We got frequent flier tickets on American Airlines from SFO to DFW to CDG. We left SFO on time and arrived at DFW just a few minutes late. We had our dinner at Reata Grill and walked to our gate at D29. The boarding started on time, then 15 minutes later, they stopped the boarding process and brought everyone who had already boarded back out to the terminal. The captain explained that the rotor blade had a nick and the airplane was being taken out of service.
We were told they were looking for another plane. Luckily, we were at DFW, American Airlines' hub, and another plane was found within 30 minutes. We all transferred via the SkyLink train to A34 in a different terminal--a 10 minute process.
We were told that the new plane had just arrived from SFO (I'm not sure if it was the same airplane we had taken) and it would take a FEW minutes to clean it and transfer our luggage. An hour and a half later, we boarded. We were excited because the plane was half full and we each found an empty row. I haven't flown on an empty plane since after 9/11--the last time we went to Paris.
Minutes later, the captain announced that there was a problem with the computer system and Maintenance was working on it. Every once in a while, we were given an update. At one point, the captain even announced that the problem had been solved and we would be leaving as soon as the paperwork had been completed. Meanwhile, we were dying from the heat on the plane but to the flight crew's credit, they did hand out water and a granola bar.
Minutes later, the captain announced that there was a problem with the computer system and Maintenance was working on it. Every once in a while, we were given an update. At one point, the captain even announced that the problem had been solved and we would be leaving as soon as the paperwork had been completed. Meanwhile, we were dying from the heat on the plane but to the flight crew's credit, they did hand out water and a granola bar.
Unfortunately, 30 minutes passed and the doors hadn't been closed yet. The captain then came back on and said that the computer had been fixed but now the 2 computers on board could not communicate with each other.
Bottom line, 3 1/2 hours after sitting on the plane and 4 1/2 hours after our scheduled departure, we were told the flight was cancelled. Part of the problem was that the flight crew would not be able to work because they would exceed their work schedule since the flight was so long.
We were given a hotel voucher--we got the Hilton. Others got the Marriott and still others got the Courtyard. We had learned a while ago that how you look matters in terms of which hotel you get. So, it pays to dress decently on the flight.
We also got food vouchers but it wasn't much. We were given $37 for dinner, breakfast and lunch. Sure, this may be enough at the airport but not at the Hilton or the Marriott. Was I supposed to hop on the shuttle and go back to the airport to eat?
Two hours into the waiting process on the plane, I called the AAdvantage desk's 800 number and asked to reserve a spot on the next day's flight. Once we got off the plane, I used DFW's free wifi to log on to aa.com and verified our re-booking and even chose seat assignments. I'll tell the story of our Greece trip and why I do this now.
American Airlines really needs to get a new fleet. I keep hearing about new planes but I have yet to fly on one. This plane still had ash trays--smoking was banned from commercial flights in 1988!
No personal entertainment system either. Crane your neck and hope your nearest monitor is at a good viewing angle.
2015 01 31
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