Chicago blog post delayed by storms - check back on Monday

This was supposed to be a blog from Chicago.

Alas, it's 4:49 a.m. and I'm at home getting ready to head back to Pearson.

I got to the airport in Toronto yesterday in plenty of time but our flight to Chicago was delayed by that massive thunderstorm cell that sat over the top of southern Ontario last night.

Tons of flights were cancelled, but a few got away; I think mostly flights headed east and away from the storm centre. Our plane sat at the gate for about an hour before the pilot came on the p.a. and told us we had to deplane and that our flight was cancelled.

I immediately called Air Canada, but after pretty much booking a seat for this morning they said they couldn't actually finalize the deal until I had cleared Canada customs on the way back into Pearson and had my luggage. Why, I have no idea.

It took a while to figure out where our bags were, but Air Canada personnel on the ground - harried as they were - did a reasonable job under the circumstances and I was able to rebook our seats without a huge hassle. Folks who were on connecting flights were offered hotels for the night but we didn't get that deal as we had homes to return to, which probably makes some sense.

I think we could've called a 1-800 number and got a hotel discount but I don't live that far from Pearson so we took a cab home and arrived at midnight; just in time for our 4:45 a.m. wake up call.

Ah, the romance of flying.

Anyway, hoping for better results today and a blog posting or two next week on Chicago and its fine restaurants and architecture and art scene. Maybe some Wrigley Field baseball, too!

Comments

[Ashely]

I just wanted to thank you very much for this ensightful article. I have already bookmarked your site, when I have more free time I am going to have to do some further reading.

[Carl Wright]

I've had to sit in Pearson airport for over six hours because of a thunderstorm, luckily Air Canada opened their doors to "the Executive Lounge" for me and 10 other people that were waiting. Glad to know it got sorted out, even if a little bit of sleep was lost!

[ketut sugita]

I am so happy I found your blog page.In every country there is a problem about flight when the weather is bad.
I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a incredible post and a all round enjoyable blog.
Please do keep up the excellent work.