“Attention all passengers on flight NZ0404 to Auckland, we regret to advise you that your flight has been delayed due to technical difficulties. We will update you in the next … [shuffling of papers and a small cough] … 10 to 15 minutes. Thank you for your patience.”

I was already being patient, so I was mildly chuffed that Mr. Announcer man was thanking me for it.

20 minutes later, Mr Announcer man came online again and announced:

“Attention all passengers on flight NZ0404 to Auckland, we regret to advise you that your flight has been further delayed due to technical difficulties. However, we can advise you that your gate has changed. Please proceed back through security and walk over to gate … [shuffling of papers and a small cough] … 10. You will need to enter through security and get clearance again at gate 10. Thank you for your patience.”

Patience waning. Pack up my things, walk out through the metal buzzy thingy, and walk over to gate 10 and get searched again… for illegal “stuff”…

30 minutes later, Mr Announcer man… once more:

“Attention all passengers on flight NZ0404 to Auckland, we regret to advise you that your flight has been canceled due to technical difficulties. The plane is … [shuffling of papers and a small cough] … requiring a new part… from Christchurch. Please proceed back through security and walk down to collect your baggage. From there, proceed to counter three or four to find yourselves a new flight. Thank you for your patience.”

Patience lacking now. But this is my thing. What ‘part’ did they need to replace on the jet plane? The wing? The cockpit? The clutch? I don’t know about you, but when my mechanic tells me my car needs a new ‘part’, I’m fairly relaxed. But when Mr. Announcer man tells me the jet plane needs a new ‘part’, even if that ‘part’ is one tiny bolt, I start crapping bricks.

Your thoughts?