The longest flight..the longest claim.

And so it begins, our exchange student arrived today in Hartford, CT.

We've been anxiously awaiting her arrival and counting down the days. Even keeping tabs on the weather in Okinawa and the main land of Japan to ensure there would be no anticipated trouble. Just a week earlier there was a Typhoon that made landfall in Okinawa and we were tracking yet another that hit Kyushu and the Main Land just after she had departed from Tokyo to the U.S.

The drive to the parking lot was interesting, we approached the hanging height signs that stated 6'8" high and thought, no problem this little SUV has done this before. Jokingly I said, "Kids hold your breath while we go under the Height Warning Signs". Just then we heard a - BANG, and my wife pulled over, just then realizing we recently purchased and attached a Kayak carrier which fortunately did not break upon impact. (I climbed out and promptly started to remove them and fortunately my wife kept the wrench handy). I must say that was a moment that was slightly embarrassing.

We greeted her as she came through the arrivals doors candidly as to not startle her, for the long flight can make anyone a little groggy. Though there was a Chicago get-together and a over-night stay with other exchange students, she still only got 1 hours rest due to the excitement and anxieties. Adrenaline and anticipation sometimes trumps pure exhaustion.

She arrived with another exchange student from Thailand and we greeted him as well as we were waiting with his host family just outside the security check point. The weather was an oppressive 92F (Humid). She seemed to fair the weather well since she said Okinawa is usually this warm as well. (At this point I have not gotten how humid it is there in comparison).

There was movie and photo opportunities, small conversation and off to the Baggage Claim or lack there of. As we arrived at the luggage carousel with Large and Small baggage just starting to make their way around, we waited patiently....and waited and waited.

Then a small man approached, who looked like a shuttle bus drive by the way he was dressed, telling us there is no more luggage from he Flight that just arrived. We were directed to file a baggage delay claim at the claim department.

Surprisingly she handled it well as did the boy from Thailand who was missing 1 of the 2. This was rather unusual for me, since I've flown United Airlines over a dozen times coast to coast for job related reasons and never experience a loss.

In my mind, I could only picture the sinking feeling of your soul possessions from home lost somewhere between Chicago and Connecticut, being this is your first time in the Continental United States.

We slowly made our way towards home - stopping for Dinner at The Olive Garden. At the time it seemed like a good idea, for we were all hungry. The food was pretty good, but the atmosphere was off-key, there was a table next to us with small children who were allowed to scream and blurt out random noises unchecked and a parent who did seem to know the meaning of being firm. Needless to say, we ate and quickly departed.

Arrived at our home, her new home - proceeded to contact the Baggage Claim at United. We had called back there over 5 times to confirm first if the bag was ever found and then to solidify a delivery time. We were told somewhere between 08:00 p.m. and 02:00 a.m. - which I see as a very large window.

I stayed up and waited, all the while assured by Customer Service that the Luggage will be delivered in that time frame.

As I type this line, the time is currently 02:34 a.m.

(someone is bluffing).

They have our Phone number and Cell number yet we did not receive one call yet. The thickness of my patience is that of melted butter.