7.10.2009

Folks...We Need To Make An Emergency Landing...

That's what I heard as I groggily woke up from some much needed sleep around 5 hours into our flight to Chennai from Frankfurt. I thought I was dreaming. But when the flight attendants came around, woke everyone up, and opened the shades in the cabin, I knew my nightmare was coming true.

In less than 15 minutes we were on the ground and taxying towards an open area where the mechanics would come on board and fix this unknown problem. We were told we couldn't exit the plane, but could get up, walk around and stretch our legs.

About thirty minutes passed when the pilot got on the speakers and told us that he had bad news. The plane needed a part flown in from Frankfurt, and that we had to exit the plane, go through security, and head towards an empty gate where Lufthansa crew members would work to get us on another flight.

UNBELIEVABLE!!!

The kids and I walked about a 1/2 mile where we entered the airport to the empty gate and we waited. And waited. And waited some more. Within thirty minutes the 250 passengers were all in line ready to find out our fate. Would we get onto a plane tonight or have to stay the night in Dubai and fly out the next day?

One agent showed up. Just one! After waiting for another 15 minutes in line, I finally marched up to the very front of the line, slapped my hand on the desk and loudly exclaimed, "I'm traveling alone with 3 kids and I need help NOW!" I need to get on the next flight to Chennai. The agent stopped what he was doing, asked everyone who I just cut in front of if they minded if he put me and the kids on a flight departing Dubai in less than 30 minutes. Nobody objected and we got the last 4 seats.

We ran as fast as we could through the airport, and made it to the gate with mere minutes to spare. But my luck ran out, as the airplane closed its doors and wouldn't accept any more passengers.

So here we sit, waiting for the next plane to take us to Chennai. We hope to make it out in the middle of the night. But even if we get there our bags won't until tomorrow. Which leaves me with NOTHING ... no diapers, formula, pullups, wipes, bottles, clothes, toothbrushes... etc.

Thank goodness for Starbucks, where I'm going to drown my sorrows in a triple venti Caramel Macchiatto with whip. Grady's too... I'm sure that it must taste better than formula anyway, right?

Stay tuned... I guarantee there's more to come!

21 comments:

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

Oh no. Oh wow. I guess we'll see what Grady's travel mettle is like for sure!

Anonymous said...

Hey, just be glad it wasn't an emergency CRASH landing and that you're all still in one piece -- even if you are stuck in Dubai with three kids.

Elizabeth James said...

Jill - if you are stuck longer than the time it takes to read this comment, FB me - we have franchisee friends in Dubai and I will see what I can do to at least get some goods to you at the airport - if not get you a room.

The Mom Jen said...

Oh no, you think they'd spring for some formula and diapers after all this, i'm so sorry!

Kelly said...

Holy Cow!!

1. My heart would have burst through my chest with that announcement

2. Thank God for the understanding passengers you were traveling with.

3.Unbelievable that they wouldn't open those @#$#@%#@%$ doors for you.

4. Best of luck, honey....safe, QUICK travels!!

Kelly said...

Just read your comments...how awesome is Elizabeth James?!!

Kelly said...

Just read your comments...how awesome is Elizabeth James?!!

Robin said...

You have GOT to be kidding me. You poor thing, what a freaking nightmare.

I so wish I could do something more helpful than send good thoughts out into the ether...

Eve Grey said...

Um, how did you find time to blog???? Are you travelling alone with 2 kids & a colicky infant? I seriously think you may be my new hero. I'm pretty sure I would start to cry, seriously. Well, you'll look back at all this one day & laugh. ;)

Alison said...

Oh NO! I hope you're on your way by the time I type this. I can't believe they wouldn't open those doors--that sucks!

Jen said...

OMG! That is terrible. I so hope that you are on a plane right now. Why in the world could they not let you on the plane? And how are you going to feed your baby? They need to help you!

Anonymous said...

OH.MY.GOD Jill.

Seriously?

Again ... I have nothing to say that will make this any better ... but I'm hoping that you are by now well on your way ...

I hope Matt has a strong scotch waiting for you AT the airport, you poor dear!

Kristi said...

Holy Crap. I can totally see you walking right up to the front of the line! The girls and I wish you a speedy and uneventful trip back to Chennai. All the best.

Crystal said...

Oh No!!! I am so sorry this is happening to you, I was hoping for smooth "sailing" or flying as the case would be. You win the mom of the year award in my book, I mean it!!!!!!!! How do you manage to keep the kids happy?

I hope your reunion with Matt comes very quickly and the rest of the trip is as painless as possible ~

Crystal said...

Oh No!!! I am so sorry this is happening to you, I was hoping for smooth "sailing" or flying as the case would be. You win the mom of the year award in my book, I mean it!!!!!!!! How do you manage to keep the kids happy?

I hope your reunion with Matt comes very quickly and the rest of the trip is as painless as possible ~

Unknown said...

That sounds like Dantes Inferno. When things get that bad, all you can do is laugh. Wildly, like a maniac in a Dubai airport. (Wait! Don't they have THE best shopping in the world? This is a divine intervention to have you go buy MORE clothes and baby stuff!)
xxoo. Travel safe.
Kristen

Suzanne said...

Stranded in Dubai!!! This is a revolting development. If anyone can survive this, you can. I've never met anyone with more moxie than you. Hang in there.

- Suzanne

Mom24 said...

Oh my goodness! I hope by the time I'm reading this all is well with you. What a horrible thing to go through. I hope everyone survives with their good humor at least mostly intact. Pool Grady, poor girls, poor YOU! Take care.

Brooke S. said...

Oh no!! Well, from what I have read if anyone can survive this it's you. Good luck!

Meg said...

WOW ...My heart is pounding from reading this ! I am guessing it is all a memory now and you are fast asleep while Matt is taking care of the Kids ...At least I sure hope it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christy said...

OMG! So, this is the part about living in another country that's not so glamorous. Glad you're home now!

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