We Experience A Delay At Adelaide Airport

We Experience A Delay At Adelaide Airport

Very early on at the start of our marathon adventure, Wendy said: "We have seven flights booked on this grand tour; it is very likely at least one will be held up for one reason or another, so, somewhere along the line, be prepared for a delay!"

Wendy is such an experienced traveller, and we remembered her words of wisdom on the next leg of our journey: flying from Adelaide to Perth. 

We were sad to leave Adelaide; we had had such a nice time, and enjoyed everything about it, but we were philosophical about it, and looked forward to seeing old friends in Perth. 

 

We drove to the Airport, returned the car, and checked in for our flight. We were comfortably early, and had time to enjoy a great lunch at Coopers Bar before being called through to the departure lounge area, as the flight was soon to depart. 

The plane we were to travel on had just landed from Perth, and as soon as all the incoming passengers had left the plane, and their luggage had been unloaded, we expected a smooth embarkation.

One of our aircraft is not very well...

And we sat and waited; and waited; and waited some more. Then came an announcement: there was a minor problem with our aircraft; the engineers were busy working to fix it, and it wouldn't be long before we could leave. They hoped this would be in about ten minutes. Fifteen minutes later, we were being reassured that the problem was being resolved, and we should be on our way very shortly. 

 

An hour or so later, our aircraft was still parked on the tarmac outside, and we watched the engineers working diligently on the starboard engine. The cowling had been removed, and although we could not see all that much of what was going on internally, we realised they were doing their very best to resolve the problem.  

 We're working on it!

The staff at the Quantas desk kept giving us regular updates; it transpired that during the earlier flight from Perth to Adelaide, the Captain had seen a warning light come up; as we would have expected (and hoped!) he had reported it immediately, which resulted in the efficient despatch of engineers to find and repair the problem.  

As the delay stretched to more than two hours, it was clear to everyone it wasn't a minor problem. Wendy and I were just thankful the flying crew were not prepared to take any risks at all! but there were still a few passengers who couldn't resist grumbling about it, and saying there should have been another aircraft available to get everyone in the air and on their way. We know it isn't that simple; with packed timetables, it's not possible to simply find another plane and get clearance to depart! The Quantas staff were doing their utmost to keep everyone happy, and most people accepted the delay. We were all getting along just fine, and it was an opportunity to learn more about our fellow intrepid travellers! 

The staff were also able to secure seats for one couple on another flight going via Doha, which would enable to take a further onward flight in good time; they were very pleased to be on their way at last.

We were given vouchers for a light meal, and Wendy and I enjoyed tea and cakes. After our delicious lunch, it was rather like the partaking of an afternoon cream tea - and for anyone who knows me, and what I like to eat, that could not have been better!

We're getting better, and closing the cowling

Back in the departure lounge, we continued to watch the engineers working on the plane; and then Wendy noticed some of the men seemed to be "wrapping up" the operation, stowing tools away in the trucks parked on the tarmac and generally tidying up. 

A clean bill of health!

The Quantas staff returned to their podia, and announced: "Ladies and gentlemen - Good news!" We could hear from the joy and relief in their voices, they were really happy for everyone: "The problem has been fixed, and we will be boarding very shortly." A gentle cheer went up from all the passengers; yes, there had been a problem; it had been fixed; and thank goodness no-one had taken any risks with passenger and crew safety. 

We were also told that due to the delay, the original crew had gone over the hours they were allowed to work, but other crew members had volunteered to fly so that we could soon be on our way to Perth. 

After boarding the plane, we quickly stowed our cabin bags, got strapped in and listened to the safety drill.  Then the Captain made an announcement, that Wendy and I felt really sad he had to make.

He was very apologetic that everyone had been waiting for so many hours; he appreciated our patience, but also wanted to remind passengers that all the crew were volunteers, and it would be appreciated if, as a result of the delay, no-one vented their frustration by abusing the crew.  

Wendy and I were quite horrified that this appeal even had to be made! What on earth would passengers have preferred to happen? As she came down the aisle checking everyone had their seat belts on, I spoke to one of the stewardesses, and said - loud and clear - "Thank you for coming in to work - I think you should all be given a huge round of applause!" Lots of passengers heard me, and joined in with hearty "Hear-hears!" and I could see it had struck a chord with other members of the crew. 

After we got airborne, we were served with a light meal and refreshments, and Wendy and I were given four-finger bars of Kit Kats. I was delighted! "Oh, I love Kit Kats!" I said, and tucked in. During the flight, the crew also distributed token gifts to every passenger - I was given a pack of cards, Wendy received a bag with flight necessities in it, and the chap next to me had a box of biscuits, which he nobly donated to me - the box contained chocolate biscuits, perfect for Wendy and me; I think he must have heard my delight at being given Kit Kats earlier on.

There was an atmosphere of camaraderie on this flight and later, when I went to the loo, one of the stewardesses in the galley saw me, and asked me to collect more Kit Kat bars. I was so touched by this kind gesture, and they lasted Wendy and me all the time we were in Perth.