I flew out of International Falls, MN recently – after a 5 hour delay. After we cleared TSA security, we got the announcement that our 6:25 a.m. flight would be delayed until 11:30.

It seems there was a mechanical issue that needed to be addressed. Well, I’m all for airline safety – especially when I’m going to be on that airplane!

The “rest of the story” was that Delta had to fly a mechanic to that airport on the next scheduled flight from Minneapolis. Apparently he was able to correct the mechanical problem, and we were on our way.

I happened to be sitting right behind the mechanic who joined us on our flight to Minneapolis. When asked about the problem by another passenger, the mechanic said, “Oh, there’s a small panel right out there, and there was a screw missing. I had to replace that screw.”

Seriously?

There’s no one in International Falls who can operate a screwdriver?

You couldn’t get on a conference call or get on Skype to have someone walk you through the process?

The mechanic was quick to point out that it was TSA that grounded the airplane, not Delta.

So someone something with a screw loose caused a 5-hour delay, dozens of missed connections across the country, and 6 hours of a mechanic’s time, not to mention the horrible PR that everyone on that flight will spread to everyone they know.

By the way, just for fun, you’ve got to check out Joe Malarkey’s (www.JoeMalarkey.com) comments about TSA in this video where he demonstrates the “TSA Macarena!”

{ 0 comments }