Home > Air Scandic > 2004 > Review

Taken March 2004 from London, Gatwick - LGW to Reina Sofia - TFS

The flight out from Gatwick was 15 minutes delayed and I considered this to be acceptable.

For the return journey which was due on 13-15 on the 12th March we decided to get to the airport early to ensure we could sit together (2 travelling). We arrived at the airport at 10.20 for the 13-15 (flight SCY1952) the electronic board indicated a flight time of 11-00, but delayed to 13-30) and via the board we were directed to check in at desks 26-27. There were around 50-60 people already ahead of us. At 11-10 it became obvious something was wrong. I approached the information desk and it appears that according to Airport information the flight was due to take off at 11-00am. Our tickets clearly displayed 13-15. We continued to wait at desks 26-27.

At around 11-45 desks 18-22 opened for an AirScandic flight to Manchester. Many of the people queing for flight to Gatwick moved across. No one appeared to know what was happening. Rumours of snow at Gatwick and a baggage handlers dispute etc.etc.

However on speaking to a ticket agent at the airport he told us this had happened before and that the tickest had been printed incorrectly.

Eventually we took off at 16-45. Total chaos, raised voices and tempers from Manchester passengers who were behind the gatwick passengers in the queue although their flight time was earlier, and also from those who had arrived early to check in for the Gatwick flight. If not for the cooperation of the passengers the situation could have become very nasty,

The captain said the delay was due to their missing the take off slot at Gatwick and arriving late. I assume they arrived late as they knew the passengers were going to arrive at the airport for a 13-15 flight not for an 11-00am flight.

No information was the most frustrating.