On the day we were expecting to have as a “recovery day” instead we awoke in an unfamiliar hotel room. We both rose early ready to get on the road. The Hilton was again very accommodating, having their buffet breakfast open early for us stranded travelers. After eating, we caught the second shuttle from the hotel to the airport, arriving at about 7am. While we knew that was much earlier than typically necessary, we wanted to get our connecting flight tickets as early as possible hoping we would have an early second flight.
Upon arrival and getting in line we found out that the airport security staff hadn’t started work yet. So, that was a pointless early arrival. Eventually they were ready for us and we didn’t have to wait too long for our turn for tickets out and home. For some reason we weren’t given the same seats on the first flight, but were 15 rows further back. At least we got the earliest possible connecting flight…which only gave us an hour upon arrival in Charlotte to deplane and pass through customs.
By 8am we were back in the open air terminal, which was warm already, waiting for our flight which we now knew was to be a 11am departure (argh!). There was a large ceiling fan that alternated between generating a nice breeze and being broken (likely fuse issues). Near 10am our plane arrived – a special plane US Airways was having flown down just for us and the stranded crew. Its landing on the runway elicited a few cheers.
Like the prior day, it was easy to take pictures. We probably could have walked up to it if we wanted.
After what seemed like forever, we were allowed to board. We are sure they went over every inch of the plane, making sure nothing was wrong before we got on board.
In short order, the plane took off, like it is supposed to, and we were off on the 4+ hour first leg of our return trip.
We got to Charlotte but seemed to take longer than normal to taxi and arrive at the terminal. We were a little worried, knowing that we had about an hour before boarding was to begin for our flight to Pittsburgh. So, while we were happy that we didn’t have 4 or 5 hour layovers, like some of the other stranded passengers, we didn’t want to miss our flight and end up with some unknown wait depending on the fullness of later flights. After getting off the plane we were sent to customs where rows and rows of people were lined up. That led to a sinking feeling as we were no longer optimistic about making it. But, surprisingly, the line moved pretty fast. Eventually we made it through, while Tim continuously checked the time, and continued on to “re-check our luggage.” That process was quick but then we had to pass back through security to get to our terminal. Of course, since we were in a hurry, we found the line that was full of clueless travelers who couldn’t figure out what they needed to do. Gah! We were ready to throttle a couple of them. Finally we got through and then hustle-walked a long walk to our gate.
And, we lucked out, to arrive right as they were starting to board. On this flight we were in the familiar 4th row, so we were among the first on the plane. Now the only question was whether our checked bag would also make it. The plane ended up leaving 15 minutes late, as we noticed some final luggage being put on, so we figured we were safe.
After 10pm we got to Pittsburgh and made our way to the baggage claim. For some reason it took forever (30 min) for bags to start arriving. We waited and waited while everyone else retrieved their bag(s) and left. Then Janie talked to a staff person, who scanned the baggage ticket and said, “Oh, yeah, your bag never left Charlotte.” Gah! He was nice and helpful, but wouldn’t it be easy to have a scanner near the baggage pick-up that each person could use to see if they had a reason to wait?!? Oh well.
The bag was set to arrive after midnight and was to be delivered in the morning. So, we trudged to our car, in the rain, and drove home. Finally, at midnight, we arrived at home. What. a. long. day. of. travel. We had a wonderful time on our honeymoon! 🙂 The travel back, we’d prefer to forget, but it makes a funny story to remember.
Tim stayed at home the next morning, to receive the bag. When Janie got home that evening, she could tell that the bag had been searched. No wonder it didn’t make the flight. Everything was there and we finally had closure on the trip….just had to share it with everyone!
Viva Costa Rica! Pura Vida! 🙂
Have enjoyed your whole trip with you, but I had you in the wrong direction. Steve straightened me out a few mins. ago and told me where Costa Rico was. I was thinking of Puerto Rico and had you on the Caribbean, and wondered why you referred to the Pacific ocean. Sounds like the temperature of both places is very similar. Thanks for the lovely travelogue, and so glad you had such a wonderful time!! Love you two, Grandma.