Ontario, CA to Washington D.C.

Summary

A traveler recounts an unexpectedly long and circuitous journey from Ontario, CA to Washington D.C., marked by fog delays and endless circling over the capital.

Abstract

The narrative details a traveler's experience during a flight that was initially delayed due to fog at Ontario airport, leading to a three-hour wait on the tarmac. Despite reassurances that the flight would depart 'very soon,' the traveler passes the time by reading two books. After eight hours, passengers are briefly allowed into the terminal, only to return to the plane and witness a stunning sunset, absent of fog. The flight eventually takes off, but the pilot circles the White House for an extended period due to a fuel-related holding pattern, causing the passenger to fear for their safety. The journey concludes with a safe landing and a humorous reflection on the inefficiencies of both flight and phone communication.

Opinions

The author uses humor to convey the frustration of airline delays and the ambiguity of airline staff's use of timeframes, specifically the phrase 'very soon.'
There is a sense of irony in the contrast between the initial fog-bound delay and the clear skies observed later, suggesting that the delay may have been unnecessary or mismanaged.
The author seems to critique the lack of communication and transparency from the flight crew, especially when informed about the low fuel situation and the reason for circling over the White House.
The traveler's anxiety about the flight's safety is evident, particularly during the repeated circling over a high-profile target like the White House, hinting at broader concerns about airline safety protocols.
The final landing and the missed communication with the traveler's friend underscore a broader theme of technological miscommunication, both in flight updates and mobile phone usage at the time.

An unforgettable journey

One January while I was living in Southern California, I had the opportunity to take a break in Virginia with my best friend’s Mom and visit a facility linked with the one for which I worked.

It was a sunny morning with clouds as I was dropped at Ontario airport. By the time we boarded the plane, the sun had vanished, and a grey fog descended around the plane only. I promise you it was nowhere else. I know for a fact the I10 was clear and traffic flowing well.

After an hour the captain announced that we were fog bound until clearance was given. No one could disembark as it might be very soon.

I have learned that in flying language, very soon is a synonym for ten minutes to ten days. It’s a platitude designed to cause riots. I got my book out and began to read.

On finishing my book, three hours had passed. I could hear murmurs of grumbling as well as requests for drinks. I realized drinks were not on offer. I took out my water bottle and took a sip.

The murmurs of grumbling turned to rallying for revolution. It was unsettling. I realized five hours had passed and my second book was nearly finished. What would I read on the flight, if there was one?

After eight hours we were told we had half an hour to go into the terminal to make phone calls and use the facilities. I decided to wait to make my call as the phones were in use. All ten of them. Some men had their brick size ‘cell phones’ in use.

We were hearded back onto the plane. It was getting dusk and the last of the sunset was strikingly beautiful. Fog? Where was it?

We took off at last and flew into daylight for a few hours. I saw crop circles, rivers, craters, lakes, and mountains, before night covered the whole USA.

Then I noticed the White House, all lit up like a target for a malicious flier. I looked forward to the descent. But there was none. We banked, and I watched the White House as we circled it.

We circled and circled that illuminated target and I worried that the captain had criminal intentions. I beckoned a flight attendant and asked what was going on. She leaned in close and whispered that we were in a line to land but would be soon due to a lack of fuel. I was asked not to mention this.

My confidence was not restored. We had circled seventeen times already. How many minutes before we dropped out of the sky?

However, we did land, and I was met by my friend who had left home before getting the message I had asked to be passed on.

So much for flights and phones.

LIFE/TRAVEL/SATIRE

Ontario, CA to Washington D.C.

An unforgettable journey

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