Another adventure leaving PHL for LAX on Flight 1417 this morning!

After finally getting a "push" out of the gate (the pilot informed us that he had called for a push three times before getting an answer), we head off to taxi. After waiting about 10 minutes, the pilot informs us that "we are number 32 for take off"!

Number 32? Personally, I had never had a pilot admit that my flight was more than number 17 for take off -- so the "we are number 32" situation sounded absurd. Well, when I asked the flight attendant if being number 32 was some kind of record, they laughed and told me that they have been "100+ for take off" out of ORD on occasion!

Just curious: what's the highest "number before takeoff" that you all have experienced? Feel free to add any interesting tidbits, too.

Another adventure leaving PHL for LAX on Flight 1417 this morning!

After finally getting a "push" out of the gate (the pilot informed us that he had called for a push three times before getting an answer), we head off to taxi. After waiting about 10 minutes, the pilot informs us that "we are number 32 for take off"!

Number 32? Personally, I had never had a pilot admit that my flight was more than number 17 for take off -- so the "we are number 32" situation sounded absurd. Well, when I asked the flight attendant if being number 32 was some kind of record, they laughed and told me that they have been "100+ for take off" out of ORD on occasion!

Just curious: what's the highest "number before takeoff" that you all have experienced? Feel free to add any interesting tidbits, too.

I do not know which was the maximum number that I had, but.... just for curiosity, how long it took for taking off with num 32?

I hope you took your connection if you had....

A couple years ago, I was on a UA flight from ORD to CMH. We actually were pushed back early, which was good considering I was so tired after a business trip.

After the pushback, the plane sat on the tarmac not far from the gate for about 10 minutes before we finally taxied. After taxiing for awhile, we finally stopped, and the pilot said we were number 30 something in line. I was listening to the communication channel (was it 9? I can't remember, it's been a long time since I took UA). The pilots of who knows how many planes on the radio were asking the ATC for their number. The ATC seemed to be a little impatient and said if you're flight is not called, that means you're above number 10 or something like that. Of course my flight was not on the list of the first 10 flights. We finally made it to about number 15 or so, then the pilot informed us that the airport had been turned around and we had to taxi to another runway. From the window, I saw so many planes taxiing in line to another runway. It was like a traffic jam on a highway full with different types of aircraft, from 747s to RJs.

Now, for some reason, we were number 20 something. We waited in line for a while and the pilot once again came on the PA and said that we were running low on fuel and had to go back to the gate. At this time, cell phone use was permitted and people started making phone calls. We were at the gate, but stayed on board. The refueling process took only about 15 minutes. Of course, we lost our place in line. We started again, this time it wasn't too bad. We were number 10 something.

All in all, a flight that left the gate a few minutes early ended up taking off 4 hours later. What a day!

Just curious: what's the highest "number before takeoff" that you all have experienced? Feel free to add any interesting tidbits, too.

"Dear passengers, we are #30 on the line, it will take us around 35 minutes." 45 minutes later: "We are cleared for take off."

August 2006, ATL. 8:10 a.m.

My top two have been #17 and #26, both at LGA after thunderstorms cleared out.

Three years ago, PHL to AMS. "We are 5th in line for de-icing". From push back to take off - three hours. Fortunately, we were in Envoy via upgrade certs.

#38, JFK at 8PM on a Friday night.

My top two have been #17 and #26, both at LGA after thunderstorms cleared out.

LGA is a bear. My worst experiences have been with shuttles in the
same situation:

DL, 8 Oct 2000 - Captain: "We have a bit of company tonight -
we're #30 for takeoff."

US, 5 Aug 2001 - #50-something, had to go back for refueling;
7:00 flight took off at 10:35.

Last week leaving IAH the pilot said we were "about 20" in line. There had been some rather remarkable weather through Houston a couple hours prior to this so it seemed somewhat understandable. From my window I counted 24 planes taking off before us and it's possible that I may have missed a couple but it was about 90 minutes from the gate to take off. As we were climbing I counted 46 planes on two taxi ways waiting to take off. I guess it's just me but every afternoon flight out of IAH this year for me has been either delayed significantly or cancelled. I always try for upgrades on the flights out of IAH and they have always cleared so I guess it wasn't too bad. I got a whole bunch of Sudoku puzzles done! So if you see me waiting for an afternoon flight (2:35 pm or 5:25 pm on UA to ORD) you may just want to start looking for a different flight. :D :D

#55
FRA-BUD.
took 1hr+, but once we backed out of the gate, the pilot hauled a**.

Ladies and Gents...We are #82 for departure, please feel free to use your cell phones...FA Announcement

US ORD-PHL

After a Noreaster in 2005 ;)

Was on a DL flight departing from ATL once in which the captain announced that there were more than 100 aircraft ahead of us in the queue. (The field had just opened again after a thunderstorm.)

While it took quite a long time before we were cleared for takeoff, my visions of being there all night were, fortunately, not realized. They were using multiple runways and ATC was operating efficiently, something that cannot be counted upon in PHL.

50 something in PIT going to PHL. May 2006. Airforce 1 was a PHL and they closed the field. 2 hours late, and I missed my international connection.

I think my personal best is 72 (at LAS, after a thunderstorm).

I've been over 50th at the following other airports:

LGA
JFK
ORD
ATL
LAX
LHR
MSP
SFO

US, PHL-PIT-Captain comes on and said that there were 37 planes ahead of us, and that was only counting the ones he could see. Said to go ahead and fire up our cell phones and laptops as we'll be here for a while. That was 2-3 years ago, and when I made my firm policy of never connecting in PHL again.

41 for departure out of PHL. It took about an hour and 15 minutes. I think.

EWR one day years ago. Lord only know how many airplanes in front of us, as the pilot never told us (probably feared mutiny), but the taxi to takeoff was over an hour.

Hey, I was on the same flight....

Hey, I was on the same flight....

I was in seat 9A and I was wearing a shirt that said "Stone Harbor". (No pot jokes, please; Stone Harbor is a shore town in south Jersey just a few miles north of TopGun's home of Cape May.) You must have seen me because I drank a lot of water on that flight and, as a result, well, you know... :D

longest was on a CO flight out of IAH heading back home to PHL - 24th in line, but waited only about 10-15 minutes....the pilot was obviously a big liar.

Until we were within 25 minutes of LAX, there was cloud cover the entire time. I'd never gone transcon without being able to see land. Very weird -- and the rain beneath many of those clouds probably caused delays elsewhere and didn't help our chances of getting out of PHL any sooner.

PLUS, because of strong headwind, the flight time was 5:45!!

longest was on a CO flight out of IAH heading back home to PHL - 24th in line, but waited only about 10-15 minutes....the pilot was obviously a big liar.
Probably not- IAH's runway layout allows for multiple simultaneous takeoffs and landings, and the airspace isn't nearly as crowded as up in the NE so they can often take advantage of it.

I think my personal best is 72 (at LAS, after a thunderstorm).

I've been over 50th at the following other airports:

LGA
JFK
ORD
ATL
LAX
LHR
MSP
SFO

Whoa!! You're only a Silver and had that many 50+ experiences?? With that kind of luck, I hope you only fly to LAS for the shows and restaurants!! :D

Week ago today. Rain in NY area had just cleared or was clearing. Flying JFK-DCA, scheduled out at 10:40, left gate at 11:40. Pilot said "we are number 40, that is four zero, for takeoff. Please feel free to use your cell phones or get up to use the lavatory if you need to". It didnt help that my itinerary was XPJ-CDG-JFK-DCA with a few hours connection at both CDG and JFK. A long day. I dimly recall being in the 90s going out of JFK once, but I think I have suppressed it.

Once at CHO, we were actually number 3 for takeoff :D

Once at CHO, we were actually number 3 for takeoff :D

I've never been higher than number 1 for takeoff at ERI. I think they tell any private pilots to get lost.

I think they tell any private pilots to get lost.

I assume you're joking.

I've never been higher than number 1 for takeoff at ERI.

There is nothing whatsoever unusual about that given the class of airspace at ERI.

I assume you're joking.



There is nothing whatsoever unusual about that given the class of airspace at ERI.

Actually I'm not joking. I've flown on private planes there, and air carrier operations are always given priority. If you and US want to taxi at the same time, you know who goes first. They also clear you out of the way on appraoch. That's just the way that tower operates.

Actually I'm not joking. I've flown on private planes there, and air carrier operations are always given priority. If you and US want to taxi at the same time, you know who goes first. They also clear you out of the way on appraoch. That's just the way that tower operates.


Apparently not at OXR...UAL7106....

We taxied to the runway first and held for a private turboprop to taxi past us and takeoff #1...I was like what the f***...

Its up to Departure Control to release who....

Apparently not at OXR...UAL7106....

We taxied to the runway first and held for a private turboprop to taxi past us and takeoff #1...I was like what the f***...

Its up to Departure Control to release who....


Try PBI around the holidays! Citations, Gulfstreams, etc. And they all seem to get priority over commercial traffic.

Actually I'm not joking. I've flown on private planes there, and air carrier operations are always given priority. If you and US want to taxi at the same time, you know who goes first. They also clear you out of the way on appraoch. That's just the way that tower operates.
Yep, CRJs and Dash-8s routinely bypass Cessnas at CHO on the taxiway. And I'm sure that DL 737 on the tarmac last night at CHO would get the same treatment.

Remember, too, that while the small private plane can take off in front of you and you'll have little delay it doesn't work in reverse.

It's far easier to send the "cessna" out first because you don't have to make the second plane hold for wake turbulence or do avoidance maneuvers (which may or may not be possible based on configuration). That's pretty sound ATC.

I was on our Lear 35 into St. Lucia in March and they put us on this crazy approach. It took us about 15 minutes to get in and the whole time a US Airways Jet sat and waited for us to land. My collegue commented "that poor US Airways" jet to which I responded "oh thats a new perk of the Chairman's Preferred status, if you are on a private jet they will hold all US planes for you to land first" :)

Felt bad for those on that US 757 but the view was nice from the Lear!

Sean

I've been number 41 at ORD before...it was nice being on UA (in E+) and listening to ATC trying to manuver everything into place.

Back in 1999-2001, I remember fondly those nights at LGA on the US Shuttle back to DCA being told we were "number 79" or thereabouts for takeoff. 32 doesn't seem all that high to me.

# 45 in PHL, several # 20ies. Longest time for take off 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Landing? haha, 3 hours in PHL last year, Several years ago 3.5 hours in Dallas on an AA flight after major storm, no-one could get out, incoming lined up.

Yep, CRJs and Dash-8s routinely bypass Cessnas at CHO on the taxiway. And I'm sure that DL 737 on the tarmac last night at CHO would get the same treatment.
Probably UNC's football team. They fly Delta, however two years ago they bussed up for that game.

Probably UNC's football team. They fly Delta, however two years ago they bussed up for that game.
UNC has a football team????? :p

I was in seat 9A and I was wearing a shirt that said "Stone Harbor". (No pot jokes, please; Stone Harbor is a shore town in south Jersey just a few miles north of TopGun's home of Cape May.) You must have seen me because I drank a lot of water on that flight and, as a result, well, you know... :D

I was in 21D

July of 2004, US Airways 127, Bad Weather, #34... The Capatain turned off the engines to save some fuel :)

Feb 2006 snowstorm in NY. On QF ex JFK, approx 30 in front. An incoming A340 skidded off one of the 2 available runways, leaving one. After leaving the gate at 11pm, taxiing for 3 hours, then no fuel left for the trip, and no gates left. So stayed on board until about 10am next morning. 11 hours to nowhere! Finally departed at midnight, 29 hours late. :(

UNC has a football team????? :p

Yep, and they have a college to go along with it. :D

Leaving PHL last Monday, we were told we were number 15 for take off. It took 20 minutes. Two nights later I was leaving PHL again and we were told we were number 34 for take off. I said to my fellow F seatmate that we will be sitting there for 45 minutes. 48 minutes later, we were on our way. My new friend was very impressed with my accuracy. I'm frequenting PHL quite a bit this month (and next) and I have not had very good experiences thus far.

I was on a final leg of a flight home to BWI from PHL. We were # 63 in a summer thunderstorm. We waited for over 2 hours on the taxiway. The pilor came on and then informed us that the crew was over their time for the day and the flight was cancelled. I could have rented a car and driven home faster. Ended up getting a cab to 30th Street Station to get Amtrak home. I hate PHL!!!

I was on a PHL-BOS flight last Thursday in which only about 15 minutes lapsed between push-back and wheels-up. I think we set a record! ^ Granted, we were delayed about a half hour due to a late incoming flight, but as far as PHL goes, it was a very pleasant experience - which I know isn't saying much. :D

Another adventure leaving PHL for LAX on Flight 1417 this morning!

After finally getting a "push" out of the gate (the pilot informed us that he had called for a push three times before getting an answer), we head off to taxi. After waiting about 10 minutes, the pilot informs us that "we are number 32 for take off"!

Number 32? Personally, I had never had a pilot admit that my flight was more than number 17 for take off -- so the "we are number 32" situation sounded absurd. Well, when I asked the flight attendant if being number 32 was some kind of record, they laughed and told me that they have been "100+ for take off" out of ORD on occasion!

Just curious: what's the highest "number before takeoff" that you all have experienced? Feel free to add any interesting tidbits, too.
*******************************

I was number 57 for take off a few weeks ago out of LAS to DTW.


We pushed from the gate 2hours 5 minutes late due to lighting. Then we sat on the Ramp for 1 hour while the airport was closed. Then the captain made the announcement that we are 57 for takeoff. We didn’t leave LAS to 3:30 AM.


Gotta love Weather!

Yep, CRJs and Dash-8s routinely bypass Cessnas at CHO on the taxiway. And I'm sure that DL 737 on the tarmac last night at CHO would get the same treatment.

IFR pilots (all Airline operations) are generally given priority over VFR flights. IFR flights have a discrete window in which to depart, or else their departure slot will be lost.

Also - your priority for departure depends on where you are going. If you are headed into an area with weather, they'll delay your departure and clear someone that is headed into a sector without weather delays.

Unless you are listening to tower and clearance delivery - the order in which airplanes leave the airport doesn't always appear to make sense.

Feb 2006 snowstorm in NY. On QF ex JFK, approx 30 in front. An incoming A340 skidded off one of the 2 available runways, leaving one. After leaving the gate at 11pm, taxiing for 3 hours, then no fuel left for the trip, and no gates left. So stayed on board until about 10am next morning. 11 hours to nowhere! Finally departed at midnight, 29 hours late. :(

My God. That's a nightmare!!

If there was no fuel, were they atl east able to run the air conditioning/heater??

If there was no fuel, were they atl east able to run the air conditioning/heater??
I would guarantee that "no fuel for the trip" means not having the required amount for T/O. Given the length of the flight in question, they undoubtedly had enough fuel to provide heat for days.

I've no experience on A340's, but using other airplanes as a guide, the APU that provides the air for heating/cooling when the engines are shut down probably burns 25% as much fuel per hour as each of the 4 engines do in flight.

Jim

I would guarantee that "no fuel for the trip" means not having the required amount for T/O. Given the length of the flight in question, they undoubtedly had enough fuel to provide heat for days.

I've no experience on A340's, but using other airplanes as a guide, the APU that provides the air for heating/cooling when the engines are shut down probably burns 25% as much fuel per hour as each of the 4 engines do in flight.

Jim

Jim, I'm guessing you ought to have the record around here for highest #. What is it?

Frankly, I don't know - whether I'd have the record or what the highest number I've been was.

In all honesty, once you get more than 10-15 in line at most big airports it's just a guess what number you are since most runways have at least 2 routes to the runway and the total number of planes in "front" of you doesn't necessarily tell you what number you are. The tower will usually only give the T/O order for the first 8-10 airplanes.

A further complicating factor at most big airports is the number of runways in use (PHL & LGA are obvious exceptions). You could be #10 for "your" runway but #40 in terms of departures from the airport.

Finally, there's the differences between how different airports are able to handle traffic. #30 @ PHL may mean an hour in line while at ORD it might only mean 20 minutes.

Jim