Dulles Meltdown
Just because you've reached your car in the airport parking lot doesn't mean you're safe from travel-related calamities. Sometimes, that last leg can be hardest.
First, let me set the scene: I was flying from Dulles to Toronto on Saturday and, after circling the economy lot for what felt like an Ice Age, I finally decided to just park it--on a glacier. (The lot had not been plowed to perfection, so spaces were limited or obstructed.) I was hoping that the icy chunk would melt before my return, so I could drive right off it. How wrong I was. When I returned on Monday, I swear the glacier had grown. None of my car's tires was touching the ground; my four-door appeared to be levitating.
I went to the emergency box near the shuttle station to call for assistance, but the phone was as dead as, yes, my battery. (Oh, did I forget to mention that?) I soon flagged down a pick-up truck carrying two employees of the District of Columbia Parking Associates. The airport contracts the company to maintain the parking lot and assist passengers. (They have four maintenance trucks, but add more staff during weather emergencies.) So, if you've misplaced your car, need a jump start or a bit of fuel, have locked yourself out or have a flat tire, these are your heros. They also help freezed-up, snowed-in motorists.
The two men who helped me out admitted that mine was the worse case they'd seen. They weren't kiddng: It took more than a half-hour and every tool in their truck to free me. When I could finally move, they high-fived each other, packed up their shovels and picks, and raced off to help the next person in distress. Supermen in Carharts.
So, lessons learned: Don't park on a glacier, carry a blowtorch in your truck and thank Dulles and DCPA for remembering that just because the plane has landed doesn't mean the trip is over.
If you need assistance in the economy lot, go to a emergency call box, flag down a shuttle bus or a DCPA truck, or call the maintenance company at 703-572-4500.
By Andrea Sachs |
February 22, 2007; 10:14 AM ET
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Posted by: Jess | February 22, 2007 11:02 AM
Andrea, did you tip the tow-truck guys?
Posted by: Tom T. | February 22, 2007 11:58 AM
Andrea, did you tip the tow-truck guys?
Posted by: Tom T. | February 22, 2007 12:01 PM
Due to monetary difficulties (no battery, no cash--what a mess), I unfortunately did not tip. But I wish that I had, really wish so, since these guys were so wonderful. So, for the next flat tire, dead battery, ice age--I will have a wad of cash on me.
Posted by: Andrea Sachs | February 22, 2007 1:30 PM
In Andrea Sachs story on underground Toonto today (Feb. 25/07) she mentions an "Allen Lambert" promenade at BCE Place. By any chance should that have been "Allen Lamport"?
Posted by: david Jewell | February 25, 2007 8:36 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Similar situation after the blizzard of Feb 2003. I returned from Paris to find my tiny little car buried under snow, both fallen and moved. I had to dig to get to the door! The diggers came, dug me out, waited for me to start the car and pull out, and waived me goodbye. I think I tipped them. Awesome guys!