Unfortunately conditions didn’t improve when we eventually departed from the gate. Rolling out to the runway we waited for takeoff clearance. We waited for over an hour on that runway approach. If anything the deplorable conditions got even worse. I read recently some horror stories of planes waiting on the runway for 8,9, 10 hours and more. I can only imagine what those conditions are like. Our experience was bad enough.

Finally we took off and headed for LA. Once in the air the ventilation system started working somewhat which helped with the smell and temperature but it was a long trip with a stinger at the end. The stewardesses had given up by now and once in the air they paid no attention to where anyone sat. We all rapidly changed seats which helped enormously.

Landing in LA we hurried to the departure gate for Seattle where we were informed, “That flights’ left.”

Well, what now? “When’s the next flight?” we wanted to know. Informed that it wasn’t until tomorrow night and that we were on our own until then solidified American Airlines unfavorable reputation with us. We were about to object when I noticed that Delta Airlines had a flight leaving for Seattle in about fifteen minutes. Hurrying over to Delta Airlines we asked if we could exchange our AA tickets for Delta tickets.

“No problem,” was the reply. What a difference in attitude! Not only did they exchange our tickets but they called ahead to hold the plane until we got there. We were tired and smelly from our ordeal but from here on events proceeded smoothly. Arriving home I collapsed into bed and slept late into the next day my adventure finally finished.

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