Plan of attack was I run to the American Airlines Departure Desk while Richard goes to Baggage Claim and to meet at the lift. More confusion I just went to the Business Class Check-in (on one checking in) the lady there was very helpfully knowing we were in a frantic hurry to sort the double booking out and get booked in, which she did in the very little time we had. While she was doing this she mentioned our suitcase was in transit to be picked up next to the American Airline Check-in section. I raced down stairs to the Baggage Claim section where Richard was looking out for our suitcase on the carousel and we both quickly took the lift back up to the Baggage carousel near the Check-in to get our suitcase.

We were cutting it very fine and the lady at the Check-in counter said we had twenty minutes to clear the USA Customs before getting on the plane, which was leaving at 6.25pm.   The lady was very good she informed the lady at Departure Lounge we were on our way and to hold the plane for us. Our suitcase still hadn't turned up on the carousel it was either wait for the case or run without it and have the suitcase go on the next plane to LA and be without a suitcase till leaving for Sydney tomorrow.

Unfortunately we waited that extra five minutes for our suitcase ran to Customs only to stand in a queue with two Customs Officers on and we only had five minutes before the plane took off. I tried pleading with the Officer at the front directing people but it fell on deaf ears till another lady jumped the queue then he realised our need and let us through Customs. The next problem was going through security we just threw everything off I had another drug swab of my bag and me but I didn't care we were in a hurry only to find the plane had left.

The two American Airline ladies were lovely they said they waited as long as they could but the plane had to go. They kindly helped us put our hand luggage on the Courtesy Shuttle and took us back to the Baggage Claim section to get our suitcase then onto American Airlines Check-in desk to sort out the problem of getting to LA. Well it was a bit of a bum fight between WestJet and American Airlines as to who was going to fly us to LA and pay for tonight’s accommodation.

First we went to WestJet seeing they were the ones who had the delayed plane from Halifax which caused us to miss our connecting flight to LA. It took quite some time before young Lillian at the WestJet Check-in counter arranged everything. She rescheduled us to fly to Vancouver tonight at 10.00pm, reserved a room at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel for tonight plus $20.00 meal voucher for breakfast, booked a morning flight to LA and a meal voucher of $30.00 for a meal tonight before catching our flight to Vancouver. This all took quite some time to do and knowing we were tired I think that is why Lillian gave us a $30.00 meal voucher for tonight plus we weren't rude about missing our flight and the inconvenience all this has caused us.

With her suggestion we went to the Swiss Chalet for dinner and had their famous pork spare ribs with veggies and the young Indian waiter was very good by getting our meal quickly as we advised him our flight was leaving in just over an hour and a half. He thought we were British and let Richard know that they were holding a second Ashes Test in Australia this year which Richard thought was odd plus there was a limited overs game against Australia in India.

After he told us that we saw a quick news flash on the TV about a shooting at the LA Airport Terminal Three where we were meant to land. Mum and Dad must be looking after us again and we thanked them for missing our connecting flight to LA as we would have been there when it happened. I am sure everyone in Australia especially Phyllis will be frantic thinking we were at the LA Airport when this happened when I have time I will email or Skype to say we are alive and well.

Being so late we couldn't find a Travelex Money Exchange open so will have to wait till we get to Vancouver time is passing quickly so we went to the Departure Lounge to wait for our flight. Had a hot chocolate while we waited when they announced the plane was leaving early thank god for that. Lillian had given us window seats there weren't that many passengers on the flight so when we were finally airborne everyone claimed seats (there were three on each side of the middle aisle) to try and get some sleep on the five hour flight. The turbulence was pretty bad plus with WestJet you don't get pillows or blankets so sleeping was a bit hard when you are a little cold but we did manage to get some sleep.

First time we have had a lady pilot even with all the turbulence we had a soft landing and with not having so many passengers on board it didn't take long to get our suitcase from Baggage Claim. The Vancouver Airport is quite large with being very tired had to put our watches back by three hours making it midnight in Vancouver there weren't many people around to ask for directions to the Fairmont. Lucky for us the young lad at the Information desk was just packing up to leave and he gave us directions to the hotel, which was right at the Departures and WestJet where we check in tomorrow.

What a long walk from one end of the Airport (Arrivals) to the other (Departures) pinched a Airport trolley for all our bags they are bloody heavy now and up the lift to the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel which is part of the Airport. Lucky us can sleep in a little longer as we only need to go down stairs to check in.

Checked in with no problems it's great not to pay to stay at an expensive hotel we are up on the 8^th floor beautiful suite just took out what we needed for the night and clothes to wear. A quick shower to freshen up and dived into bed (oh so lovely and comfy) for three hours sleep have to be up at 5.00am to get ready for our 8.00am flight to LA. Hopefully we can sleep Reception will give us an early morning wake up call at 5.00am.