Not the best end to a holiday

Went up to Gatwick to pick no 2 son and his friend up.They had come back from week in tenerife. The car was making loud noises going up the M3 despite having music up high! Stopped in carpark waiting for call to pick them up. When I came to start car nothing. Called AA and not only did I have flat battery but exhaust hanging off too. It took the boys as long to get from Gatwick to Southampton as Tenerife to Gatwick. As I was stranded in car park they had to walk with their cases from North terminal to the south terminal where I was, along dual carriageway through road works - very scary they tell me. All home safe and sound now!
At least I am becoming a professional blipper- having camera ready for all eventualities!