We were held up by technical difficulties...Far Guys oxygen needed 10 batteries instead of 9 ( different airlines and different rules)we finally just used his oxygen as a carry on but needed a Doctors statement to carry it onboard. Luckily Jen has a friend who helped us out with that paperwork. TSA had to go over Far Guy with a fine tooth comb because he also has a port in his chest.
We missed the boarding of our flight by 4 minutes, it was still at the gate, but they would not open the doors. Jen cried. Andy was very angry, the rest of us figured it might be a sign to go home. Jen was determined to find a way.
We caught a later flight to Phoenix and then to Los Angeles where we spent the night, the next morning we caught our flight to Kona on the big island of Hawaii.
I arrived wearing a flannel shirt...boy was it warm.
To be continued...
Wow. Just wow. I am getting ready to travel next week and really hate airlines and all that goes with them. But your "adventure" sounds absolutely terrifying. But you did get there... finally. That's good news. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a rough way to start a vacation! Hope it improved and you all had a fun, relaxing, enjoyable time. It will be fun to hear the "rest of the story"!
ReplyDeleteOh, my, fingers crossed that the rest of your trip goes better.
ReplyDeleteWow!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome that you had a vacation- I hope it was better that your experience at the airports. One more reason I hate flying!
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't blame Jen......what an awful adventure...I just hope it was all worth it in the end! I remember driving in a blizzard to fly out of Minneapolis in early January going to Belize....not as bad as your experience but it was touch and go! I'm so happy you got there...let the fun begin. I can't wait to hear about it!
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to reroute around weather and airline rules. I don't understand why the regulations and requirements for airlines are not standardized for medical equipment.
ReplyDeleteSo thankful the trip finally happened. That's a beautiful photo and I look fwd to seeing more.
ReplyDeleteMy dad traveled with his sleep apnea machine. Nightmare. Plus his stents, pacemaker and an ankle rebuilt with an erector set. I sure wish airlines had standard requirements and special dispensation for medical needs! Glad you got there!
ReplyDeleteI would have cried too! I'm so happy you finally arrived at your destination. What a well deserved vacation!
ReplyDeleteIt’s ridiculous. All I have is a pacemaker and I run into much the same sort of issues when flying. I can only imagine the frustration that all of you must’ve felt. I’m so glad you finally made it and I hope the rest of your vacation is a warm relaxing one. Blessings, Betsy
ReplyDeleteWow, adventure is right — before you even left Minnesota. I hope you are glad you persevered and had smooth sailing from here on.
ReplyDeleteTravel can be a real adventure. Hopefully the trip home was less eventful. I wore a temporary colostomy bag for about a year - and it resulted in a complete strip search in a foreign airport while attempting to come home from my daughter's wedding. Not sure who was more embarrassed - me or the lady conducting the search.
ReplyDeleteOMG! Terrorism has ruined the joy and fun of flying forever! TSA must look at Far Guy as a threat.. because COMMMON SENSE would never step in and tell them otherwise. Gladd you finally made it. And Good luck for the rest of the trip. Hey! Maybe they will "force" you to stay an extra day in Hawaii! Wouldn't that be "terrible?" ( They will probably pass you right on through as you are leaving.... Figures.)
ReplyDeleteOh my that is an adventure - I would have cried too but would have been determined to make it work. Hope the balance of the trip made up for it!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, what an awful frustrating start to what I hope turned out to be a wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time in Hawaii; you deserve it after that send-off!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh!!! How exciting. I have always wanted to go to Hawaii....I'm so glad your family got to go in spite of all the hassles. I hope that wasn't the island with the active volcano!!! Can't wait to hear all about your trip! Also want to thank you for the beautiful handmade Xmas card and red sparkly doily? It has become a fancy tree skirt for one of my little decorative Christmas trees! What a nice surprise. You are the best!
ReplyDeleteWhat a Gong show to start a trip. You're there now. Have a good time.
ReplyDeleteNot a good beginning to your time away. I hope in the end it will all be worth the trouble.
ReplyDeleteSo glad Jen was determined and found a way for you to make it to Hawaii. I hope you enjoy your time there and that the rest of your trip goes smoothly.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you finally made it to Hawaii! Yay! but what an ordeal. It would certainly make one wonder if it was meant to be.
ReplyDeleteLordy, Connie! I would not have had the energy or stamina for that. I admire you. But this.... this story right here.... is why I told the attendant at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to not even bother telling me what was required for me to get one of those drivers licenses with the special specification needed to travel on an airplane. I told her that I don't need an airplane to get to heaven and that's the ONLY destination I'm going to next. *haha* Love and happy vacation, Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteNice shot of Ali'i Drive! I do like Kona, if you have a good place to stay you can walk up and down the drive and take it all in.
ReplyDeleteIt is worth all the trouble to get to see this! I miss Hawaii a lot...
Bad start right out of the gates. I hate to think that you would have had to drive all the way to Des Moine to get out of the country. I am looking forward to the shots on the spots. Get some rest now that you are home.
ReplyDeleteSheesh! I woukd have cried, too. I bey gate agents get calloused by hysterics.
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