I was reading an online article recently about a flight that was held on the tarmac for several hours. The passengers were not allowed to get off and had to stay on the plane with a smelly toilet and no food for hours. This happened on a flight from Houston to Minneapolis. The airport apparently closed after midnight and so there was no way the passengers could enter the terminal, which turned out not to be true.
The dispatcher was told that there was nothing that could be done since there was only one airline that had employees. No bus could be ordered and the passengers could not deplane. Four hours later they were given the okay but by then they had to fly in another crew since the previous crew had worked too many hours. Another hour went by and the passenger were allowed into the terminal, 2 1/2 hours later they boarded the same plane with the same smelly toilet.
The airline did say they are going refund the price of the flight plus a $50 American Express Gift card. But my question is– is it worth it? I know that flying is the fastest way and most efficient way to travel, for the most part but…. why not drive? Pack up the car and just head down the road. Pick a highway and see where it takes you. Where is the adventure in boarding a plane, fighting for your luggage and then having to rent a car or depend on taxis and buses? Now I know that sitting in a stinky plane with screaming babies and no food might sound like an adventure but I would much prefer driving down a country road and finding a covered bridge or a trout stream. Or even stopping in a small town and finding an incredible restaurant in an unlikely place. When you drive you have the freedom to stop, stretch your legs, make an unscheduled stop to see a natural wonder or a quirky tourist spot. It takes more time, yes, but that’s what makes it so much more relaxing.
So the next time you think about taking a trip, why not take a couple extra days and really relax? Drive, stop, eat and enjoy the countryside
