Chaos at Airport

I am pleased that Ralph had a great weekend – see yesterday's story by Ralph Warburton. Unfortunately the beginning of mine was a disaster.

I was looking forward to seeing my son in Naples for the weekend and we had several outings planned. Unfortunately I had booked a flight with Lufthansa leaving Manchester on Friday morning at 10.40 and my plans were thwarted by the total incompetence and chaos that occurred.

Yes, we did have snow, but it had been forecast days ahead. As far as I could see the runways were clear, but all aircraft had to be de-iced before take-off and apparently only two de-icers were available and there seemed to be no logic in which aircraft they chose.

After waiting in the departure lounge for over an hour past the flight time we were allowed to board – it was now 12 o clock.

We then sat on the plane for over three hours being kept up to date by the captain who was in despair. He said, in the end, that he had never come across such incompetence and that he was sorry for us living near to such an airport.

We were given a sandwich and some water. He eventually cancelled the flight because he and the crew were out of time. We then had to wait 30 minutes before we could leave the plane as apparently the doors had to have armed police by them.

Of course we had to be re-admitted into the UK through passport control and collect our luggage – now it was 4.30pm – and then on to the Lufthansa desk to find out about re booking.

At this point, information and help were non-existent. Four hours later standing in a queue I was rebooked on a flight at 6.15 in the morning. All this time we were offered a bag of crisps and a bottle of water.

I then waited for another 45 minutes for a hotel room, finally arriving at 10pm. There was a meal available but quite frankly I felt sick with exhaustion and anxiety. I had a very large whisky.

I did get to see Robert and we had a great if short time together. I am embarrassed that an UK international airport performed so badly.

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