Spring Break
YEAS AND NAYS: Cost a pretty penny, but no pretzels to spare
by Eileen Smolyar
Columnists | 3/18/08
Posted online at 2:00 AM EST on 3/18/08
First, you must check the dates you highlighted for the trip. Then, you must type your billing address and phone number. After clicking Next, you'll reach the menu where you are asked to make sure you've typed your credit card correctly.
After filling out the itinerary you've dreamed up for your next trip, you can go ahead and make yourself a drink with an umbrella in it, because you've got someplace to go. Too bad the airlines don't always think that way.
Flight cancellations, flight numbers that don't exist, outdated software and overbookings are just some of the reasons airlines do not always succeed in getting you to your destination.
Once, I was at Miami International Airport for a 7:20 a.m. flight back to Boston. After boarding early, I decided that since I pulled an all-nighter watching National Treasure at 2 a.m. I would make up my beauty rest on the plane before it took off to avoid the annoying ear-popping sensation.
Tucking myself in with the complimentary blanket, I shut the window screen and dozed off for an hour and a half. When I awoke, I noticed that all around passenger's eyes were fixed on their in-seat monitors and that they still remained observant of perfect plane etiquette.
I assumed we were in flight until I slid the window screen back open-the plane hadn't budged, and the baggage couriers were still outside my window. For the next three hours the captain and crew kept us on the plane, turning the power on and off and blaming the tortuous delay on "un-updated software."
With the heightened tension after Sept. 11, airlines aren't allowed to fly if there is any possibility of for error. The passengers and I were told to get off the plane and wait for another aircraft to fly us to Boston.
Then, we were told that we had to bring our blankets because the other aircraft would have minimal supplies. We waited along with the passengers booked for the next flight. Many were going to miss their connecting flights, or even worse, special events and occasions that couldn't be repeated unless the airplane could somehow travel back in time. Within minutes, the neon sign that read "7:20 a.m. Boston" soon read "Cancelled."
After filling out the itinerary you've dreamed up for your next trip, you can go ahead and make yourself a drink with an umbrella in it, because you've got someplace to go. Too bad the airlines don't always think that way.
Flight cancellations, flight numbers that don't exist, outdated software and overbookings are just some of the reasons airlines do not always succeed in getting you to your destination.
Once, I was at Miami International Airport for a 7:20 a.m. flight back to Boston. After boarding early, I decided that since I pulled an all-nighter watching National Treasure at 2 a.m. I would make up my beauty rest on the plane before it took off to avoid the annoying ear-popping sensation.
Tucking myself in with the complimentary blanket, I shut the window screen and dozed off for an hour and a half. When I awoke, I noticed that all around passenger's eyes were fixed on their in-seat monitors and that they still remained observant of perfect plane etiquette.
I assumed we were in flight until I slid the window screen back open-the plane hadn't budged, and the baggage couriers were still outside my window. For the next three hours the captain and crew kept us on the plane, turning the power on and off and blaming the tortuous delay on "un-updated software."
With the heightened tension after Sept. 11, airlines aren't allowed to fly if there is any possibility of for error. The passengers and I were told to get off the plane and wait for another aircraft to fly us to Boston.
Then, we were told that we had to bring our blankets because the other aircraft would have minimal supplies. We waited along with the passengers booked for the next flight. Many were going to miss their connecting flights, or even worse, special events and occasions that couldn't be repeated unless the airplane could somehow travel back in time. Within minutes, the neon sign that read "7:20 a.m. Boston" soon read "Cancelled."
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