A recent incident involving two Delta flights from Mexico highlighted some of the challenges passengers face when flights are diverted. The flights, heading to Boston, were rerouted to Montgomery, Alabama, due to bad weather. This is not an uncommon occurrence, but the situation that unfolded next was far from ideal.

The flights, DL 1828 from Los Cabos and DL 599 from Mexico City, were supposed to stop in Atlanta before continuing to Boston. However, severe thunderstorms changed their plans. Both planes landed in Montgomery around 10:30 p. m. local time. Here's where things got tricky. Since these flights were international, passengers needed to go through customs. But Montgomery's airport didn't have the necessary Customs and Border Protection staff on duty at that hour.

This meant passengers were stuck on the tarmac for seven long hours. They were given only cookies and water to tide them over. Finally, at around 5 a. m. , passengers were allowed to disembark in small groups. But their ordeal wasn't over yet. They had to wait another eight hours before taking off for Atlanta. One passenger, Lauren Forbes, shared her experience. She and her boyfriend had to rebook their connecting flight to Boston on their own. After a grueling 25-hour journey, she finally arrived at Logan Airport, exhausted and eager to go home.

Delta acknowledged the situation, apologizing for the inconvenience and offering full refunds. They explained that the lightning forced them to hold the flights longer than expected, as flight crews had exceeded their working hours. The airline also noted that Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, which would have had the appropriate staffing, was also experiencing severe thunderstorms.

So, what can be learned from this? Well, for one, it's a reminder that even with the best planning, things can go wrong. It's also a chance for airlines to review their protocols and ensure they're doing everything they can to keep passengers safe and comfortable, even in unexpected situations. After all, a little more preparation could go a long way in preventing such long, uncomfortable waits. It's also a chance for passengers to think about what they can do to prepare for unexpected delays. Maybe it's bringing a snack or a book, or maybe it's wearing comfortable clothes. Whatever it is, a little preparation can make a big difference.

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