Spoiler Alert: That Limo Wasn’t Magic

I recently had an ultrasound. I have them done every six months. Maybe one of these days, you’ll hear the story why.

Anyway, my appointment was for 4:15, although we arrived a little early. When I went to check in, there was an older couple in front of us. An ultrasound tech soon called the woman’s name. She went in, but within five minutes, she was back out with a staff member.

The tech explained she’d come back to get the woman in about an hour. The man asked if the scan itself would be quick. The tech confirmed yes, it would be fairly quick, and reiterated that she’d bring the woman back in at 5:15.

The man looked relieved and said, “Great, we have a flight at 6:30.”

The tech blinked at him and repeated, “You have a flight at 6:30? Tonight?”

He nodded and explained that the flight was out of Logan Airport, and he had hired a limo to make sure they got there on time.

Now, for those who don’t know Massachusetts geography: my appointment was in Wareham. Logan Airport is in Boston. That’s not a quick 20-minute ride. That’s a minimum 70-minute ride on a good day with normal traffic and no accidents.

At this point, I’m thinking: “Holy hell, they’re never going to make it!”

Then my name was called, and I went in. My ultrasound took 20 minutes, and when I came back out, I still couldn’t stop thinking about that couple and their flight.

Here’s the math:

• 5:15 — woman goes in for her scan
• 5:20 — scan done (if it’s quick)
• 5:25 — walk to the car
• 6:35 — arrive at Logan (with no traffic issues)
• 6:30 — their flight departs

Even in the best-case scenario, they’re missing that flight.

Some airlines close check-in about 45 minutes before departure time. Which means they were probably still sitting in Wareham when the gate closed. Unless, of course, that limo was magic.

I just don’t understand why people do this to themselves. Maybe the flight was booked long before her scan was scheduled. Maybe they thought they could squeeze both in. But personally? Airport security is stressful enough without the added thrill of “Are we going to make it?”

What amazed me most was how calm the man was. The tech was shocked. I was quietly panicking for them. But he seemed totally relaxed.

I admire that kind of calm. But as for me? I’ll keep showing up to Logan two hours early—TSA Pre-check and all. At least that way, I know I’ll be on the flight. And I’d rather spend those two hours waiting at the gate than sitting in traffic watching my plane take off without me.