5. “I guess that’s an improvement”

Flew to Scotland from Australia. They left our luggage behind on the stopover because they were running late. We had no communication from the airline when we arrived, and were not reimbursed at all. Then they delivered our luggage to another passenger. They finally got it delivered to us 6 days into our 15 day trip.

We flew home and discovered they had done the exact same thing again. It took three days to get it back the second time. So I guess that’s an improvement.

6. Going Down

I don’t know why, but I remained completely unmoved; no panic, no tears. I thought, “This is how it ends. I didn’t think it would end like this.” I felt ready to die.

Then, suddenly, it was over. I don’t know how long our “uncontrolled descent” lasted. Like all intensely stressful situations (car accidents, combat, small children’s birthday parties) time dilates. I do know we recovered at roughly 5,000 feet.

The remainder of the flight passed in complete silence, barring the announcements from the flight deck and the cabin crew checking for injuries. Instead, we all just looked at each other, and I mean really looked. It was an odd and powerful sensation, one hundred strangers having conversations without anyone saying a word.

We also landed in silence, no cheers or applause. Coming out of the gate, with all the friends and family waiting, I expected someone to break down crying, or rush into their loved one’s arms. Weren’t we in a disaster movie? Instead, nothing. A hundred silent passengers made their way to baggage claim, still looking at each other, friends and families trailing behind. And then we went on our way.


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