Round The World and other travels
A frequent flyer's collection of trip diaries
This is: A Taste of the Deep South (2013)
Flight Log 4: DL6069
Charleston (CHS) - New York Kennedy (JFK)
 ABOVE: Embraer ERJ-145 at Charleston, operating for Delta |
As mentioned in the diary
page for Friday 24 May, announcements had been made at the
gate to the effect that the flight was weight-restricted due
to weather conditions en route and as a result,
volunteers were being sought for off-loading. We both made
it on board OK, myself settling into solo seat 6A with Bruce
immediately behind me. It looked as though the weight
problem had been solved.
Until, that is, the dispatcher came on board and took the
microphone: "Folks, this flight is still overweight and
we're looking for one more volunteer to be off-loaded. We're
prepared to offer you ..." The invitation and bribe
were greeted with silence.
"Once again, folks, ..."
More silence.
"OK, if I don't get a volunteer I'm going to have to select somebody for involuntary off-loading."
"OK then, would the following passenger please come forward:
<surname>, Bruce."
Yes, it really had happened. Bruce was being involuntarily removed from the flight. All protestations fell on deaf ears and he had no alternative but to collect his belongings and be ushered down the steps. I'm sure I just sat there with a glazed expression on my face as they ran through the safety demonstration, but I somehow found the presence of mind to note our departure time as 1128, with take-off just over ten minutes later.
Once airborne, I could see that the clear conditions seemed to stretch for miles; it was hard to imagine the poor weather that was waiting for us closer to our destination. The seat belt signs were left on. I had a soft drink with one of those little Italian biscotti. I tried to read to pass the time, but my brain insisted on dishing up endless replays of what had just occurred.
As promised, the weather deteriorated markedly as we approached the New York area and it made for a moderately bumpy descent. We touched down at JFK at 1303 and, despite everything that had taken place at the departure airport, managed an on-schedule arrival.
But there was no escaping the reality that I had joined this
flight as one half of a party of two and was leaving it as a party
of one. Result: not a happy bunny.
Delta, I fear our brief acquaintance may well be over.
 |
| (operated by Chautauqua Airlines) |
| Date: Fri 24 May 2013 |
| Aircraft: Embraer ERJ-145 |
| Scheduled dep: 1110 |
| Actual departure: 1128 |
| Scheduled arrival: 1315 |
| Actual arrival: 1314 |
| Cabin: Economy |
| Seat: 6A |
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