– Note: This blog was still in draft at the time of Gurumarka’s passing so previously unpublished –
changing planes in chicago,
terrible winter storm,
pilot announced he would give a try landing through the storm before it got worse.
plane shook like crazy. felt like the wings would break off.
finally landed, with relief, but it was not Chicago, we ended up across the lake in
sat on runway. needed gas. waited for gas truck. ready to fly back to Chicago. discovered too much gas was put into tank, making it not safe to land back in Chicago. now had to wait for a gas truck to come and remove fuel. the whole process took more than 3 hours. finally we fly back to Chicago.
stuck on plane after landing since no one was around to open the gate to get off the plane. again waited. finally everyone was able to get off the plane, but since we were 4 hours later than originally scheduled flight, everyone had to spend the night. I was the last person to go up to the flight attendants who were helping, and got the last hotel voucher. I went to get the hotel airport shuttle, but the last one had left for the night. got a taxi to take me to the hotel. I had no coat in freezing weather, and my check bag was not given.
at hotel had a strong discussion with the attendant about not charging me for the room, since it was a voucher. Finally they agreed. Now in the room, I was without, a change of clothes, and my toothbrush. the hotel had a sign on the counter to ask if you need anything. I asked. they brought exactly what I needed.
in the morning the hotel shuttle drive was very nice to put the heat on high since he knew I had no winter coat. did arrive ontime for the early flight to take me on my way. But my bag did not arrive with me in Frankfurt. Luckly the next day it was delivered. And even more lucky, the 2 laptop computer carefully packed in this bag were fine.