Anatomy of a missed flight

Leave client site 5 minutes later than planned

Oversize load on I-70 - traffic bogged down for 3-4 miles

Arrive at rental car return - 1 associate staffed per 20 cars

Board shuttle - airline is last stop on route

Airline changes flight time - 10 minutes earlier

Unable to check-in bag due to flight time - did not arrive 45 minutes before departure (see above)

Gut decision - choose to leave bag for co-worker to check instead of taking 6 p.m. flight (airline does not allow for luggage and passenger to fly separately)

Luggage handle stuck in down position - carry 50 lb bag through terminal in search of luggage store instead of pulling on wheels

Complete paper work to leave bag for co-worker to pick up for hourly fee

Wait to pass through security check-point

Board tram - Gate C is last stop on schedule

Arrive at gate 10 minutes prior to original departure time to find gate closed and airplane departing

Add name to standby list for 2:45 (MST) flight

Post blog entry as coping mechanism during wait