The company used to book the Christmas visit to Jersey provide transport from home to the departure point. This arrived on time on December 23rd and the journey to Gatwick airport began. However, along the way it became increasingly apparent that the weather conditions were deteriorating and the amount of thick, low-lying fog was increasing dramatically.
On entering the terminal, it became obvious that things were not
as they should be. An incredible number of people were queued up
at check-in and sales desks. It was almost impossible to move
around the building due to the numbers of passengers.
The tour guide escorting the group called everyone around and explained that, due to the fog, Jersey airport had been closed for most of the day. The conditions at Gatwick were also approaching the point where no further flights would be departing. One bus bringing a number of people to join the group was also delayed by a number of hours and would not have made the flight in any case. For this reason, as soon as the minibuses used to reach the airport could be recalled, everyone would be transferred to the Holiday Inn close to the airport to spend the night. Attempts were also underway to re-book the group on another flight the following day, but this was proving a challenge due to the size of the party. One or two seats were a lot easier to find than the 20+ required.
On reaching the hotel, a room was allocated and it was not long before everyone was sitting down to a most welcome evening meal. Though not quite a luxurious as would have been the case had we managed to reach Jersey, the hotel had done well to provide anything to such a large group at short notice.
Eventually, the tour guide announced that seats had been found on a flight leaving the following afternoon. This would see the group arrive much later than expected but in time to celebrate Christmas Eve on the island.
After a few more drinks in the bar, an early night was needed after the extended journey and the disappointment of not leaving. The following day, after a hearty breakfast and another surprisingly well catered lunch, the time came to check-out. This included the added bonus of the restaurant and bar tab from the previous evening being allocated to the tour operators bill. Though not an excessive amount, it proved that using the hotel credit facilities rather than paying as you go can have its advantages.
The late afternoon flight left as expected and arrived in Jersey in the early evening. This was considered fortunate as it was made known to the group that another Christmas excursion to the continent, organised by the same travel company, had again failed to leave the UK. This tour had now been abandoned and the passengers were being returned to spend the festivities at home. No doubt, many were faced with the prospect of beans on toast for dinner on Christmas Day with nothing to wash it down but a mug of tea.