There is a first time for everything

Most of the time, when one uses this expression, it is to signify something good. Sometimes though, it is very appropriate for silly and downright stupid things as well. I (actually a group of four of us) went through a really embarrassing experience recently which is worth sharing.

On a recent trip out of town, four of us were on the same flight. The flight was scheduled to leave at 12:30 pm. We reached the airport at 11:15 am and had plenty of time to check in our bags and get to the gate area. The flight was supposed to board at 12:10 and everything looked all set. at 12:10, the dreaded announcement came. The plane needed to be de-iced, so it would be delayed anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour. One of us went to the gate agent to confirm the period of delay and was told that it would be at least 45 minutes.

We were all hungry so we went to a small restaurant right next to our gate area and settled down to eat. There was a lively discussion about the American education system with comparisons to the rest of the world. At about 12:40, one of us went over to the gate area to check on the progress. Two minutes later, we saw him running back. I anticipated that perhaps they were ready to board the plane again. To everyone's utter shock, he announced that the plane had already left. It seems that they let it go without de-icing, and it left on time. I am sure that our names were called, but we didn't hear them even sitting so close to the gate area. Since the plane had left the gate, there was nothing that could be done.

We were fortunate to get on the next flight that left at 5:50 pm after spending almost four and half hours at an airport lounge. Our bags were waiting for us when we reached our destination.

Now tell me: how many times have you missed your flight after getting to the gate on time? For the four of us, this was the very first time.