US Airways: Bane of My Existence

So, it's finally time to leave the South for Milwaukee. We're taking the bridal couple to the airport with us so they can leave on their honeymoon to Europe (awww, how cute). Perhaps we shouldn't have stopped at Sonic first, but who doesn't love it? Running slightly behind, we made it to the Memphis airport. We get on the flight and make it to the Charlotte airport. Now begins the hell.

My flight was canceled. Why? Technical difficulties? Weather? No. "Air Traffic." Apparently, this is a condition where the FAA says the airline has to cancel a flight, and guess what? The airline isn't liable! How convenient! When asked, the airline personnel explained it to me as this: "There are too many planes in the air." Hmmmm.... sure. So, can they get me on the next flight? Well, of course, everything is overbooked to Milwaukee until the next day, which is when I start work! Well, that's just super. But, they were so nice, they offered to fly me into Chicago, arriving at 9PM. But they offered me nothing more than that. Not a connecting shuttle, or anything. Apparently, that's as far as they had to help me. It's really the fact that they were so willing to go the extra mile. That's what makes "US Airways" so special. So, I get on the plane, make it to Chicago, then get on a bus into Milwaukee (on my own dime) just fine, right? Well, no. Of course, the plane is delayed over an hour. This puts me in Chicago waiting at the baggage claim until past 10PM, when the last shuttle for Milwaukee has already left. Oh, but that's not enough. My bag didn't even arrive! So, I go to the luggage counter, and asked for their help. The lady behind the counter informed me that my bag was probably sent to Milwaukee, since that was the original destination. Then she tried making some calls, but realized that everything had already left. So, she turned to the two men (father and son) next to me, and asked them if they were going to Milwaukee. They said yes, and she asked how. They said they were driving. "Oh, well this young man [me] needs to get there. Would you be able to take them?" Well, if that isn't just awkward! Well, luckily, the first helpful people that I had met all day happened to be citizens of the great state of Wisconsin, who offered to give me a ride into Milwaukee. I was desperate, so I took it. They seemed nice enough, and judging by their car, they were upper-middle class at least, so I wasn't too afraid to ride the hour with them. The important thing is that I was there safe and sound. Just without a lot of my dress clothes, dress shoes, or toiletries. So, I was ready to start work the next day!

I had everything planned so wonderfully for my first day of work. The plan definitely did not include me shaving with Julie's extra Lady Bic disposable razor and "Melon Madness" shaving gel, without me washing my hair, since I had no product to put in it! But, luckily I still had my suits in the garment bag which I had carried on my flights. So, on my first day I was still able to wear a suit and tie. And a bitter, bitter hatred towards US Airways.