Not this time. The Air Canada flight from Toronto to Vancouver was fine. The problems were in Vancouver where we had to change planes for the flight to Honolulu. For some reason, we had to go through security again. My carry-on bag, which had sailed through Toronto screening, now sent up a red flag. I was told it was traces of either explosives or makeup. Since I wasn’t wearing any makeup, on came the full search–four security personnel, everything out of the bag, a full body pat-down. They weren’t even sure they’d let me keep my tea bags.
Twenty minutes later security finally released us and now it’s Air Canada’s turn to continue the farce. After all the passengers were seated and strapped in, they discovered that the oxygen supply for the cockpit wasn’t working properly. So, sorry, but there will be a 30 minute delay while the module is replaced. No problem. Everyone wants the pilot to have oxygen. Besides, we have a two hour window in which to catch our fight to Maui. Of course, the passengers won’t be deplaned for this short wait.
But these workers aren’t “Star Trek’s” Scotty and one 30 minute repair becomes repeated delays. Still no deplaning. Doreen is beginning to get frantic. Thank God (or Travis) for the cell phone. She’s able to call Go! Airline and reschedule our Maui flight for Sunday morning. And she can call the car rental people and tell them not to wait up for us. The repair stretched to just over two hours so we arrived in Honolulu just after the last flight to Maui had left. Oh, joy! We’re in Honolulu late on Saturday night with no hotel reservations. Just tack another $150 onto our travel budget. Thanks Air Canada.
The silver lining in this cloud was that the flight to Maui was a daylight rather than nighttime flight and went smoothly. A smaller plane, not full, flying lower–a great opportunity to get some pictures both leaving Oahu and arriving Maui. Things also went smoothly with the rental car agency and the condo check-in. We’ve got a nice one-bedroom unit on the top floor with gorgeous views of West Maui and Ma’alaea Bay. Let the good times roll!!
Twenty minutes later security finally released us and now it’s Air Canada’s turn to continue the farce. After all the passengers were seated and strapped in, they discovered that the oxygen supply for the cockpit wasn’t working properly. So, sorry, but there will be a 30 minute delay while the module is replaced. No problem. Everyone wants the pilot to have oxygen. Besides, we have a two hour window in which to catch our fight to Maui. Of course, the passengers won’t be deplaned for this short wait.
But these workers aren’t “Star Trek’s” Scotty and one 30 minute repair becomes repeated delays. Still no deplaning. Doreen is beginning to get frantic. Thank God (or Travis) for the cell phone. She’s able to call Go! Airline and reschedule our Maui flight for Sunday morning. And she can call the car rental people and tell them not to wait up for us. The repair stretched to just over two hours so we arrived in Honolulu just after the last flight to Maui had left. Oh, joy! We’re in Honolulu late on Saturday night with no hotel reservations. Just tack another $150 onto our travel budget. Thanks Air Canada.
The silver lining in this cloud was that the flight to Maui was a daylight rather than nighttime flight and went smoothly. A smaller plane, not full, flying lower–a great opportunity to get some pictures both leaving Oahu and arriving Maui. Things also went smoothly with the rental car agency and the condo check-in. We’ve got a nice one-bedroom unit on the top floor with gorgeous views of West Maui and Ma’alaea Bay. Let the good times roll!!
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