Flight 43

Flight 43. Delayed for one hour.

I double check the screen to make sure I wasn’t seeing things.

It’s 3:05 p.m. and my flight from JFK Airport to Orlando, Fla. isn’t leaving until 5 p.m.

Rinnnngggg.

“Hi, Chelle!” mom said.

“Mom, my flight is delayed for an hour,” I said with disappointment.

“Why? Is the weather bad over there?”

“It’s really windy and the rain looks like huge basketballs falling from the sky,”

“Don’t worry.  You’ll be here before you know it! I’ll cook you a nice meal and your room is nice and clean!”

“Flight 43 to Orlando, Fla. has a new gate number. Please head over to Gate 16,” said the thundering voice over the loudspeaker.

“Mom, I have to go. We are changing gates now and I need to charge my phone.”

“Okay. Love you! See you soon,” she said.

This storm is having a major effect on traveling this afternoon and into tonight. Winds are up to 70 mph near the shores, which is the equivalent to a category one hurricane. EYEWITNESS NEWS REPORTING LIVE.

4:30 p.m. Flight 43 delayed until 6 p.m.

I head over to the tables that are lined up with computers and power outlets, so I can charge my phone.

I wish I knew someone here. I’m nervous enough about flying and having some company would probably make me feel more comfortable.

I look around the room, hoping to see a familiar face and I pause in shock because I see an acquaintance sitting in my gate section. I knew she was flying to Florida today but I thought her flight earlier.

“Hi!” I yell.

“Michelle? What are you doing here?” she said.

“I’m going to visit my parents. Is this your flight?”

“I had an earlier flight, but it got delayed because of this storm.”

I sat next to her and we realized that we would be sitting next to each other on the plane as well.

6 p.m. Flight 43 delayed until 7:10 p.m.

Riiiiiiiinnnnnnng.

“Hi, Chelle! I see your flight keeps getting delayed,” mom said.

“Yeah I know! I’m hungry though.”

“Go get some food. Make sure you feed yourself,” mom said.

My friend and I eat some pizza and joke around to try to lighten up the mood.

7:10 p.m. Flight 43 delayed until 9 p.m.

“I’m scared to have a night flight,” I said to my friend.

“Yeah me too, I’ve never been on one before,” she replied.

“But, I can’t wait to see my family and my puppies!” I said.

She takes out her laptop so we can listen to music while we wait.

9 p.m. Flight 43 delayed until 10 p.m.

“Let’s play a game!” I said.

10:30 p.m. ALL FLIGHTS ARE CANCELED.

“Visit our website at jetblue.com to reschedule your flight, or call us at 1-800-JETBLUE. Thanks for your patience!”  said that thundering voice over the loudspeaker again.

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