Business Trip

The morning saw an example of error and recovery, with a bit of luck thrown in. Delayed longer than expected due to the necessity of finding a suit that fit (although I had worn suits during the first 20 years of my working life, my company had gone casual for the past seven, and “relaxed fit” trousers had made it easy for certain parts of my body to become too relaxed, if you know what I mean), I left the house at 6 a.m., parked in the short-term parking ($28 for the day, but I have an expense account) and walked into the United ticketing area at 6:20, in plenty of time for my 7:00 flight to Seattle.

I swiped my credit card at one of the kiosks in comfortable anticipation of receiving the pre-paid boarding pass, but the dreaded “see ticket agent” appeared. There were only four agents and at least 25 people in the line. (It’s not possible to receive the boarding pass at the gate any more because one needs it, along with a photo I.D., to pass through airport security.)

At 6:45, with two people still in front of me, anxiety was being ratcheted up to mild panic. Then I noticed, next to the first-class check-in, was a “boarding pass – no baggage” sign. C’est moi! And it had no line! And it had an agent! She sighed, said I was too late to make my flight and issued me the chit for the 9:00 flight, which would make me at least an hour late for the 11:00 meeting.

The line through Security moved quickly, and I obediently removed my shoes, unpacked my laptop and cell phone into a separate plastic bin, and ran to the gate at 6:52. The gate agent announced that the flight was closed and reiterated that I had to take the next flight at 9. Visions of making excuses via multiple cell-phone calls began running through my mind. Disconsolate, I sat next to the closed door, the 737 seemingly mocking, so near, yet so far.

A couple of minutes later, and two pilots strolled through the door to the plane. I ran back and appealed (okay, groveled) to the agent. She said the flight was delayed due to a problem with a gauge. Mirabile dictu! I could now board. It was just enough of a problem so that they would open the door for me, yet it wasn’t severe enough, like an engine malfunction, to cancel the entire flight (I’ve experienced that situation, too). The agent escorted me into the cabin, and I squeezed into a middle seat, grateful to be there.

Lessons learned: 1) try on the clothes, especially suits, the night before; 2) read all the signs at the airport (use that education!); 3) don’t be afraid to ask for help; 4) whining doesn't work only for kids.

Oh, yes, the meeting was productive, I made the return flight with plenty of time to spare, and I was glad to get home. © 2004 Stephen Yuen

We walked to our office, which is across from SeaTac Airport.
We regretted not bringing an umbrella.


Can you guess what business we're in?


Foster City was a welcome sight.