09/01/2026
🚨 STORY TIME…
My flight was diverted on the way back from Punta Cana yesterday, and here is how I handled it!
So the first leg of my flight yesterday was supposed to be Punta Cana to Washington, D.C. but it was diverted to Jacksonville because of a medical emergency onboard. Because of the diversion, I was not going to make it on time from IAD to Denver because of how long we sat at Jacksonville. Keep in mind we still had to go through customs once we landed in IAD.
While we were on the ground, instead of waiting until we landed to figure everything out, I spoke with a rep from the airline via text and was rebooked for the first flight out this morning and booked a hotel near IAD. Neither one costed me anything and if they did I would’ve just filed a claim through the airline (which I still might do). My status with the airline helped make the process smoother, but I still had to recognize what the diversion meant and move before my options became limited.
No offense to anyone else on the plane but the way some of them handled the situation is the one thing that I tell clients all the time. You have to show patience and grace even in some of the hardest times and don’t get me wrong it was rough, but there was honestly nothing we could do. The only thing I could control was what happens when I got off the plane. So when we finally landed, I went through global entry and customs, got my bag, got in an uber, went to the hotel, took a shower and went to bed. Got up this morning and here I am at the Airport Lounge before my flight.
Travel does not always go according to plan, even for us travel advisors. Sometimes the route changes, but the end result does not. If everything goes well, I will be in Colorado by 10 am. I’ll keep you updated!
What’s a crazy airport story, you’re willing to share? I have a 3 hour flight with free WiFi (hopefully)
