Allegiant Air Misses the Airplane in this Debacle

We arrived early. Six o'clock in the morning. We were second in line for our flight. We were going to be having fun in the sun by 1:30 p.m. Vacation had arrived. 

(This post will be continued throughout the week so please read ahead!)

The first time we boarded the plane, this was what we could see out of the window.

Today’s flight (February 27, 2011) from Grand Rapids is only 20 minutes late. We’re sitting here with many of the same people we came down to Florida with last Sunday, February 20. We spent a long day together, starting at 6 a.m., and finally ending at 12:30 a.m., when we finally arrived at Orlando Sanford Airport.

We were told upon arrival that we had a delay last Sunday, until around 2 p.m. I had already remarked to the folks in front of us, who were trying to get down to Florida to attend the Daytona 500, that “that 2:30 flight to Las Vegas will never get out.” The weather promised to roll in around noon.

We were offered some cups of pop or water and an $8 meal voucher. The voucher didn’t even cover the cost of a sub and beverage, but at least we were offered something.

Did I mention that our flight was scheduled to leave at 8:30 a.m. The only reason it was delayed was a lavatory problem which resulted in a landing in New York, which took too long to clean up and the pilots “timed out.” We were told that plane would be flown in as soon as possible and we would fly that one out, but probably around 2:30 or so.

Again, we had watched the weather. We were doubtful of getting out.

Just prior to heading out to board the plane for the first time, we could barely see this plane 50 yards out on the tarmac. The weather had set in. 

At 1 p.m., you couldn’t even see the planes they were deicing only 50 yards out on the tarmac. Things weren’t looking good, literally. We were doubtful that we would ever get out, feeling that our first day in Florida was gone. Disney on Monday looked bleak.

At around 2 p.m., they decided they would board us on Flight 1048 to Florida. I think we were boarding that ill–fated Las Vegas flight’s plane; they would get our original plane when it arrived from New York. If this sounds confusing, imagine being at the airport. 

Hannah was flying for the first time. It might be the last time. Courtney (right) tried to smile like this was a good time hanging out in the airport for 13 hours. Who wouldn't want to spend their break in the airport?