"How to Miss Your First Flight: A Beginner's Guide to Travel Follies

I saw some people arrive just 15 minutes before their flight. I wondered why they would be late. Maybe they were too negligent or maybe their taxi got delayed. I saw them running with their bags and rushing through security, requesting everyone, including the airport security guys, to let them pass. I was a bit skeptical and said to myself, "Why would the security guys be worried about them? They aren't the ones who came late." On the other hand, I was there 2 hours before the departure time. Guess who missed the flight? I DID!!!

Yeah, there's a first time for everything.

I was on my way home to Kerala. I left my room at least 3 hours prior. My intention was not to reach the gate early. I just wanted to get the last airport lounge access before it expired, like every other Indian at heart, hum paisa wasool karke le lete hain.

Met a family at the lounge, who were also flying to Kozhikode on the same flight. As the lounge was pretty small, it was pretty crowded. So, I had to share my table with a stranger for lunch. Once lunch was done, I played a little with their child. Then, because of the rush, I left from there and came down to where the entry gates are.

Terminal 1 is the smallest terminal in Mumbai. The gates were pretty congested. I sat a bit far at a point where I could see my designated gate. People were standing there. I thought, why not sit somewhere quiet? The display showed my flight, but the queue managers were there in place. So, I thought I would come back once they let people through and got engaged in my own work.

As a frequent traveler, people always call me to ask opinions about booking hotels and prepare itineraries for them. A friend of mine had sent a few guys my way. They wanted to get desert safari bookings at Jaisalmer done for tonight. They had been in touch with me for the past few weeks. So, I wanted to send them to the best place. As I was on leave, I had one of my friends drop my car to them, and I was on calls with a few desert camps. As the tourist season was at its peak, the usual tents were all fully occupied. Finally, I found a decent camp and sent their contact details to the guys, all while keeping an eye on the gate.

As the clock ticked closer to departure, my frustration mounted. When I saw "Final call" on TV, I approached the gate, only to discover the boarding had closed. Since counters were limited ppl for next flight have been standing there. I never noticed that the crowd i saw earlier has been replaced by new crowd. Panic ensued.

My heart started pounding. I didn't know what to do. I was desperately looking for alternate options to go home. The trains were already on the waiting list, and I am on my last week of the paycheck. Don't have a dime to spend for another flight ticket until next week when my salary gets credited. My hands were shivering, and I was stumbling to move. I went to the security guys. They said they needed someone from Indigo to let me out. I went back to the gate and asked for help. One of the crew members guided me back to the terminal and told me to go to Counter No. 33, and as she turned back, she told me they'll help me find another flight. She walked away before I could ask how. A glimpse of hope arose in me.

I was still struggling to find a train ticket, and a plethora of thoughts flashed before me. What if I don't get a train tomorrow or even the day after? As I already exhausted my leave, how will I get home? And then I have to get back to Jaisalmer on Saturday? I called my cousin who was coming to pick me up from the airport and just told him I missed my flight and don't come. Then, I hung up. I had even forgotten that he himself is a pilot and he might have some options to tell me.

As I walked to Counter No. 33, I was hoping for a miracle. There was this fine gentleman, Kaisar Abrar, or something similar. I vaguely noticed his nameplate as I didn't know what else to do at that point. My eyes were literally seeing nothing. I told him what happened, and he said let me check. My heart was pounding even faster now. He said there is a delay in their software. Heard him murmuring to his colleague, "Did they upgrade or downgrade this thing?" Their software delay was creating worst-case scenarios in my mind. Finally, he said he found an option, but it's a connecting flight, which will take me 4 more hours than what I was supposed to. 4 hours? Man, I would have said okay even if it was 14 hours. I am that desperate to get home.

Then came another shocker. I asked him if there were any charges. He casually said 2500 plus fare difference. My mind immediately gave me a flash. It's not the 2500, but it's that latter part, the fare difference. Flights this late are going to cost me a bomb. I told myself if it's somewhere around 3-4k, I would say yes; otherwise, I'll embrace my fate and go back to my room. The thought of seeing roommates whom I told goodbye is killing me at this moment. Finally, Kaisar broke the silence and told me it's just 2500 only. Finally. Thank you, God Almighty. You are the best travel planner. 4 hrs and 2500 Rs? That's the lowest anyone can afford and accept.

As Kaisar pounded on his keyboard, those few seconds felt like eternity. Finally, he gave me 2 boarding passes to Bangalore and then to Kozhikode and the receipt, that too printed on the same boarding pass paper.

Kaisar, you are a lifesaver, and I would have hugged you, man, if I could. You saved the last few days of my leave and my dignity. Usually, Indigo doesn't fail to disappoint once in a while, but this was the first time you guys amazed me and saved me from embarrassment. Thanks a ton.

Reflecting on the day's events, i thought just like that, in each step back in our lives, I wish we all had a Counter No. 33. And I think it's there also. We are too worried to see the other side. Whenever something like this happens, we usually give up and blame our own fate. I hope you also find your Counter No. 33.

Happy journey.

I wanted to write a blog for my new Instagram page, and I was waiting for a good story. And here it is. Do check out Footprints and Follies.