sound like a small problem to me, and sure enough, a bit later:

“They are going to have to replace the starter motor on the left engine, it will take 2 hours or so. We’re waiting to see if there is a spare plane here at Heathrow.”

Then a bit later he announced:

“The bad news is that there is no spare plane. The good news is that they are changing the motor now, and we’re going to take this plane to Halifax. It will take about two hours to change the starter motor, so we’re going to serve you snacks. Sit back and enjoy the wait.”

Actually, he’d missed the point. The real good news was that I had been able to use my Aeroplan credits to upgrade to a business class seat, so I got snacks and a beer!

In Halifax I went to the Air Canada transfer desk.

“We’ve rebooked you on the next flight”, they said, “it goes tomorrow morning.”