MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- WEATHER DELAY! NOT PRETTY!

 This is another "once upon a time" story! On this particular day snow hit Detroit with a vengeance! Flights were all delayed! The ground crews struggled to clear the runways, but the strong wind covered the runways as soon as they had been cleared!

I sat the gate, waiting for our delayed aircraft to arrive.  I was part of the crew waiting to work the inbound aircraft to San Fransisco.  The announcement came over the loud speaker.  There would be an estimated three hour delay!

The passenger's tensions immediately mounted!  "How long?! When will we actually land in San Fran? Where are the extra airplanes?"  Some passengers were yelling at the gate agent, who looked a bit like a trapped animal!  It was not a pretty sight!

Often when weather turns ugly the airlines get blamed!  Though the aircrafts are equipped with the latest technology, dangerous landing conditions are just that.  Mother nature has the last say!

A family of four- Mom, Dad, and two little ones were in a huddle in a corner of the boarding area.  I heard the children yell "Yes!" They then proceeded to go to the moving walk way that was situated next to the gate area.  The children and Father walked the moving walkway quickly, and the little ones yelled "One!" when they got to the end!

I asked the Mother what was happening,  She told me the kids were getting restless, so they were promised they could go to the airport McDonalds if they could walk the moving walkway 10 times and count each time correctly! She said this would give them some exercise and McDonalds would be a special treat- they seldom got "fast food"!

I asked if I could join them! The little ones grinned and said "Sure!" (I figured it was more fun to get some walking in then to listen to people loose their minds at the gate area!)

Down the moving walk way we went!  The little girl was around 5 years old, her brother around 3.  When we got to the end she'd whisper

the correct number of laps to her brother and they'd both shout the number out!

Now we were at #5!  By now we had attracted the attention of the boarding area.  As we quickly completed the #5 lap we were joined by a gentleman, I'd say he was in his 60's. We got to the end of the new lap and the gentleman shouted out #6 right along with the kids!  Some of the people at the gate couldn't help but grin at the gentleman's enthusiasm! Unbelievable! The children were having a great time!  So was I! A young couple said "That looks like fun!"

So we were joined in our game of "Walk, Count, and Shout" by others.  A young man with a back pack joined.  Eventually we got to #10!  The Father asked "And where are we going?"  The children shouted "MCDONALDS!!!" (I'm not sure, but I think a few adults shouted it out as well!)  They all laughed.

I watched as this family, plus some new found walking buddies headed for the restaurant.  The tension at the gate seemed to have dissipated.  Other people wandered off to other airport restaurants.  I got some exercise, and the gate agent finally got a breather .

I don't know if those parents ever realized how their creative idea for handling a long delay had made the situation better for all who watched.

One of my favorite Flight Attendant friends use to take the time during long delays to wander the concourse looking for people in need of help.  He would pass out junior wings to the children, help people find gates and answer questions. I always felt honored to be invited to join him on these walks! He would brighten up so many people's day! And it felt GOOD!  A Smile, a Helpful comment, or a Gift of wings for a small child, helping the elderly get a wheel chair or help to a gate- all brightening up someone's day!  To do something positive in a negative situation seemed to create positive within us!  It was energizing!

If you travel at all you will at least once encounter a delay!

  Rule of thumb: Stay Cool!  Even with today's technology, Mother Nature has the last say! Know that in the end it'll work out! Be Creative  in finding a way to handle a tough situation! Even make it Fun!!

For the parents who came up with a fun game for their children-and for those who joined them- I say Bravo!!  They were wise and creative and gave me yet another warm fuzzy memory to share!

Thank You Dear Readers for coming along as I meander down memory lane!

Remember!  Life Is Indeed An Adventure- Even With A Three Hour Snow Delay!