Disastrous Flight Delays - JFC-ers share their stories
Updated:
Oct 18, 2025
14 min read
Hey there, JFC-ers!
In today’s edition, I’m indulging in a favourite pastime — moaning. Moaning about the weather, airlines, delays, and a lack of sleep.
However, my complaining pales in comparison to that of the passenger on American Airlines who this week was so miffed about his in-flight meal options that he attempted to force his way into the cockpit! No doubt my ranting also falls short of the choice words other passengers on board that flight must have had when their plane turned around and landed back at JFK at 3am.
Likewise, it seems that the passengers who were turfed out of business class in favour of the cabin crew on an Air India flight have had plenty of thoughts to share this week.
The good news is, readers, if you make it through all these tales of woe at 38,000 ft, you’ll be rewarded with enough Greek island inspiration to make you forget the potential drama involved in your journey!
Happy travels and safe landings,
Katy - Editor of The Detour
Disastrous Delays - Stories from the JFC Community
By Katy
Detour Editor Katy is a budget travel aficionado who has already travelled to more than 50 countries. Whether she's at home or on a foreign adventure, she has a particular talent for stumbling upon tasty Georgian restaurants.
We’ve all been there; you’re sitting at the airport, ready to get going, and suddenly the words ‘Go to Gate’ flick to ‘Delayed.’ Only the influencers pushing their luck with “airport theory” would breathe a sigh of relief at this point. In most cases, delays last a matter of minutes. But there are times when those delays last hours, or even days.
Two out of three of my own extended delay dramas have (thus far) occurred during connections at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The first was the more notable, having landed early on an overnight flight back from Havana in 2017.
My mum’s connection back to Aberdeen came first and went without a hitch. But no sooner had she taken off than a dense fog descended upon the Dutch capital. This is nothing unusual at Schiphol, however low-visibility procedures meant that fewer flights were able to operate, and the short-haul routes to Germany, where I lived at the time, were among the first to be cancelled.
No big deal, I thought. I’d find a lounger and take a nap until the next flight to Hamburg rolled around in a few hours’ time. Except that was cancelled too, as was the next. By this point, it was 3PM, and I was wandering aimlessly around Schiphol like a lost, sleep-deprived puppy that smelled… questionable.
The KLM staff were not weather gods, and couldn’t tell me when the fog would clear. But they knew things were looking up for the last flight of the day, around 9PM, and it was still scheduled to fly. I could either wait for that, or leave the airport and catch a train back to Hamburg, for which they would reimburse me.
I opted to wait it out — after two weeks away, I didn’t have the extra cash available to buy an on-the-day international train ticket, nor did I want to abandon my luggage in the bowels of Schiphol. What was a few more hours, when I’d already been there since 7am?
As the nighttime flight home approached, I kept my eyes on the departure board. There were no signs of delays, and other short-haul flights had resumed; I was optimistic. I headed eagerly to the departure gate, more than ready to just get home.
And then the announcement came.
“We’re very sorry to report that your flight has been delayed, as the First Officer has a sore ear and cannot fly. We are trying to find another pilot for this flight.”
It probably won’t surprise you to learn that no pilots stepped forward to take on the final flight of the day. I, along with several other passengers, was left with a choice: run to claim one of the final seats on the flight to Bremen, only an hour or so from Hamburg, or spend the night in an airport hotel, courtesy of KLM. I’d come this far, so airport hotel it was.
After waiting around an hour for all the details to be hashed out, I was given my hotel voucher. It was one of the posher hotels attached to the terminal building, so at least I didn’t have to go far, and my room was pleasant. But even the free buffet didn’t quite make up for the fact I only got 4 hours’ sleep before having to return to the departures lounge for attempt number 5.
You’ll be delighted to know, readers, that I made it home safely on that morning flight. It was remarkably uneventful in comparison to the previous day, in fact — as flights should be when all goes smoothly. But I’ll never forget the day I lived at Schiphol Airport for 24 hours. Not least, because my very next connection through Amsterdam also resulted in an overnight stay!
Thankfully, my return visits to The Netherlands have had better luck. Heathrow not so much, but that’s another story.
It turns out that a few of you have had your own unlucky airport overnights, too. JFC-er Scott wrote in to tell us how his family fell foul of the recent Heathrow shut-down:
“We recently flew from our small-town regional airport to LAX, with a connecting flight to London Heathrow. Our connection was tight, so we rushed to the United gate and joined the Group 2 boarding line. As we caught our breath, the gate agent made an announcement: “We apologize, but we’re unable to board due to an ‘issue.’”
The word “issue” immediately sparked concerns that something was wrong with the plane. The thought of flying 11 hours over the Atlantic on a problematic plane was not exactly reassuring. Another 20 minutes passed before the gate agent updated us: “The issue continues, but it’s not with the aircraft. There’s an issue at the destination.” That was a relief—the plane seemed fine. But what could be going wrong at Heathrow? Surely, with its modern infrastructure, they had everything under control, right?
Twenty minutes later, another update came: “We’re terribly sorry, but the delay is causing a backup at the gate, and the plane to London needs to move to free up space for an incoming flight.”
I couldn’t help but think, “That’s not a good sign.”
Another 20 minutes later, we were informed that the flight was canceled due to a large fire outside Heathrow Airport, which had knocked out power to the terminal/Airport. It was now 10:15 p.m.—two hours past our original departure time. While I could manage the delay on my own, traveling with my 12 and 13-year-old made it much harder. Our new plan? Maybe we could sleep at the airport and catch the first available flight the next day. But Heathrow had other plans: the airport would remain closed for another 24 hours.
I called United’s support, hoping they could help us transfer to another airline flying to a different London airport. No luck. They rebooked us on a flight two days later.
Frustrated, I checked Google Flights and found an American Airlines flight departing at 12:00 a.m. from LAX to a different London airport. We rushed across the terminal through LAX’s maze of underground tunnels. When we reached the gate, the not-so-friendly attendant told us we couldn’t switch from United to American Airlines.
Next, I spotted an Alaska Airlines flight, also leaving around midnight. We dashed back to the tunnels and found a much friendlier Alaska agent, who tried to help. Unfortunately, there was only one seat left—not enough for all four of us. Once again, we were out of luck.
Exhausted and frustrated, the boys and I sat down to regroup. We decided to find a hotel near LAX and wait for our rescheduled flight two days later. The first four hotels I called were fully booked, but we finally found a less-than-ideal option with availability. At that point, all we cared about was a bed, a shower, and sleep. We took what we could get.
The next two days were not all bad. We spent a sunny day at Southern California’s beaches, a welcome diversion after the travel chaos. We also managed to catch up on some much-needed rest. Our rescheduled flight was at a good time, though we were scattered across the plane. A bit of pleading with the United gate attendant helped, and we were finally seated together for the long flight to London.
Once in London, the travel headaches continued. The Tube stopped running at 11:00 a.m. due to a “service issue,” so we took an iconic double-decker bus to the next station—only to find it closed as well. We eventually took an Uber to the hotel, relieved to be there safely.
The rest of the trip in London was wonderful. We loved the city, the people, and the food—it truly was an amazing experience.
As for the airline, they told me to submit receipts for expenses incurred during the extended layover. However, since the delay wasn’t their fault, reimbursement was unlikely. I haven’t followed through with this yet, but despite the rough start, the trip was one to remember."
As silver linings go, the beaches of Southern California shine pretty brightly, if you ask me! Unfortunately, some of you have had much worse experiences, as JFC-er Maddie wrote in to share:
“I was on a flight home from Tenerife. I fell asleep before take-off, and all of a sudden we were landing again. Turns out it was an emergency landing.
The airline was horrendous (Ryanair) at dealing with this. We were taken to a hotel after a few hours. Then told our new flight was at 8 am. Furthermore, only some passengers (not me) received another email saying 1pm, it was a shambles. Luckily, we had got some phone numbers and spoke to people who told us about the extra delay. We were not provided any food at all. Some people were ready for 8 am only to be told it was 1 pm. We were picked up at 10 am. The flight then got delayed by the hour again and again and again, all the way up to 7pm.
The flight was terminated all whilst every passenger was through passport control and after a few hours Ryanair sent us a small voucher for €12 for 2 people, which could maybe have got a drink. There was only a convenience store past the border.
When it got to 4pm, I ended up asking to leave the airport. They scribbled on my actual passport, crossing out a stamp for Iceland, not Tenerife. When I made it outside, the crew were all there. They had all been out drinking the night before, which they were making a mockery out of us for. We were then not told that we were transferred onto a flight to Liverpool.
I have autism and ADHD, so I was using special assistance and a PRM seat to sit next to my carer, but they didn’t give me a seat next to my carer. Ryanair told me I don’t need it and laughed in my face. I burst into tears whilst they laughed at me even more. They were actively discriminating against me, and I even had someone stick up for me, and they found it even funnier. I’ve never felt so hurt!
We were then on a flight to Liverpool, and I had to stand at the side whilst everyone else boarded because they had in fact put me on standby! I told them I need to be sat next to my carer in the event of evacuation/emergency. They told me that when I board the plane, I should stand at the front and shout to ask if anyone can swap seats with me. As someone with autism, this is never in a million years someone like me would be able to do. I was so upset.
Overall, we were delayed over 24 hours.”
This sounds like an absolutely horrible experience, Maddie! We’re very sorry you had to deal with that, but thank you for sharing your story. Aside from the lengthy delay, which is already bad enough, the airline and crew appear to have made the whole process much harder for you.
Maddie also mentioned that it took a long time to get any response to compensation claims for this trip, and ended up having to go through ADR Aviation to get a result. Whenever we’ve spoken about delays and cancellations in The Detour, many of you have recommended using a third party to advocate on your behalf. So, if you have any tips on firms that have helped you get the payout you’re entitled to, we’d love to hear from you!
As always, just hit ‘Reply’ to share your tips and experiences!
Sparkling Seas for a Silver Anniversary
"We're interested in going to the Greek Islands with friends to celebrate our 25th anniversaries (same year for each couple) in October 2026. Santorini & Mykonos sound crowded with tourists? My husband will be having a knee replacement this year. Hopefully by then he is more mobile. Our interests are food, culture, oceans and swimming, but I know it's late in the season. Any suggestions?"
Answered by Fran
Flight Finder Fran is an Italian globetrotter with a passion for remote destinations and snacking. Currently based in Brussels, she'll gladly tell you where to find the yummiest fries around the city.
Hello, reader! Since you’ll be travelling in the shoulder season, Santorini and Mykonos shouldn’t be so bad in terms of crowds. That said, although the two islands are gorgeous, the general vibe remains quite touristy even after the summer. If you feel like getting a more authentic experience, here are some of my favourite Cycladic islands, reachable by ferry ride from Santorini & Mykonos:
Folegandros — A 50-minute ferry ride from Santorini, with no airport and only one main road, it's one of the smallest and prettiest islands in the Cyclades. Expect rugged coastlines, turquoise waters, lazy days and even lazier evenings.
Ios — Only 45 minutes away from Thira Port, the island comes with an insane food scene, over 35 breathtaking beaches, and a nightlife rivalling Mykonos'. There’s no shortage of boat tours to guide you around the hidden coves and turquoise waters, so you’ll feel right at home.
If you’re in the mood for a diversion inland, take a drive out to the ruined Byzantine fortress that looms over Ios. There’s a well-paved path up from the road, which should be kind to your husband’s knee if he’s feeling more mobile — and if not, the views are still worth it!
Sikinos — Hop on a two-hour ferry from Santorini, and you'll reach this secluded, forgotten gem filled with endless windmills, pebble-stoned alleys, and picturesque mansions. Don't miss a visit to the Manalis Winery: located on the northwest side of the island, the area has been producing wine since ancient times.
Koufonisia — Welcome to the small Cyclades! A two-hour ferry from Thira Port will bring you over to these two mesmerizing sister islands. Get ready for a laid-back atmosphere, untouched beaches (literally, don't expect umbrellas or sunbeds!), and a very lonely tavern. FYI, there's no public transport on Koufonisia, but they're compact enough to be explored by foot.
Milos — Two hours away from Santorini, you may recognise this volcanic gem from its well-known moon-like beach. Make sure to spend a couple of hours in Pollonia: a relaxed fishing village in the north of the island, where it’s hard not to scarf down some of the freshest seafood you'll ever taste.
Naxos — A short 45-minute ferry ride from Mykonos, it’s the largest island in the Cyclades, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural charm. The island is dotted with ancient ruins, including the iconic Temple of Apollo, as well as long, sandy beaches that feel deserted in comparison to those on Mykonos!
Paros — Only 45 minutes by ferry from Mykonos, Paros is the epitome of Cycladic charm. From the quaint streets of Naoussa to the peaceful village of Lefkes, it’s the perfect blend of laid-back vibes, buzzing nightlife, and ancient marble quarries.
These are some of my personal favourites, but since there are over 200 islands just in the Cyclades, there are countless options that will fit your group’s needs. You have plenty of time to research, at least, so open the map and see where you fancy :-)
Now, if you guys are looking for a more exciting way to island hop, why not book a sailing trip? Websites like Sailsquare and Crewbay connect boat owners and people seeking sailing experiences. While some opportunities will put you to work, others offer a more gentle introduction to life on the high seas.
Flight Finder Marshall just got back from a voyage between Athens and Heraklion, and in June I’ll navigate from Milos to Lefkada in a 6-person sailboat. If you’re lucky enough, you might even get the whole boat to yourselves!
Oh, and if you happen to pass by Kea, this Airbnb looks like heaven on earth!
Wherever you end up going, enjoy your time in Greece! And don't forget to send us some pics :-)
Pick of the Clicks
All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across web this week.
- Struggling to work out where to start researching for your next trip? There’s one massive resource that we always recommend: Reddit. Here’s why!
- Theme park lovers, rejoice! A new Universal Studios park is on its way, and you’ve got 5 years to plan your trip.
- In another tale of questionable choices from a Ryanair crew, one passenger was escorted off her flight by police after a card payment for Pringles and a Coke was declined.
- And finally, I present to you an opening line strong enough to make me book a flight immediately: “If Hobbiton had a love child with the Loire Valley, the offspring would be Zmajevac”. Well done, Marianna Hunt, we salute you!
