Our flight from DFW to Chicago went off without a hitch. Little did we know that that would pretty much be the very last hitch-less flight on our whole trip!! We had a pretty substantial layover in Chicago. Just prior to boarding, we were told via intercom that there would be a slight delay due to a technical malfunction on the plane...and if they couldn't fix it, they were going to have to switch out planes - this delay should take about 45 minutes to one hour. Okay, we thought, that's nice...glad they are going to work out the technical malfunction prior to an overseas flight...that's always good.
After the first hour went by, the next "intercom installment" went something like, "We've found the cause of the technical malfunction and we are working dilligently to fix it. There is a defective 'part' that we need to replace prior to departure," or something like that...they just kept refering to "THE PART", which started to become humorous, and yes, annoying. But hey, we thought, if "THE PART" was part of the the landing gear or an engine, we are all for taking the time for you to check that out, etc.
After the next hour went by, our next "intercom installment" was given by someone who seemed to be more in the know. Apparently, enough disgruntled passengers-to-be had given the check-in counter attendants enough mess that they replaced the announcement person who was expertly vague about the situation with someone who was confident enough to give a little more information...so, we found out that "THE PART" was something having to do with the refrigeration unit that kept the food cold. Also, of course, "THE PART" was wedged in a very cramped area that only person could get to. Another hour goes by....
Finally, at 9PM, we were able to board and our flight from Chicago to Munich, Germany was uneventful - Praise God. I passed out in front of our in flight movie selections, while Lauren - who was unable to sleep really - surfed the channels. We were unaware of how a small, 3 hour delay could alter our direct flight plans....
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