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November 22, 2004
Airports
I am sitting in the Newark airport waiting to board my plane back to Minneapolis. I must say, the only good thing about this place is the wireless connection I was able to get. The rest of the airport, along with all airports is just blah! The lighting sucks, the chairs are uncomfortable, there is just about no place to plug in my laptop, and food choices suck. Otherwise, they are just fine. I really enjoy travel and have learned that you have to be very quick on your feet and flexible to get where you want to go. For example, on this trip my outgoing flight was cancelled (though the gate agent was not alerting anyone). I was able to get a flight into a different airport. My wife helped me get a car service to take me to my original destination. All was well, except my driver had no idea how to get to my hotel. Luckily, I had printed directions that we were able to use to get there.
Then there is the luck part... as things change, sometimes my mind is not always with me. I am constantly trying to check myself and my bags to ensure I have everything with me. Last night, I got out of my car and went into the hotel to check in. I reached for my cell phone and in a panic realized it was not on me. I dashed out of the hotel and found my car waiting at the stop light. 15 more seconds and I would have lost the phone...
Recently I achieved my silver status on Northwest airlines. I am now privvy to checking in in the first class line, free upgrades to first class, access to priority seating, and the ability to board early. Rarely do I get the upgrade to first class, but the ability to get priority seating (i.e bulk head, aisle, or exit-row) and to board early are the two biggest benefits. By sitting near the front of the plane you can save 20 minutes at your destination. By boarding early, you are always guaranteed a spot for you bags.
Posted by kermisch at November 22, 2004 3:41 PM