The moment you miss your flight, the moment everything changes. A little dramatic, probably... When you miss your flight everything does change, especially when you have places to see and people to meet. The stages you go through when you finally get to your gate and realize your plane has departed and the actions you go through after.
1. Are you f****** kidding me
Feeling like you just ran a marathon, you get to your gate and see "departed." You slowly mouth some words your mother would be ashamed that you knew and come up with a plan.
2. *Deep breaths, deep breaths**
The panic sets in and you start to *try* and calm yourself down. People ask if you are okay as you slowly start to get it together.
3. Talking to the booking agent
Not knowing what you are going to say, you march straight up to them and ask what they can do. They are surprisingly rude and turn you down for a new ticket. You keep talking and talking until...
4. Fake crying, when they tell you there's no way you're getting on a flight
You start talking about your dreams and goals. How this flight meant you could not accomplish those goals, and how being a poor college student sucks. Specifically, in rush hour traffic, trying to make it to the airport on time.
5. The moment when they are scared of tears and get you on standby
"Ma'am don't worry I can put you on standby. Please take a tissue." Not saying you should always use the tears to get what you want. But, if you paid $300 for a plane ticket and you don't get on a plane, you better start crying!
6. You treat yourself for a show well done
You walk over to the nearest coffee shop and order their best. You knew they were lying to you when they said "there is nothing we can do for you." So, you treat yourself for a job well done.
7. The wait...
You finished your homework, updated LinkedIn (a MUST!) and called everyone in your contact list. You have also struck up a conversation with a family on their way to Disney World and have heard all about little Jimmy and Sally's goals for the fourth and fifth grade.
8. The moment you hear your name!
Before Jimmy and Sally start to sing, you hear your name. "Please come up to the front." You apologize to the family and thank the heavens your name was finally called.
9. Running to claim your ticket
You run like you have never run before. There is no way you are missing this flight! By the time you get up to the counter, you smile and show them your ID. They give you your ticket and you know, just know; you finally made it!
10. Successfully belted in your seat
You're stuck with the middle seat, which sucks. You settle in and finish your book you started while waiting for standby. While sipping your diet soda, a smile and feeling of bliss overwhelms you.
