ORLANDO, Fla. — There is nothing fun about flying standby.
That’s especially true when there are hundreds of people vying for dozens of seats (editor’s note: this may be slightly exaggerated).
When I walked up to the gate, I was No. 6 on the list, and there were five unclaimed seats. “The odds were in my favor.”
Within moments, I was No. 11 and there were three unclaimed seats. The gate agent spoke into her microphone, her words inaudible in the waiting area. Is there hope? There may be some unclaimed seats.
But, wait. No more. Why did 11 (maybe nine) people have to show up with minutes to spare. So close.
I wasn’t alone: faces before me turned to looks of frustration and disappointment. How is that possible at the airport that serves the happy places and magical lands?
Hope fades with the closing of the gate door. It’s back to my original (and delayed flight). Now for some dinner.
Speaking of, the airport food court is not the place for a foodie…
