LOS ANGELES to LOS ANGELES (LAX-LAX) on American MD80 in economy class

Eventually it was time to board and I headed for the gate. I boarded with the first call, stowed my carry on and took my seat. As the a/c filled up I wondered if there had been some mistake - the gate monitors showed 21 standby pax but yet still the seat beside me was vacant. It appeared the last pax had boarded and the crew did final checks. Then, just as the door was closed one last pax boarded. Oh well.

There was a bit of running around by the cabin crew during the safety briefing and again as we headed out for the taxiway. Then we stopped. The captain made an announcement they just needed to check this one indicator light. Oh dear - I know what this means.

Sure enough we soon turn around and taxi back to the gate. On the way an announcement is made the a/c is being taken out of service and to please wait at the gate for a replacement a/c and reboarding. I suppose I should be thankful this is happening at a hub and not some airport in the boondocks where replacement a/c would not be available.

After a short wait for the airbridge to connect we disembark and I made my way back to the lounge to research my options while I awaited news on the flight.