Santa got me a seat on the alumni charter this year. The chartered flight was supposed to leave Orlando at 9 AM yesterday, wheels actually went up at 4. Bus left the hotel at 6:30. Jeff Johnson, Gary Thompson, and I assume many other heavy hitters were on the flight.
It was a total train wreck of a day. We were all posted up at our gate, but no plane. After it became clear we'd be late, they (Eastern Airlines or Anthony Travel, or both) said whoops, plane is still in Miami, needs to fly up. Then, whoops, they put too much fuel on in Miami, so need to take care of that. Then it finally left, and they assured everyone once it lands, since nobody is on it, we'll be outta here real quick. Then it arrived, and whoops, need to wait for the fuel truck here. Then, whoops, no catering, need to wait for the catering. And wait, and wait. Surprisingly nobody lost it, and Jeff Johnson and others told them screw the food, let's just get out of here, they said no deal, gotta wait.
Then the plane was complete trash, wiped my tray table off with a wet wipe and it was just gross, as were others near me. Relief finally arrived, however, when they brought around the long-awaited catered food...and it was cold breakfast! A fruit cup with three pieces, plain bagel, little yogurt, and a mystery lemon pastry of some sort. And mimosas and screwdrivers, at least.
Not sure who screwed up, seems like the crappy Eastern Airlines to me, but I'm guessing there are a few disgruntled Cyclone travelers today (for good reason).