US AIRLINES Flight to Ft Myers

I am in Florida , again, visiting my snowbird parents,again, I don't know why, My sister decided to go to Florida to see our parents on her Spring Break from teaching. Her husband -could not go with her (he is going in two weeks) So I said -how much are the tickets? -I 'll go. I was thinking she and I could do all the neat things I missed doing on my last visit.

Her husband booked us on an inexpensive US Airways flight to Charleston SC then we would change planes to FT Myers. I don't like to change planes and the last time I didn't take a direct flight; I missed my connection. But he assured us that we had and hour and 50 minutes between flights. No problem.

I got up at 5am and they picked me up at 6:15. To the airport we did roll. Deb asked what gate ? and he hadn't checked. Deb said he always checked so she didn't. THIS was a harbinger of things to come.

We got off at Concourse C . But the plane was flying out of Concourse A -the International Wing and about a mile and a half from where we were. So we picked up a free trolley cart and put on my very heavy carry on (with computer) and wheels that decided not to work that day , and her very light pull little suitcase. Walked to the other end of the terminal (B) up the elevators to Security.

My sister informs me because she is an elite passenger. we can go in the first class security line. This line is out to the parking lot. It is ALL first class elite passengers. The regular security line has no one waiting!!!! But she wants to stay. We have to ditch the trolley cart. Which is ok for her little roller bag -but my heavy ass no wheel bag is giving me fits.

We make it through security. I have to take my computer out of the suitcase where it is balanced, and put it through in its own bin. Then carry it to a chair and repack it into its little padded case and into the carry on bag. Then the mile hike to Concourse A and of course our Gate is at the end. WE have to stop a half a dozen times when my bag flops to the ground and refuses to roll in a straight line. I have already apologized a number of times to people who have jumped out of my way only to be side swiped by my 'the monster bag'.

We get to the gate and Deb assures me SHE can get upgraded because she is a Silver Elite and will take me with her. Nope the first class waiting are PLATINUM which out ranks her. Oh well , no problem we are together.

Our seats are in the back row 27 -but plenty of space for bags -even my bag has room -I need help pushing it over my head from a tiny oriental woman seated behind us.The flight attendants are all big woman -one bigger than I am -who just looked while I struggled with this bag. But all is well. This is a big plane, two seats on the sides and four in the center.

We get settled. Leave the terminal and start to queue to take off . We waited 10/9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2/ YEA we were next to take off.

Then the pilot says -static: -"we have bad news and good news. The bad news is one of the engines will not start . It is a small valve and we have called the mechanics to see if it is serious . The good news is that Charlotte is having some weather problems and the landings are backed up -so we should be in good shape when we do take off. We are going back to the terminal and anyone who wants to get off can leave." Half the plane gets off. The Oriental woman asks me what the pilot says. I tell her.

Two hours later the mechanics have decided to replace the little valve that is stopping the engine from working. My brother in law says this is the most reliable plane and engine in the fleet and it must be my fault -because stuff always happens to me. Of course.

I call the parents and tell them NOT to go to the airport to meet us -we don't know when we will be to Ft Myers/ RSW (they were on their way) Jeeze
The flight attendants passed out water and juice and sodas and coffee. NO food. I had an energy bar that I shared with my sister. Both of us diabetics, and........

Of Course; We missed our connection flight to Ft Myers.

We landed in Charlotte, SC and had to stand in a line at least 50 people long. Where the Airline customer representatives offered us a standby flight in an hour and a half. No wait two seats -not together -just came available. Did we want them. OK. The plane is at the concourse on the other side of the airport. Of course. Another drag for my bag. We hit the bathrooms and get lunch ( no food voucher for our inconvenience). We buy water.

Of course the Second plane is late. I am in the last seat next to the bathroom -where the seat does not go back. Deb is at the front -behind first class. I am seated with a commercial pilot at the window and a nice man who brings his own salad and onions. Yes, peppers and ONIONS. He is eating his salad and taking his half plus some of my seat. I am behind the nice lady with a young girl and a crying teething baby. Of course. The guy across the isle is about my age and nice looking and doesnt have a ring on. I am to tired to do anything but smile.

Every one is friendly and I close my eyes for taxi. When I hear an "OH NO". And the commercial pilot in seat A; says the ground crew directing us just allowed our planes wing to side under (HIT?) the wing of the plane parked next to us. He calls the flight attendant and asks her to tell the pilot. She says she will and proceeds to ignore him.

He calls the second flight attendant -who is older and he calls the pilot. The plane goes back to the terminal. The mechanics are called out -who check UNDER the wing. It hit? on the top. The commercial pilot in seat A; can see out his window that the mechanics are NOT checking the top of the wing -where he thinks they grazed each other. HE calls the flight attendant again and the attendant, gives him attitude and tells him he will NOT call the pilot again -"The pilot said it was fine". The guy at the window says; "but the mechanic didn't check the top of the wing". The flight attendant walks away.

The guy in seat A, at the window asks us all to get up and he walks to the front to talk to the pilot and the mechanic. The attendant then says to me that "passenger in A seat will most likely be thrown off".

I didn't say anything -but this passenger is a pilot and he is exercising due diligence in reporting his concerns. How could this be wrong? I have been on this trip almost six hours by now, and all I can say is thank goodness someone cares because the staff of this airplane sure doesn't.

Turns out he commercial pilot spoke to our planes pilot and the mechanic up front. The mechanic said : "Oh yea I didn't check the top of the wing", and went back out to check the top of the wing.

All was well -but better safe than sorry. Thank you passenger in seat A.

We landed in Ft Myers -a total of Nine (9) hours into our travel day. The sun was still shinning. It was 80 and breezy. Called the Parents and waited for them at the little park at the end of the baggage area. They took us out to dinner -we were very hungry.

It was a good adventure that ended well.

Oh my sister just checked our non stop flight back on Thurs. She has been upgraded to First Class -window.

I have not.