Honestly, the title is probably one of many Vacation trilogy references in this post. Because right now, we truly are in that 9th level of hell. Also known as the Charlotte Airport. Where I have been sitting, waiting, hoping, and praying to finally embark upon a winged goddess, also known as a 747, and fly through the blue skies to Dublin. Alas, it has not happened yet. So here we sit, since 6:45 yesterday evening.
The trip started out well enough. We made it to CVG without much ado, loaded up, and made it rather quickly to Charlotte. Then things changed.
After landing, we found our gate and headed that way. Joe and I sat down for refreshments and the boys grabbed coffee. And the first delay came. Fine, it’s an hour. Then, after about 45 minutes, the second delay. Thirty minutes. We got this. Little did we know….. Next delay to 10:55 (originally we were to take off at 9:10). Then, hey, let’s board this puppy. Ok, everyone lines up. Oh hold up there folks, the moose needs to check the plane first and make sure it’s ready. At this point, I’m chatting with the gate agent about boarding tips. Found out she’s from Poland and grew up in Germany. She tried to help. As we were chatting, I see the pilots leave the plane. Crap. I’ve been reading enough about American Airlines I know what is happening next. “Folks, the moose at the front said we’re going to try to get pilots and take off at 2:00 AM.” Sure. Because not two minutes later, we hear “Folks, I’m sorry to say we’re delayed until 7:00 pm tomorrow. Oh, and because it’s late, there are no hotels available!”
So we line up to get another flight to salvage our Saturday and Sunday. No go. I break out in hives. Joe and I try to find alternatives because we have an Aer Lingus flight at 5:00 out of Dublin to Berlin. I go back down to try to get into Frankfurt. Nope. Has to be within 300 miles of Dublin. The boys have walked the entire airport 16 times now. Patience is gone. We’re defeated. So the boys go to find us seats for the night.
We were up all night. Meanwhile we have Todd and Dee trying to cancel and handle things in Berlin. Joe had to rebuy our flights to Berlin. We miss the walking tour we were so looking forward to doing. This has been rough. Noise cancelling headphones are miracles. Honestly, I’m pretty sure you can smell me from the pictures.
So at this point we start day 2 still in Charlotte hoping we get out at 7:00 tonight. Panera bagels to refuel. A long day of waiting is ahead. As Seamus said, “Things are going to turn around now!” Hopefully we don’t Heck it up-yes, we love The Middle. Watch it.
Here’s hoping the moose at the door changes the sign tonight.
Kennedy Family Travels 