Oversold Situations

Sometimes you don´t even have to leave the country for an adventure…Rachel and I arrived at the Boston airport this morning to what the ticket agent described as an "oversold situation." In other words, a traveling nightmare. Out of all 200 plus seats on the flight, and not just the first flight, mind you, but all 3 flights, our two seats were the lucky 2 oversold. Some gracious fellow passengers sacrificed their seats for us, however, and we made it to Houston—15 minutes into our measly 35 minute layover. With little time to spare, Rachel and I catapulted ourselves off the plane, dodged the inevitable lethargic overhead bin abusers, and hitched a ride on a speeding golf cart in a desperate attempt to make our connecting flight. The gate appeared ominously shut when we arrived, but a Continental dude was nice enough to let us on. Seconds later another couple rushed up behind us, however, and we were given the boot. In a matter of moments we were on and then we were off. Then we were on again and off again. Rachel and I exchanged utterly confused glances. Then, for reasons unbeknownst to us, we were on and Mr. Patel in 5B was off. Who needs organization? We eventually got on with instructions to scour the plane for any vacant seat.

Mid-flight I excused myself from my cramped middle seat sandwiched in between two fat men to use the lavatory. Midstream I heard ¨Would passenger Laura Burnett please push the flight attendant call button?" I was a bit surprised to hear my name being called. I knew the seat belt sign was on and all, but there certainly wasn´t enough turbulence to warrant paging me back to my seat and I swear I wasn´t taking long enough to warrant that kind of restroom removal act. I stepped out and asked a flight attendant what was going on. Luckily it was just their way of finding me to deliver my meal tray. Bizarre.

Anyway, Rachel and I, have officially arrived in Quito. Better yet, so have our bags! Miraculous!