What else can go wrong?
We have only started this trip, and already we have encountered challenges beyond anything encountered previously. Coming back to our Omaha hotel room at 9pm, we discovered that our 11:30am flight to Chicago for the following mid-morning had been cancelled. That flight linked up to our 7pm flight through Iceland to Zurich. The only replacement was an 8am flight, meaning we would have to arise early and be sitting at ORD for nine hours between flights. That 8am flight was also late. The Icelandair flight desk did not open until 4pm; thus, we were stuck toting all our luggage around all day long. When we finally tried to check in, we discovered that we needed a COVID test result (requirement instituted 3 days prior, only after we had already left Colorado) and that the test station was at a different terminal (one of five) reached by a bus followed by vague and complicated directions to a location in the basement; no signs for guidance. Why wouldn’t the testing station be in the international terminal? But no COVID test without an appointment, and no appointment until extensive forms were filled out on a cell phone, and photos of your passport and flight ticket were uploaded.
Not over yet! After “rushing” on the terminal bus (maximum achieved speed 15mph) back to the international terminal with test results and being checked in just before closing, we sat on the flight for an hour (awaiting crew) before it left the ground. Arriving in Iceland, our next flight had already departed. We collect our luggage, pass through immigrations, and head for the service counter to be rescheduled for the following day. Before leaving the terminal, customs inspection requires a bar code. What bar code? We are then directed to another desk to complete another form. Then we board a shuttle bus to Reykjavík, thirty miles away, where we board another bus to our hotel.
Arriving at our assigned hotel after they have stopped serving breakfast, we await lunch and ask for a 3:15am wake-up to get ready for the next flight. Then we email our hotel in Zurich to inform them we will be a day late. Bedtime tonight will be early. Time for a long walk through central Reykjavík to try to sort out my system after skipped meals, loss of sleep, and jet lag. Outside temperature in the 50s with overcast skies and light fog; not a pretty day.
Most all these problems are COVID related; added requirements and diminished staff to supply all needs. This is still a bad time to be traveling. Other travelers are having similar problems. An airline counter agent told us that she has had passengers break down crying in front of her from the desperation of trying to download forms, find and input data, and receive a response in time for flight check-in. All after waiting in a long line.
posted by Wayne Grabow | 7:02 AM
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