From WHQ to Miami
Tuesday, August 26th, 2008If you read Fran’s blog yesterday, you could gather my trips to world headquarters (WHQ) over the past years have never been dull. It’s always great to hang out with the team. I’m just glad that Courtney, on her new adventures to TRE, does not have to encounter the “Candyman”! During the strategy portion of this past trip to WHQ, Fran and I planned a last-minute business trip to South Florida to visit some clients Monday. I planned to arrive Sunday evening to get a fresh start for Monday, but my trip was not so smooth.
I was on a 7:20 pm Delta flight out of JFK. I think the Delta terminal at JFK almost makes LAX look good! Regardless, the flight was delayed, so we did not board until 9:30. I believe the initial delay was weather, but once on board, we pulled back from the gate and waited for another 2 hours until we took off. This delay was due purely to congestion on the tarmac as JFK is, I believe, the busiest hub to Europe in the evening. I watched all the international aircraft take off - Lufthansa, Virgin, AerLingus, Eurofly, etc. - normally an enjoyable experience for me, but not so knowing I wouldn’t be landing in Miami until 1:30 am.
Anyway, as much as the delay was frustrating, what I found disappointing was the talk I heard from other passengers. I overheard the group in front of me, after the pilot announced another delay due to all the congestion at the airport, announce that this was another reason why they wouldn’t fly Delta again. Delta apologized profusely and the crew was accommodating and provided a comfortable flight once airborne. I just feel it is very unfortunate when the airlines, in enough trouble already, get an even worse rep for problems out of their control. I’m sure the solution is much more complicated than I want to even imagine, but next time you’re on board and the flight is delayed, remember the pilot probably wants to get where you’re going even more than you do! Delta did a good job at handling a difficult situation and, bottom line, I made it to Miami safe and sound and in time for business!
-Alexandra Young, vice president and associate publisher
