On Wednesday my kids and I set out to begin our end of Summer vacation in Florida. We were traveling to visit my mom who we haven’t seen for two and a half years. I should have known the cards were stacked against me when we arrived at the airport in Seattle and the self check in machine wouldn’t let me check in.
Somehow, we didn’t have a return ticket and they wouldn’t let me check in to begin my trip without knowing that I was coming back. The ticket agent had no trouble making sure we had a return ticket. Thank goodness for that, but that was only the beginning of our TROUBLES.
While we were in air a terrible storm system developed in Dallas. We were re-routed to Abilene and sat on the tarmac there for three hours. We were allowed to get off the plane but having two kids to handle all by myself I just decided to let them run up and down the isles of the airplane because I knew I couldn’t lose them. The flight attendant was the saving grace of the whole ordeal because he gave us sandwiches, milk and cookies. My kids were well fed and happy.
Then I received a call from the airlines saying that my connection in Dallas to Florida was cancelled.
Hmm
All flights on all airlines were canceled that night and guess what, it was Labor Day weekend. By the time we arrived in Dallas it was so late most airport personnel were long gone. We arrived four hours later than we expected to, spending over 7 hours on a 3 hour flight. I get off the plane with my kids and stand in line to find out when we can get to Florida.
I was told that I couldn’t get out of Dallas until Saturday but I might have better luck if I called the 1800 Number and told them that I have kids with me. So I called the number and she told me the same thing. Saturday!
I asked her, “what am I supposed to do with my kids for three days? live in the airport?”
Her response, “you can if you want, or you can use the distress discount for hotels in the area”
Then, my kids started whining, asking to go potty, and my son pooped. So she could hear my desperation and need to get out of the airport. She suddenly said, there was a cancellation. I can get all three of you out tomorrow. I’m not sure what she did but the angels in heaven were singing.
I got in another line to see if we could go to a hotel. It was then that I found out that all of the hotels were full because of how many flights were canceled that night. I was stranded at the DFW airport for the night with two kids. While I had the ticket agent, I asked him if I really had tickets on that flight, so he printed them out for me. The airport was handing out Coleman Cots and blankets. I grabbed two cots and four blankets and stayed up all night long. The kids didn’t sleep much either and were finally showing signs of not having any sleep. It was a very very long night at the airport. You would have laughed if you had seen me. I had each one of my bags looped through an arm or a leg and my other arms were wrapped around a child. I might have dozed off for a few minutes here and there, but it was awful. Thank God we made it to our destination and that my mom was there to pick me up. I’m not sure I would have been able to drive after all of that.
It is beautiful here though!
I’ve had horrow stories happen to me on while flying with kids, too, but nothing that bad!! Oh man! So glad you got to your destination safely and hope the flight home is smoothe!
WOW. Glad you made it to see your mother but sorry it was such a nightmare getting there. Not sure I would have made it. We traveled to FL a week ago to go on a cruise and we had no delays and I thought that was alot of travel. Your situation almost borders on hellish. Again glad you made it safe to see your mom. Have fun!
You need my phone number seriously, as many times as you go through DFW. If you EVER are stuck here, you CALL ME I COME, no matter WHAT!! I will email it to you. Please do not EVER GO THROUGH HERE WITHOUT IT AGAIN!!!! So glad it all worked out and you are safe and sound.
I miss you…wish we lived closer…think we must be soul sisters.
Hugs!
wow! God bless you! But I am sure for you, the children, and your mom, it is always worth it! I haven’t been able to see 3 of my grandchildren at all, and it kills me. So I am sure the value of what you went through endears you even more to your mom and vice versa! If theres any chance you are in Palm Beach County FL, let me know! I would love to share with you some great places to go, and maybe even meet up with you!
Cathy B
pbprojecthope at yahoo dot com
http://palmbreezeliving.blogspot.com
http://insearchblthebest.blogspot.com
@projecthope7
http://www.mychava.com/724517
misspelled my blog! it should read:
http://insearchofthebest.blogspot.com
thanks~
Oh no! What a nightmare of a trip! I’m so glad you finally made it to your mom’s house. Enjoy your visit with her and I hope the trip home is much smoother
My goodness, what a trip! I just had my first plane experience since I was 15, and I must say I am VERY grateful I had none of those problems! I really hope your visit with your mom was excellent, and I hope you and your kids are safe.
Wow that is awful! I’ve been stranded at an airport for over 8 hours before, but at least I didn’t have children to try and keep happy! Trying to sleep while guarding two kids would be so scary – no wonder you didn’t get any sleep! I’m glad you finally made it alright.
sheesh, that’s a nightmare I would never want to live through. Glad you are at your destination and enjoying it.
Awful, truly awful. You poor dears. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep either if I had kids in tow. I’d be afraid someone would take them.
I can’t imagine how difficult that would be! I am very familiar with the Dallas/Fort Worth airport since I used to live in that area. I’m glad it worked out, but my heart goes out to you!
Oh, Louise; I am so sorry for your terrible travel day(s)!!… there’s nothing worse, huh? Like a root canal would of been better!! But, you and the kids survived!!! and that which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger so now you know you can deal with the worse travel delays ever and come out smiling at the end of it!!
That certainly is a blog worthy story! I was always fortunate never to have to travel alone with a little one(s). Even for the travel saavy person that I am, what you went through would be a nightmare for me!
Oh my goodness! I am glad it worked out well but that must have been very trying for you. Enjoy your visit with your mom!
Oh, Louise!!! I am so sorry to read about you troubles …. there is nothing harder than making your children feel better when you really can’t do anything. I am glad you arrived safe and enjoying your time. We miss you all!! Fly home safe …. no storm, no long waits … just straight home ;o)!!!
Holy crap! Glad you weren’t stranded for too long. I’d be a wreck too.