53 years ago I was fortunate to be a member of the Northern Suburbs Rugby League team that won the Brisbane Rugby League grand final. We have had a number of reunions over the years. Our latest get together was on the 5th of May this year.
I booked an early morning flight on Qantas and paid for undercover parking in advance. All I had to do was use my credit card for entry and exit …… Technology working for you.
I arrived at Cairns airport an hour in advance to give me plenty of time to pass through security. Because of my knee replacements personal radar scans are required so it takes a little more time. After the scan, I was collecting my belt, shoes, and mobile phone from the security tray and I noticed a text from my car telling me that the driver’s side window was down…. Technology working for you. To remedy this I had to go back out to the parking lot and then return to once more queue up and go through security with the personal scans again. I still had 15 minutes to boarding so went up to the Qantas club for a coffee. The staff member said that I didn’t need to go down to board until “Final Call” appeared on the screen. Relaxed after my coffee I proceeded to the boarding gate but noticed that the destination was Meeangin, not Brisbane. Assuming I had misread the gate number I hurriedly found the one showing Brisbane but on checking in was told it was a Virgin flight, not Qantas. Now it was panic time. A final call for ”Qantas passengers to Brisbane” was announced for gate 22 the original gate I had approached. On rushing back the steward told me I was the last passenger but the destination showed Meeangin. I expressed my confusion and was advised that Meeangin is the aboriginal word for Brisbane . I had no idea, Apparently, the screen changes from Meeangin to Brisbane and back every so often but I missed the change.
Now I am happy to be inclusive, but I reckon the two names could be displayed together to overcome confusion for dummies like me.
When I arrived in Meeangin ( Brisbane ) I called Jill to tell my story. When finished Jill suggested I had better check my return flight destination. When I booked in that night only Cairns appeared so I could have easily missed my flight to Gimuy.
Bob Fowler
