My experience flying standby was completely horrible. I was so frustrated, I cried talking to my husband over the phone telling him how angry and upset I was, and I just wanted to go home. My dad reassured me that we'll be ok, that the flights were wide open, so I agreed to take it.
Our flight was scheduled to depart at 2:50 pm and when I asked the lady at the desk how the flight looked for standby passengers, she said it was completely sold out. I was ok at the time because I knew if we didn't make it, we can just go back home and try the next flight. But lucky enough there were 2 seats open for us. Drey was sitting 2 rows in front of Zee and I so I had asked the lady sitting by me if its ok to switch and she was nice enough to do so.
We had to fly to Long Beach first then catch a flight to Salt Lake since Jet blue doesn't fly straight from Sea to SLC. Anyway, the flight was about 2 hours long and the boys did great. What I was thinking that was going to happen, like any other connecting flight to another state...I thought they would hold my bags til the next flight out to SL which wasn't until 8:00. Little did I know, since we were on standby, We had to go to baggage claim and get our luggage then go back out to the ticket stand to check in. This is where my frustration began. I had two big suitcases, One stroller, 2 kids and there I was all by myself...with no help. I called Lance and starting crying, wishing that he was there with me. I had to pull myself together so I stuffed everything I could on the stroller while pushing one luggage and poor Drey had to push the other suitcase.
It only gets worse from there. I go to check in and the lady tells me that I'm not even on the 8:00 pm flight to Salt Lake City. I broke down. I wish I would of just stayed home in Washington. I felt so bad for my kids because I started to put my frustration and anger towards them, esp Dreysen, being the oldest. Drey kept asking me all these questions about his surroundings and I kept yelling at him telling him to stand still and behave. I got so angry at myself. Drey and Zee didn't deserve that. So I held them for a good minute or two then apologized to them. We got back in line, went to different representative from the 1st one who told us we weren't checked in and the lady had told us that the flight we were scheduled for was at 7:50 the next morning. She was able to switch it for the one that was leaving that night. We had to check our bags in again, go through security AGAIN! and wait for another 4-5 hours. We didn't get on that flight so they rolled us over to the next morning. They said there were 19 seats open so we should be able to get on.
There was no way I was gonna spend the night there at the airport so I called my cousins who live down the street to come and get us. They were actually leaving on the same flight the next morning so we were going to just catch a ride with them. We stopped by Tams to get something to eat, got home, showered the boys then knocked out. Because we were on standby, the kids and I had to wake up at 4 am and leave at 4:30 to get to the airport.
When we got to check out, I asked how the flight looked and the rep stated that there were 16 seats open, 50 people on standby and I was at the bottom of the list, #48. We didn't have a chance getting on any flights to SL that day. I called up my parents, once again crying...I would of been ok, if it was just me, but I had the kids. Thats what made everything so hard. I knew the customer rep even felt bad for me, but there was nothing she could do. My mom kept telling me to just try the next flight, but that wasn't til 2:00 pm and that was the last flight for that day. I couldn't call my cousins who were close by because like I mentioned earlier, they were leaving for UT as well.
We checked our bags in anyway, and crossed our fingers that we'll get on that flight. My dad called an hour later and said he'll just pay the one way ticket for Drey and I. (zee was free) I was so relieved and I didn't have to stress about anything. Hallelujah! haha I was so happy.
That was the first time using buddy passes for the kids and I and sure is the LAST time I'm ever doing that. I know my dad didn't mean for any of that to happen since he was the one who decided to get buddy passes...The kids were so happy to see their grandparents and the rest of the family. We spent the whole day swimming, sleeping, eating and ended the night with my moms side of the family having dance practice for the wedding on Saturday.
We are so happy to be back here in UTAH and are enjoying every second of it.
I thank my Heavenly Father for his guidance and protection for bring us to UTAH safely. It may not have been a smooth trip but we made it here, safe...thats all that matters:) and also to my wonderful husband who calmed me down over the phone with his words of encouragement. I love you and miss you.
