Flying Hell

[Corki]

Over the last few days, I have been away on holiday to Paris with Northie. Yesterday, we were due back in the UK on our flight from Paris CDG airport. Everything was running smoothly - we boarded the plane on time, and the Cabin Crew were about to give the safety demonstration. Just as that was about to take place, there was an almighty bang on the outside of the plane. The cabin crew and pilot were fantastic, and informed us immediately of what happened.

 

So what did happen? Well, a stupid person that worked at the airport had managed to drive the movable stairs into the plane. This caused our flight to be canceled. Everyone had to be taken off the plane. And it was now that the chaos began to happen.

 

We were flying with Easyjet, one of the budget airlines. We went through security, and then everyone tried to get information on how to get back to Bristol. Somehow, families with small children disappeared and must have been put on other flights. Then some information came in, and there was a mad panic as people tried to get flights home. We eventually got put on a flight - one to London Luton, with a bus journey to Bristol Airport. At least it was better than the Edinburgh option! Instead of flying out at 1040 Paris time, we were on the 1805 flight to Luton (Paris time). So we had a delightful 7+ hours to wait at Charles de Gaulle airport, where the only seating was in the bars and restaurants there. Easyjet did give us 9 Euros each, but it really wasn't enough.

 

It didn't help that as we approached flight time, the staff were not that forgiving. There was about 40 of us who had been stuck at the airport all day, and when we came to checking our luggage in on the Luton flight, they mucked us about. Not what you wanted. And then we weren't allowed through Passport control where there were seats!

 

Anyway, we finally got through and onto the flight. And when we arrived at Luton, there was no-one from Easyjet to tell us where to go. Someone went to the desk they had at Luton Airport, and they knew nothing about it! What great communication! Anyway, we were told to wait outside Costa Coffee, while they got an update on what was happened. The bus managed to get stuck in traffic. Well, it did finally arrive, but left about 20+ minutes after it was meant to.

 

We finally arrived back in Bristol around 1030pm (UK time) - that was about 12 hours after we were meant to. Yesterday was a great day. Stupid stair driver.

[Daetirion]

Ouch

 

Luckily my paris trip was far more simple earlier this year. Then again given how much i fly i've had some atrocious flight issues...

 

nice to hear you got back at least!

[Samuraiflip05]

Hmm, no flight horror stories here, but that one sounds painful.  ;)

[el Nynaeve]

Next time, take the Channel Tunnel. ;D I know all about 7+ hour waits in airports, having done it every year to go visit my parents. I know how that feels, I bet you were bored out of your skull. :P

[Corki]

Easyjet was cheaper than EuroStar by an awful lot of money!

[Arrandion]

Yep I often fly by EasyJet, they are quite cheap if you book tickets in advance. :-)

[Corki]

I prefer Ryanair over Easyjet, but that is just me.

[Direwolf Jon]

That sounds pretty familiar to me.  Something, not quite as bad happened to me when I flew this past weekend too.  Airlines are getting horrible nowadays and airfare is crazy. The airports and such aren't much better.

[Corki]

Is it time for my rant on Canadian customs when I flew to the US a few years back?

[Direwolf Jon]

We get to hear another Corki rant?  ;D *gets some popcorn and a brew and sits down to hear the story*  This is gonna be good, I can tell.  ;D