The flights looked easy on paper. I would take a short hope from Ontario to Salt Lake. I would connect to Delta #003, Salt Lake to London. There was no mention of any stops until I got to the check-in process.
“There is an equipment change in New York. It is the same flight, so I do not expect that you will have any problems.”
As I arrived in New York early, I was pleasantly surprised on how easy things were working. While updating us on the connecting gates, the flight attendant reminded those that were connecting to London to walk across to Gate 20 for the equipment change. Gate 20 was nearby and I was early! I grabbed a sandwich and a coffee, ready to settle into people watching and a bit of reading.
The fact that London was not showing was not a concern. The time passed easily. As the boarding time approached, people began to gather. The voices over the loudspeaker were muffled, but this did was usual for older airport terminals. As I watched zone-1 passengers board, I noticed three different passengers turned away and pointed to another gate. This was not normal.
I could feel the warning signs explode within. I knew a fresh check was in order. On arriving at the stand with the agents, I asked about the timing for the London flight.
“The London flight just left.”
“How? It leaves from Gate-20?”
“Yes, Gate B-20. That gate is in a different terminal.”
As I recounted recent history, my frustration and anger began to quickly build. Something told me that my natural reaction was not the right answer to the situation. There was a tug and I found myself walking like Paul. “He walked out and went to the home of Titius Justus, a God-fearing man who lived right next to the Jews’ meeting place.” (Acts 18.7) The answer was right next door to frustration.
With a calm spirit, I gently smiled. “Could you check again? Has the door closed?”
“No, the door is still open. Run, don’t walk.”
