...left me behind?My suitcase -- along with Christmas goodies for my fam and Li'l A -- is now safe and sound in Houston. Yet, I'm still in the Washington, D.C. area.
Sure, I've had many travel misfortunes over the years, but this is a first.
It could have been worse. The scene at National ("I refuse to call it Reagan") Airport yesterday was a contained chaos. The holiday season, along with the aftermath of Snowpocalypse 2009 challenged even the most seasoned travelers, like myself.
In the midst of the madness, I bonded with my fellow strandees. We were cracking jokes and making snide remarks at the appropriate moments. But when the agent called our names to discuss our situation, I remarked, "This is like a reality TV show. We're all 'friends' now, but once it comes down to who will be on board the flight, there are no alliances!"
"I'm not here to make friends," joked a cute, bespectacled Indian guy.
I then absentmindedly waited behind a camera crew from CNN, thinking they were on line at a security checkpoint. Nope, they were simply waiting around to film the next traveler meltdown.
It happened right when the Continental agent proceeded to book me on a flight for December 24. Three whole days later. I picked up my cell phone to calm my mom down, when an impatient old man started yelling at the ticket agent. I didn't realize I was waiting to fly to Haiti.
"And this is why all airline personnel drink!" my kind Continental agent announced to the masses afterward.
* * *
"Your luggage made it to Houston, and you didn't?" Lisa questioned. "Isn't that a security breach?"
Good point. Ever since 2001, this isn't supposed to happen -- passenger and luggage are either on a flight together, or off it together.
So, as it stands, I will cruise into the Lone Star State Santa-style right on Christmas Eve. My suitcase will welcome me with open arms. The family better have some milk (spiked with Kahlua) and cookies waiting for me when I arrive.




