Sometimes we regret the chances we don’t take. Isn’t that a popular saying? Well, these were the words that came to mind when I managed to miss my 6:30am departing flight to Dublin, Ireland from Luton airport, UK. The whole day was planned. I remember it to be a Tuesday. I was working 4pm to close (which happened to be past midnight). Silly me, I had not thought of taking the day off, prior to departing. Although I had an inconvenient scheduling problem, I still managed to plan my way out to the airport that night. The plan was to catch the 24-hour bus to Baker Street, central London, and then catch the N1 bus booked in advance, which was to show up at approximately 2am on Baker street. Luckily enough, I told my supervisor, Scott, about the situation and he let me leave work at exactly midnight even though we still had customers in the restaurant. With this, I managed to arrive at Luton airport at around 3am. Proud of myself for getting through the night, and navigating my way through this foreign city accurately, I thought nothing could go wrong now! I successfully made it to the airport on time and now all I had to do was wait for my departing flight.
Hours lingered by, as I could not sleep, excited for my trip to Ireland. Finally, as 6am dawned, I made my way through security. The gate was announced, and I walked briskly towards it. Through those plain, grey hallways of the airport nothing could get in my way. I was first in line, to board the plane. As I approached the flight attendants looking at boarding passes and passports, I could see their quizzical expression as they checked my boarding pass. The flight attendant informed me, “I’m sorry ma’am, but you cannot board this plane without getting your boarding pass stamped.”
Words failed to escape my mouth. I was stunned. The flight attendant, then efficiently told me to have a seat and wait. I slowly walked towards the seats unable to believe what was happening. How could I have gotten this wrong? I arrived at the airport at 3am. As I sat there, thoughts wondered through my mind; they must let me board. I’m sure there will still be seats available. I’m just going to get the last choice of seats. Everything will be fine.
As the last of the queue began to lessen, and official representative of the airline made her way towards me. “You forgot to stamp your boarding pass?” she said sternly. All I could do was nod. “Follow me.” She continued.
As I slowly followed her, away from the gate, I realized I was not going to get on this flight. All my efforts of arriving early to the airport, wasted. The airline representative led me to a desk where she told them about missing my flight and inquired when the next flight would be and what it would cost. Having paid £ 60 for a return flight, I was not ready for the £ 120 more pounds I would have to pay for a one way ticket on the next flight. My face fell at the words and the desk agent told me I would have until 9am to decide what I wanted to do, otherwise the price would rise even more.
I walked away from the desk, eyes wet, I found a seat. How could this be happening to me? I looked at my phone. Unable to think of what to do next. I saw my brother on Facebook and messaged him. I always rely on my brother when I am in trouble or confused. He told me to go to Ireland. When will I ever get an experience like this again? “Go to Ireland, have fun and enjoy yourself.” He wrote.
Following his advice, I ended up paying an extra £ 120 for the next flight and I do not regret it at all. Ireland is such a wonderful country and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to experience its beauty. I hold memories there that are worth a billion pounds and reminiscing now about it makes me smile.
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