Flying the automated skies...

So, I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Florida. I’d like to say it was all fun and games, but part of being an ordained minister is getting to do funerals or graveside services for family member who have gone on to their rewards.

This isn’t about the loss of family, though. She had worked well, long, and hard for her Lord, and it was her time to go hear the words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Rest in Peace, Aunt Bea. You will be missed.

However, this is really about the flights, at least as they should have been.

The first half—EUG to PDX to DEN to MCO—I had no problems. I flew United, and could work on some course audio items (I’m currently working on my 3^rd doctorate), watched “The Martian Child”, and generally took it easy. I enjoyed listening to the flight deck, from time to time.

The return leg is where I hit issues. All of them weather related, so if you’re looking for me to rag on United, this isn’t your blog. (Sorry, kids.) MCO to ORD had issues. Two hours, due mostly to weather between Orlando and Chicago. The pilot was smart on this flight—he didn’t turn on the in-flight entertainment until we were pretty well clear of Orlando airspace, so we couldn’t listen to the flight deck. I was, as a result, able to miss my connection to PDX as a result of being two hours late, but was able to catch the last flight out of the evening. My wife had to come get me in Portland, and brought me home the next morning after we both stayed in Portland. (Hey, I’d been up for 20 hours at that point. Even I have my limits.)

Now, the funny part. Due to a mixup, they had booked me out for the flight I took, but 24 hours later. So now I’ve been getting automated messages telling me that flight 321 was delayed, gate changed, and would be taking off from Chicago-O’Hare at 8:30 pm.

Never mind the fact I was home already…I’m still laughing over that.

Addendum: I did get the remainder of the fare (PDX-EUG) refunded. It took three calls over two days, and almost an hour of my time to do it, but it’s the principle of the thing. All I will tell you is that the amount refunded, while not what I expected, will cover the gas Deena spent to come get me.

Enough for now.

(posted 2/28/08)