Solo Backpacking in Europe: Stranded in Amsterdam

I was at Barcelona airport, by past 9:00 am and thought I will be late, since there’s no check in online. So I checked-in in the counter for my boarding pass.

Transavia is my connecting flight to Amsterdam, it is partnered airline of KLM,. When I tried to check in online using my reservation number, it won’t go through, so I have no choice but to get my boarding pass to the counter.

I read on some reviews, that Transavia only allow 1 hand-carry. But I didn’t worry about that, since I didn’t have any problems with other airlines. I have a travel backpack and 1 handbag.

I made it on the waiting area, I was there 30 minutes before my flight.
Unfortunately, my flight was delayed, by 1 hour. And I have a feeling that I won’t make it on my connecting flight, that will depart at 1:30 pm.

When time to board, I was stopped by the staff, cause 2 bags are not allowed, I told them, I didn’t have any problems with KLM before, apparently, Transavia have a different rule, so I tried to put all of my staff on my backpack, even though, it can’t, anyway, I was still able to board to the plane, with just one bag. But re-arrange my things again once inside the plane.

The plane, was very late, it departs at 11:15 am, and arrived at Amsterdam at 1:15 am.

I ran, I mean I really tried my best to make it on time. I’m having a hard time breathing, thirsty at the same time, my backpack is really killing my back.

When I found the gate, the plane is already on its way to fly.
I ask the staff, where to go, because my connecting flight was delayed, that’s why I didn’t make it on my flight. They told me, to go to the KLM counter to rebooked. And I need to walk again all the way from the start.

I’m really disappointed.
When I’m at the KLM counter, I explained it all over again what happened, why I didn’t make it on time. Unfortunately, upon checking, there’s no other flight for that day going to Toronto. It’s my birthday the next day, and I don’t want to be stranded somewhere, and I’m mad and tired, I really wanted to cry…???
Even though, they are offering to me stay at the hotel, for that day. I really don’t care cause I want to go home, and I have an appointment the next day.

Anyway, I really don’t have a choice, so I stayed at Amsterdam.
I was booked at the hotel near the airport. Full board with dinner and breakfast, and also they gave me an additional coupon.

It was chilly in Amsterdam. After 15 minutes of waiting outside, the hotel shuttle bus finally arrived.

When I checked in at my room, now I realized, maybe it’s not bad that my flight got delayed after all.

And now time for dinner, I’m really starving.
Now, this is dinner! ??

After taking a shower, I really need a good rest.

I woke up early (body clock) haha!
After packing all of my things, I went to restaurant, for my breakfast.
And now it’s breakfast buffet ? so I ate for 2 hours, LOL

And now time to leave the hotel. My scheduled flight is at 1:30 pm.
I tried to take a picture of Iamsterdam letter at the airport before going inside ?

After sometime, we’re all boarded in the plane to Toronto.
When its time for some snacks, I was confused, when suddenly a stewardess came to my seat and asked my name. OK, so I was like, hmm, what now? did I do something wrong?
It turns out, that they knew it was my birthday, so they game me a small bowl of nuts and white wine ?

When I was in line for washroom, the stewardess saw me again, and asked me what are my plans for the rest of my birthday, I said, maybe I’ll just rest,?. and then I asked her what’s the estimated arrival time to Toronto, and then she called the pilot. Suddenly she asked me if I want to go to cockpit, of course I want to! And then, there I was. talking to the pilots inside the cockpit ? it is not allowed to take a picture of them especially in the cockpit, but still I’m so grateful that they let me experienced to see the cockpit. A surprised birthday gift ?

Maybe being stranded at your birthday was not bad after all ?

Thanks KLM ?

Lunch and snacks were given after a while.