Crazy experience flying into Philadelphia and diverted to Norfolk
So we were flying into Philadelphia from Seattle earlier this evening on AS 442 with an estimated arrival time of 6:16pm. Most of the flight went well but just as we were at the Ohio/Pennsylvania border the flight started to veer off a bit from the projected path. As we got closer to PHL we started circling around the airport.
After a few loops we were notified that we were unable to land due to a thunderstorm and resulting flight congestion and diverting to Norfolk, Virginia (ORF) because of a fuel shortage. Once we landed we were told we were going to take on more fuel and return to PHL. After sitting on the tarmac we were informed there was no one to open the door and they had to find someone.
Approximately 30-40 minutes later they did but then the pilot got on the intercom and said the crew was going to be timing out and that a new crew would need to be brought in to fly the plane back. We were told to gather our personal belongings and go into the terminal. We were told under no circumstances to leave the secure area as that would hinder re-boarding the return flight. As people gathered up their stuff we were told more information would be forthcoming once we were inside.
We soon found out that would not be the case. As we entered into the terminal the few staff there looked shocked to see us. We quickly found out that Alaska Airlines has no presence in Norfolk and the employees had no idea we were coming. On a positive note they tried their best to help but since they worked for American Eagle they had little in the way of useful information.
Once we were all off the security door was closed behind us and the crew and attendants stayed on the plane. Still haven’t seen any of them since we got off nearly 3 hours ago.
To make things worse no restaurant or bars were open. The terminal was completely dead. We had departed Seattle at 9:30AM and many had not eaten thinking they would be having dinner after arriving at our destination.
The most frustrating part is that no one knew anything or could tell us anything definitive about what the plans were or the arrival of the relief crew.
I spent an hour on the phone with customer service and they had no information about what was happening. They were asking me what was happening and what were we being told. They did say there was supposed to be a flight departing Philadelphia with the relief crew but no ETA when they would actually depart.
So here we sit hoping that the new crew that we were told was flying up hours ago is actually on the way. I’ve never felt so off-the-grid with a flying experience.