A super exciting (stressful) day for me.
My first flight to DFW was late. By the time I rushed to the gate for my next flight, boarding had already started.
Second flight from DFW to LHR was expected to arrive early. But we were told right before departure that there was a delay due to some maintenance issue.
It was 30 mins late by the time we departed and runway time was 40 mins behind schedule. It was supposed to arrive at 6:25 but didn’t arrive until 7:00.
Even so, they wouldn’t let anyone get off the plane because we had to wait for the shuttle to take us to T3. It took me another 30 mins from arriving to getting off.
Shuttle to T3 took forever. Then another shuttle to T5 (back the same way). Now it was around 7:55.
Scanming my boarding pass wouldn’t open the gate to allow me entrance. There was a message directing me to reservation desk. At that time I knew I wouldn’t be able to make it to my third flight at 8:15 which probably would close the gate at around 8:00.
I decided to book another flight to Brussels. The earliest one was from Brussels Airlines at 11 but online booking was not available. I called and was told they only had a business class ticket at £563. For a one-hour flight, paying over $600 was outrageous (I didn’t care if it was business class). But I had no choice. So I told them to book it.
Then I received a link for me to pay online. I tried both my Costco VISA and Amex card but both failed. I called again to see if I could pay over the phone (I knew the cards were good) and was told no.
That’s when I decided to try the train. There was one at 11 and the ticket was much cheaper and arrival time wasn’t too much later.
I finally arrived in Brussels about four hours late but arrived nevertheless.
I visited Brussels a few years ago. I came this year to visit Hallerbos but had to cancel that as there was not enough time. due to the delays. It turned out that the bluebells there just started to bloom (was in full bloom this time last year but it’s hard to time it) so I guess I didn’t miss much.
With some extra time, I revisted some sites from last trip as well as explored some new ones.
I also enjoyed many sculptures/statues on the streets.
I thought my miseries today ended at the flight to Brussels. But the bus I booked leaving Brussels tonight was delayed too 😂. It was almost an hour late! What a day!
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