REVISIT Travel Tips to Make the Best Out of a Disappointing Situation

Have you had an experience that made you annoyed at the airport? Did you ever plan a trip, go to the airport, and have to wait for hours because your plane was delayed? Maybe you were even stuck for days in the airport and not prepared for this to occur. I am sure this might have happened to you for it happened to me over this past holiday. You see, I had a trip planned for my family to go to Aruba for some long awaited R&R. Departure day couldn’t have been better with no snow in sight and with the sun beaming brightly overhead only the day before – we were well on our way to paradise. All looked well when we arrived at the airport at 4:30 am. Check-in was a breeze and we arrived to the gate to find our plane was parked at the jet way with the schedule screen letting us know we were set for an on time departure.  Though it was a cold morning and the airport not much warmer,  I was happy knowing soon we would be in Aruba’s 85+ degree weather later that day. Little did I know we were in for a huge surprise!

As we waited at the gate we heard over the loud speaker that the flight would be delayed until 8:45 am. Fair enough, I knew it was cold out and I did my best to have a positive attitude. The person behind the desk told us because of the weather the crew was late getting in the previous day and needed their rest. This made sense to me since rest and well-being is good for all. There are rules and regulations for the crew on how many hours they can be working on a given day. Many around me were not happy, but we made the best out of the bad news. I found a nice woman who was was in good spirits and we had a great conversation with one another.  My family was also keeping themselves busy by talking with other individuals who were also excited about leaving on vacation.

It was about 8 am when the gate agent working the flight explained how the entire crew had arrived but the first officer the flight had not.  Yes, he was missing and they were looking for him. How could this happen, a pilot missing on such a large airline? Though unusual, I had faith that he would be found and we would be on our way soon. Then as time went by I was starting to get a bad feeling from within even though we were told they were going to get us another first officer to take his place. Ok this would be fine, a backup pilot. Who would have thought no pilot could be found. Then 8:45 came and went. The airline offered all of us vouchers for $6.00 for breakfast while we waited. Perfect timing since I was a little hungry and hadn’t had a chance to have my Arbonne protein shake because we left the house so early. Despite not having my favorite start of the day drink and being a bit stressed, I stayed true to my commitment to well-being and only shared a muffin with my family in the waiting area. The airline did their best to make our wait as pleasant as possible by supplying free internet and games for us to play. We passed the time playing hangman and black jack.

Then the news came and we heard the words… “FLIGHT CANCELLED”. As it turned out there was no first officer to fly the plane. We were disappointed beyond belief and the airline didn’t help the situation since there was no guidance from management on what we were to do next. We joined the others in line to speak with the gate agent about rescheduling our flight but due to the cold weather that was hitting the east coast no flight could be found anywhere. I was amazed, stunned and side swiped when we found the first day we could leave for Aruba was on Wednesday a full four days later – WOW!  Four days? The woman at the desk was very compassionate with us even after so many people had been yelling at her. She gave us instructions on how to get our baggage and from there we called a taxi and were on our way to “Home Sweet Home”.

Though we didn’t make it to our Aruba dream vacation, I can say I’m thankful we are safe and weren’t at the airport for a long period of time. I had already experienced my fair share of bad trips when it took me 22 hours to get home from one and another where I was on a runway for 6 hours only to have the flight return to the gate. Even with the previous disappointments there are some things I’ve learned along the way. In addition to a GREAT attitude you must arrive prepared. Keeping this in mind I’ve put together a list of some tips that might give you a better experience should you run into a similar unpleasant situation at the airport.

Bonnie’s Top 10  Travel Tips to Make the Best Out of a Disappointing Situation:

1. Pack food to eat, but check with where you are traveling what you are not allowed to have so they don’t take it away. Remember no liquids. A few nutrition bars are a quick energy booster.

2. Bring a small blanket in your carry on just in case it’s cold.

3. Wear layers of clothes; you can always take something off

4. Bring reading material that will make you happy if you have hours to wait.

5. Take a set of headphones so you can use with your phone that could has your music.

6. Bring a charger for your phone. If you can two, one for wall and then another for your computer.

7. If you have medicine that is needed don’t pack it in the suitcase that you check in at the main terminal, take it with you in your carry on or pocketbook.

8. Bring your own pen; there might be documents you need to fill out.

9. Bring your business card. You never know when you make a friend or find someone who you can help.

10. Be kind, patient and have compassion for those around you.

Remember too that there is no point in being angry since there is no changing the outcome. If pure will was all that was needed we had a waiting area full of it but none of us were able to board that plane. Yes, of course it’s disappointing, but life goes on! You have to believe that whatever occurs in any given situation is the outcome that is meant to be. I would like to thank Gena from www.GenaLivings.com for being the inspiration so I can keep situations like this in proper perspective.

My own journey of personal development has taught me to take a big breath and let it go! You have to really just LOVE YOU! Doing so supports a life a well-being for your mind, body, and spirit. Give yourself and the world a valuable gift as you celebrate each day with a thankful heart!

Take a moment and share your own airport stories or suggestions to make the airport experience better. I’d love to hear! ~Bonnie

Bonnie Gortler (@optiongirl) is a successful stock market guru who is passionate about teaching others about social media, weight loss and wealth. Over her 30-year corporate career, she has been instrumental in managing multi-million dollar client portfolios within a top rated investment firm. Bonnie is a uniquely multi-talented woman who believes that honesty, loyalty and perseverance are the keys to success. You will constantly find her displaying these beliefs due to her winning spirit and ‘You Can Do It’ attitude. Bonnie is a huge sports fan that has successfully lost over 70 pounds by applying the many lessons learned through her ongoing commitment toward personal growth and development while continually encouraging others to reach their goals & dreams. It is within her latest book project, “Journey to Wealth”, where Bonnie has made it her mission to help everyone learn the steps needed to gain sustainable wealth and personal prosperity. Order your copy of ”Journey to Wealth” today!

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Bonnie S. Gortler

Bonnie Gortler, Consultant, Coach, and Author specializing in Wealth and Well-Being, is a successful stock market expert who has been instrumental in managing multi-million-dollar client portfolios within a top-rated investment firm during her over 35-year corporate career. As the author of “Journey to Wealth,” Bonnie has made it her mission to share the importance of risk management and how to enjoy real financial well-being by applying the technical and mental sides of investing. Bonnie has an M.B.A. and is a certified life coach. It is through her love of coaching, consulting, blogging, and social media that she creates change in the lives of many and inspires people from around the world. Bonnie is fully committed to your personal growth and development as she shares her winning spirit and powerful techniques with you. Visit BonnieGortler.com to gain tips and insights about investing, personal development, and inspiration through her articles on Wealth and Well-Being.
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