Alaska Airlines: Don't Put the Can in the Can Ever Again

How do I start? First of all, I have to say that I had an absolutely fabulous time touring Boise, Idaho for upcoming articles in Wander With Wonder and Real Food Traveler. Boise is fun, funky, clean, welcoming and absolutely beautiful in fall.

I had a great visit to Boise, Idaho

I spent my last day in Boise racking up quite a few steps on my FitBit. I walked from the luxurious Grove Hotel to the Capitol, and then all the way back down Capitol Boulevard to the historic Union Pacific Train Depot. I then Ubered to the beautiful Telaya Winery (great Mourvedre by the way) and Ubered to a late lunch at Juniper in downtown Boise. After a hearty burger lunch, I made my last visit to the alleyway, dubbed Freak Alley Gallery and walked back to the hotel.

I was photographing details of the Freak Alley murals.
What I didn't realize was that before the day ended, my eyes would
be feeling just like this!

I started packing.

Alaska Doesn't Always Fly Idaho Wine For Free

While visiting Boise I was gifted with two lovely bottles of Idaho wine. I looked forward to enjoying them with friends. As I put them in the cute green Boise gift bag, I started thinking.... wine is liquid. TSA doesn't like liquids. So I went on the Alaska Airlines website to learn a bit more. I read between the lines. They kept mentioning. "Up to a case of wine can be shipped free as baggage." Somewhere else I read that the wine needed to be packed well. They'd mark it "fragile," but it needed to be packed.

I looked at the two bottles of wine in the cute green gift bag and bade them goodbye. Knowing that they would not be allowed to "fly free," or at any cost, I left them as gifts for my host. Sigh... it was good wine!

Ping!

Just about then my phone went "ping" and I had a message from Alaska Airlines. My 6:31 flight was delayed until 7:10 p.m. - not the end of the world. Since I had reserved a shuttle to the airport, I went early. And that's when everything went to heck in a hand basket, as they say.

Delay #2

After finding a quiet corner on the main floor of the airport with a plug for my phone, and almost falling asleep, I decided it was time to make my way downstairs to the gate. I looked at the reader board at the gate. My flight showed a further delay... this time it read that they would be boarding at 7:55 p.m. The light and bright gate agent announced that there had been a mechanical issue with the plane and it had not left Portland yet.

I schlepped my carry on bag (which by now felt like it weighed 50 pounds) over to the "Business Center" where I sat down at a cubicle reminiscent of my college days at the library studying for exams.

I was really getting sleepy.

Delay #3

The light and bright gate agent announced that there would be a further delay and didn't give a reason. He did, however, hand out $12 food vouchers, good for any restaurant in the airport. At that point I was hoping for a hotel voucher as I was really sleepy. My eyeballs were getting scratchy. But I recalled a pleasant looking restaurant upstairs and schlepped my now 60 pound carry-on up there.

I decided a healthy dinner would give me strength for whatever adventures the night would bring. So I ordered a salmon filet with salad. The cheerful waitress apologized... they had run out of salad. I could have another side. So I had salmon filet with french fries, not so healthy after all.

Good News, I Guess

The light and bright gate agent announced that our flight had finally left Portland and when it arrived, they would let the passengers deplane and we'd be off as soon as possible. Time passed and the the light and bright gate agent keep looking nervously out the window watching for our plane. Finally, he announced, with a smile, that the plane had landed. Eventually a throng of weary passengers came into the terminal and we got in line for boarding.

The light and bright gate agent then announced that the toilet on our flight was not working so, he said, "I suggest you use the restroom before boarding."

But Wait... This Isn't Horizon Air!

I lugged my now 75 pound carry-on all the way to the far gate. I was expecting to see a shiny Horizon Air Turbo Prop awaiting me. That's what Alaska flies on this route. Instead I saw something unrecognizable... SkyWest Airlines. And the plane wasn't all that shiny and new looking. We climbed up the ramp to be greeted by a weary but very pleasant flight attendant.

Oh oh, what's this?
Aircraft bait and switch?

Once  I found my seat, I looked around. The plane reminded me of those I experienced in Central America... recycled U.S. planes. When a plane got too old to fly in the U.S., name brand airlines sold them to little regional airlines in Central America. My reminiscing was interrupted as the Captain came to the cabin.

The Truth is Out!

Captain Tim explained why Flight Attendant Debbie was looking a bit harried. The flight was delayed a little bit coming into Portland. But that's when the real problems were discovered. The restroom toilet mechanism was ruined and had to be taken apart. This was no easy task. The problem, he said smiling, was "Someone had flushed a soda can down the toilet... the mechanism was then jammed." And, he added, "we have locked the restroom. It is not operable. If we let you use it, it will back up and flood the passenger compartment of the plane." The picture painted by the Captain was enough to hope no one needed to use the bathroom!

After the safety briefing, Flight Attendant Debbie told us that if anyone really needed to go, she would unlock the bathroom, and you could flush manually with a bottle of water. "But don't throw the bottle into the toilet, now," she added with a smirk.

The Flight

Captain Tim also explained why we didn't recognize the plane. He said that there had been such an increased demand for flights that they had run out of planes. While new ones were being built, a lengthy process, Alaska needed to use planes from SkyWest airlines, kind of like hiring from a temp agency (my words.) He added, "The planes are old but fly faster than the turbo-props you are used to."

I settled back hoping they flew really, really fast!

Indeed, the flight was 55 minutes and the plane stayed in the air just fine. Flight Attendant Debbie, the sole flight attendant, offered refreshments... water, ice (alcohol if there is any left, she quipped), red wine and beer. She added, they had no sodas. I wondered if that was because they came in cans? :)

The Aftermath

After we landed, I got home with my 100 lb carry-on in record time. Uber works great, I have found. And this morning I received an apologetic email from Alaska Airlines with a $75 discount coupon for a future flight.

Moral of the Story

DON'T THROW A CAN IN THE CAN!

Read more of my flying stories.
Read More Than You Want to Know About Airport Bathrooms.

The Reputation of the PDX Carpet Lives On

How many people actually notice the flooring or carpeting in the airports they traverse? I can remember only one… the Portland Oregon airport carpet. And apparently, as the life of the carpet came to an end, thousands of others felt nostalgic.

The carpet’s reputation lives on. I was traveling on MAX light rail the other day when a young man told his friend that he couldn’t wait to see the “airport carpet… it’s famous.” I didn’t have the heart to tell him that the carpet had been changed out.

Last year, my friend and I made it to the airport before they ripped it out. There seemed to be a visitation going on for months prior to that. We were not the only ones who wanted one last photo with the iconic carpet.

The famous teal, purple and red carpet with the stylized runway design was installed in 1987 with very little fanfare. Over 320 million people passed over the carpet over the years and I was one of them. I, as many others do, have a story about the Portland airport carpet.

It was the early 90’s and I was arriving in Portland for a very important job interview. I had been contacted by a recruiter who made a job at a major Portland hospital sound like heaven on earth. I took the bait and agreed to fly up and interview for the job. I even went to Macy’s and purchased a new suit for the event.

That’s where the story starts. I decided that a wool Pendleton jacket with coordinating pleated wool skirt would fit the bill. Turquoise is my favorite color so I was drawn to the teal. I flew wearing the teal jacket and, you guessed it… plaid skirt with teal and purple highlights. Little did I know that this was also a favorite color combination in Portland, Oregon.

I departed the plane and entered the terminal and looked down. I was totally surprised. My suit matched the carpeting! I thought it was a good omen and it was. I fit in well with the Pacific Northwest lifestyle and enjoyed years working in the area.

I flew in and out of that airport frequently and always took notice of the carpet.

Apparently thousands of others did too. The old carpet had a cult following. At one point the carpet had two Facebook pages dedicated to it, with more than 12,000 fans. The carpet was followed by thousands on Twitter and many more tagged selfies of their feet with the carpet using the hashtag #pdxcarpet.

And that is not enough! There is a special craft beer with the carpet design on its label. There are socks and t-shirts with the iconic carpet design. Portland has had a long-standing love affair with its airport carpet that, sadly, reached the end of its life.

On the 23^rd of January, 2015 amid much fanfare and national news coverage, the carpet removal began. The crew was careful to maintain the carpet, rolling it up neatly. Entrepreneurs and souvenir hunters will most likely find a use for it.

New Carpet

Inspiration for the New Carpet

The new carpet is forest green, with lines of yellow, red and blue. The inspiration for the lines comes from the glass canopy that keeps the rain off travelers as they cross from the terminal to the parking area. It’s pretty enough. I suppose I’ll get used to it.

Photography: Elizabeth R. Rose Photograpy
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Wordless Wednesday: Take Portland Oregon's Light Rail to the Airport

Portland Oregon's Red Line will take you to and from PDX

Stop, Screen and Go: New TSA Website for Kids

If you and your children are new to commercial air travel, the new TSA website and this fun video may be of great help. It explains, in simple terms, what to expect at the security checkpoints during your trip.



Here's the new website. You'll find pages for children to color and a page for parents where most all your family travel questions will be answered.

Cell Phone in Restroom Rant

Don't ever call me when you are on the pot!

A friend of mine was really upset when she visited a public restroom and had to stand in line to wash her hands. No, that wasn't the issue. It was that a woman, who had been texting in the stall, had to finish her text while standing in front of the sink. Eventually she did wash her hands.

So that reminded me. I've been raving a lot lately about great travel destinations, events and finds. But what about the "rant" in Travel Writer Rants and Raves? Well my friend's experience reminded me of a big pet peeve I have. And it is at the top of my mind now as I prepare to travel by plane in a few weeks.

So... have you ever been in a public restroom, especially in airports, and heard, from the next stall, a loud and animated cell phone conversation? Well, I have and it goes like this. "Hi Mary. I just got off the plane (tinkle, tinkle). Yeah, I need for you to come pick me up when I get my luggage (poop, gas, plop). The trip was great. I got sunburned... yeah! (roll paper, wipe, wipe, roll paper) Wait till I tell you about the big Margarita incident!" (FLUSH!).  (Door Clicks Open).

So don't you think Mary heard that? How rude! It was rude enough for me to listen to it all but I expect some of that in public restrooms.

So, dear friends and colleagues. Please, don't ever call me when you are on the pot. Because I can hear it all and I think it is muy rudo.

Rant over!

New from the TSA: Snow Globes are a go! Cranberry Sauce is a no!

This snowglobe construction kit is available through dribble.com

I was checking out TSA information in preparation for a, gulp, commercial airline flight so see what was new. Of course I was hoping I no longer had to take off my shoes, my belt, my jacket, etc. I always am amazed by how some of us dress up to travel and then have to get undressed at the airport. No wonder I am disheveled by the time I reach my destination! No wonder I see people traveling in sweats and flip flops!

Here's what's new from TSA... "you may be surprised at what you can bring through security now. For example, the TSA has changed their rules, and now lets passengers bring snow globes in their carry-on luggage—the catch, however, is that the snow globe must be able to fit in the quart-sized liquids bag. You can also now wear gel insoles in your shoes (good news for those holiday high heel wearers). Bringing some leftovers on the flight back home? The TSA reminds you that solid foods (including turkeys!) are allowed, but check this list to see which foods are considered liquids and can't be brought in carry-on luggage unless it meets the 3-1-1 rule. (Sorry, cranberry sauce.)" Full article on Holiday Travel Tips

The TSA is really trying to help. They even have an app that will tell you if your item is prohibited or not. The app is called "My TSA." Of course you can check things out on their website as well.

One thing the TSA has neglected to do is help me with my memory. I have been caught going through the scanner with a knife in my purse (put in there after a potluck dinner where I brought the cheese and crackers), a bottle of water in my purse (pure forgetfulness) and a diet coke in my purse (more forgetfulness).

I am gearing up to fly again and have selected a direct flight. I may have to be cooped up with over a hundred total strangers but at least I only have to endure two airports!

Happy Holidays!

New Airline Boarding Schemes may include far out measures to seat passengers

Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

I guess I am not the only one who has issues about flying. The boarding process is as bad as the flights. But according to the writers at Lonely Planet, some airlines are really thinking outside the box about how to seat passengers. I'm still grounding myself, by the way!

...airlines are getting creative with the way they board passengers. Thankfully, some recent experiments aren’t direct attempts to extract more money from passengers: while some airlines are simply trying to be more fair and efficient, KLM is toying with the idea of allowing passengers to use social media to select seatmates, and Air Baltic is experimenting with seating passengers based on mood. Read more...

I have to say that I balk at providing my "pee frequency" information in order to obtain my coveted window seat. And do I really want people rating my attractiveness as a seat mate? Still grounded, here!

TSA Scans and Pat Downs - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

I have a hard time dealing with what I have been reading about the new TSA approach to travelers. While I appreciate security, it seems like some of the agents just don't use common sense. When that happens, things can get ugly.

Case in point: At my home airport, a woman is confined for an hour as she was legally bringing breast milk through the checkpoint and asked that it not be x-rayed. Here's the story about the woman who was held captive in "a glass cage" for over an hour. Here's the video of this story.

Next case: Also at my home airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor, a woman decides she has had enough with the TSA pat-downs and decides to draw attention to the issue by going through the checkpoint in nothing but a coat and undies. Apparently her wheel chair had traces of nitrates on it. That is a no-no. Here is the now famous video.

And of course we all remember the horrific story of the retired man who was roughly treated during a pat-down so that urine from his urostomy bag leaked all over his clothing.

And now for the good... Arthur Frommer, well-traveled, of course, reported that there was no drama or abuse during his recent travels. I have to concur. I have had no trouble during my recent travels either.

And for a little light-hearted fun, here's a video made by Radiant Church of Surprise, Arizona.

It appears that if something out of the ordinary is presented to the TSA, they do not have training or a clear process for handling the situation. Left to their own devices, they seem to get heavy-handed.

Cross-Country Flights Add Fun to the Holidays

I'm sitting in the Houston airport waiting on the final leg of my flight home to Phoenix. I'm getting weary at this point but there has been some fun in this day which started at the Jacksonville, FL airport this morning.

I arrived early, anticipating some TSA fun and games but instead found that Southwest Airlines ticket agents provided the most fun. I made a mistake as I hurried through the baggage-checking screens. They laughingly threatened me with diverting my bags to Seattle (the last laugh will be on me once I get to PHX if my bags are not there!).

As I walked toward the food court area with the rocking chairs, a high school chorale group was gathering to serenade travelers. I enjoyed their spirited singing so much and it helped fortify me for the Security Checkpoint and a possible body scan. Oh dread!

Instead a light hearted security staffmember chatted with travelers and moved them through the line. Yes, I had to remove shoes, jacket, computer, etc. and shuffle through the gate, but I DID NOT have to endure a body scan, although they had one standing by should I want to play Security Fun and Games!

I put my shoes back on sitting next to a middle-aged woman. As we slid our computers into their cases she just had to share with me that her computer was a government computer and added that some security agency would be after her should she lose it. Hmmm. I wonder if she was baiting me. Or, perhaps just not very intelligent.

I didn't share a thing about my computer as it contains some very valuable travel stories and photos, of course!

JAX further accomodated me by offering comfortable seating with plug-ins for computers. I downed my leftover turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce (which was not confiscated).

I boarded the flight to Houston, and, as I expected, was packed in sardine-like on a full flight. So now, here I am in Houston awaiting an equally long flight to Phoenix.

Sometimes travel wrtiers just want to get home!

Flying "Air Geoff" - Cross Country with the Piper Lance

Salt Lake City to Jacksonville, Florida in a Piper Lance

I had a marvelous experience with my son recently. He purchased a larger private plane, based in Salt Lake City, and invited me to fly cross-country with him to deliver the plane to his home in Florida.

I was so excited, and a bit apprehensive, since the longest flight I had ever had in a private plane was 1.5 hours! This flight would take approximately 12 hours and would be divided in to two legs with an overnight. Originally the overnight was planned for Texas. I soon found out that pilots plan their trips according to the weather. So, before we left Salt Lake City, our interim destination was changed to Kansas City.

First Meeting with "De Plane"

I arrived in Salt Lake City a couple of days in advance of our big trip. Geoff met me and we headed for Red Robin, a family favorite, and had juicy hamburgers. On the wall, behind Geoff, was a Babar poster showing the storybook elephant flying a plane. How appropriate, I thought. And then I drifted off in thought to the days when I read books to my little boy, many of them about flying.

After checking in to the Embassy Suites, we headed for the airport to meet the new plane's former pilot. Needless to say, we were both very excited.

We went through the gate and eagerly headed for the open hangar. There was the new, much larger, plane that Geoff had purchased over the Internet. It was a blue and grey Piper Lance but somewhat dulled by hangar dust. That was a bit disappointing. Geoff's first plane had been presented to him in tip top condition, complete with polishing kit for the windows. As Geoff went over the plane, I thought about how I could help clean her up for the big flight.

Fortunately a bit of dust has nothing to do with the mechanical condition of a plane so Geoff planned to meet the pilot the text day for test flights and I e-mailed a Salt Lake City friend who I volunteer with at the Adopt a Native Elder Program. She gladly agreed to meet me for a personal Temple Square tour and lunch.

Early in the morning, Geoff was off to spend time in his new plane. I met my friend Sarah, a documentary film maker, and we walked to Temple Square to see the sights. I learned much from her and enjoyed her company during the warm day.

That evening we visited the plane and gave her a bit of a sponge bath... well, Geoff cleaned up the windows, especially the photographer's window (mine). The plane looked much better already!

Planning for the Flight
By now Geoff was noticeably more relaxed. He'd flown the plane, everything checked out and he was complimented by the pilot, an IP for high performance aircraft. Geoff is a great pilot and I have tremendous confidence in him.

We found a place to have pizza and talked about details for the next day's flight. It was going to be an early departure as the morning weather would be better. Our big hurdle, literally, was going to be climbing over the Wasatch Mountains. Geoff chose a great route... follow I-80 through the pass. Geoff intuitively knew that sharing all these details with me would help me with any apprehensive feelings I would have. He was spot on and this helped me immensely.

Geoff checked the weather again and confirmed his route. He selected an airport in Wyoming for a gas stop. Pilots often choose these airports because of low gas prices.

Day 1

It was dawn and we were headed to the airport. I had a bit of trouble quieting my stomach. The plane was tied down at Million Air. What service they provided! A great terminal, help with checking in Geoff's rental car, and they filled the oxygen tank for us. Everything was ready.

As soon as Geoff completed his pre-flight, he showed me how to get in to the plane and buckled me in the comfortable seat. I began to relax. The journey was about to begin. I readied my camera for the glorious mountain photos I expected to take.

Geoff contacted the tower. We thought we'd have to wait until all the "big boys" had taken off, but no... we were second in line. We taxied out to the runway, did the usual engine "run ups," and took off. It was quick. Soon we were gaining altitude and Salt Lake City was getting rather small. The green mountains loomed in the distance. Geoff was busy talking with the tower and I was busy snapping photos.

Over the Mountains

I was pleased with how smooth the flying was. We gained altitude and leveled off just over 11,000 feet.. a great altitude for going through the pass.

The mountain was green and the views reminded me of Hawaii. As we flew, a mountain town came in to sight - Park City. I could see the remnants of the Olympic games construction and, in the distance, two beautiful hot air balloons flying way below us. We quipped about slingshots, and continued on. The green ended and a drier, desert-like look took over the landscape.

Geoff kept me informed about where we were in our flight and which state we were in. It was going fast. Soon we were in Wyoming and desert landscape gave way to agricultural lands.

First Stop - Pine Bluffs, Wyoming

There was no tower at Pine Bluffs but Geoff could get the weather from an automated weather station. We flew over beautiful patch-work fields and over the actual bluffs. Geoff circled and announced to the airspace that he was to land. There was no response. All was clear.

I've heard that take-off and landing are the most dangerous parts of flying. So, of course, I just love take offs and landings. This was our first landing and I was thrilled. Geoff did a great job. We looked for the aviation gas and taxied over. While Geoff gassed up the plane, I learned about the process... affix a ground to the plane, then swipe your credit card, roll out the huge hose and pump gas into both wing tanks. Replace the hose and wince at the credit card receipt.

At the tank was a sign directing us to a metal building for a bathroom break. In front of the building was a retired police cruiser. Geoff pointed out that many small muni airports used police cruisers as courtesy cars. Sure enough, we found the key sitting on the bathroom sink. If we had wanted, we could have driven into town for an ice cream.

After watching the bright yellow crop dusters and military helicopters fly in the area, it was time to take off. Geoff completed his pre-flight and we were off... headed for Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas City - Here We Come!

When we took off from Pine Bluffs, it was sunny and the winds were quiet. But in the distance we saw some clouds building... harbingers of what was to come.

Geoff, via GPS, worked hard to keep a reasonably direct route, while dodging any major storm activity. I had my first experience with weather in a small plane. Geoff handled everything perfectly, in my opinion.

After several hours Geoff began to communicate with the tower about landing at Wheeler Airport in downtown Kansas City. It was near the hotel... how convenient!

We moved through the patches of rainy weather and we saw the skyscrapers of downtown Kansas City in the distance. And, there, sure enough, was an airport. It was just across a bridge from downtown.

As Geoff banked the plane I got some fantastic pictures of the skyline. And, I experienced another perfect landing. Again, we taxied over to get gas before tying up at Hangar 10. We covered the plane with an eye on an approaching storm. We hoped it would not hail!

Hangar 10 provided a courtesy ride into town and to our hotel. We were both really tired, for different reasons, but agreed we should seek out a Kansas City steak for dinner. I was tired from being overly excited and alert during our flight and Geoff had been communicating with Air Traffic Control and the towers constantly, monitoring weather and acclimating to a new plane.

Fortunately we were in walking distance from the Country Club Plaza. We checked out a couple of restaurants and decided on a grill with excellent filet mignon. Neither of us were relaxed enough to eat a great deal and I soon dubbed our adventure, "Geoff's Airborne Weight-Loss Camp." As we ate, a thunderstorm passed through the area dumping what looked like great amounts of rain but no hail, thank goodness.

Day 2
Hangar 10 didn't open until 7am. I was surprised because I liked Geoff's idea of early flying while the air was calm. And, besides, sunrise is the most glorious part of the day. We ended up taking a taxi to Hangar 10 rather than wait for the shuttle driver.

After the pre-flight, we had an easy taxi on the small field and took off. The weather, we heard was fairly clear in Jacksonville even though there were still clouds in the KC area. I was excited. Today I would end my adventure with visiting my granddaughters and daughter-in-law.

What we thought might be a "partly cloudy" flight turned out to be a "storm trooper" type of flight. Geoff did some amazing flying that day. I was totally impressed. Clouds were building all around us. The area was full of storms. And we were in a, gulp, small plane!

Gas Stop - Savannah, Tennessee

It was getting to be time for a gas stop. Geoff switched during the flight from right tank to left tank to keep the plane balanced. He had planned a stop in Savannah, due to their gas prices. As we dipped beneath the clouds, I enjoyed the green trees, rivers and farmland views. Our destination was a small county airport, Savannah-Hardin County Airport.

It was humid out and there was evidence that a storm had just passed through. Surprisingly, we were greeted by the Airport Manager, who pumped the gas and regaled us with tales of Savannah, Georgia shipments that were mis-routed to her airport. The airport manager was so warm and friendly that we spent a bit more time there than we had planned.

The small terminal was decorated like a homey living room. It was ultra-clean and convenient. I rather liked it there. But, it was time to take off on the last leg of our journey.

Storms and Home

We took off into the clouds and from Savannah to Jacksonville, it was hard work for Geoff. By monitoring the GPS, looking at the Strike-Finder, and talking to Air Traffic Control, Geoff managed to dodge the "thunder bumpers" and get us through safely.

As we flew by immense clouds, I was alternately frightened and entranced. They were beautiful and they were unpredictable. If we saw a hole where we could pass through in the distance, it would be filled with billowy thunderclouds as soon as we got there. It was hours of dodging storms and constant work for Geoff. The plane was fairly stable and any bumps we felt were not all that bad. A good family plane, I thought.

Soon Geoff was talking to the tower at his home airport, Craig Municipal. He was very excited to be going home to his family.

We passed over the area where Geoff works as a pilot for the Navy. I saw a tugboat and thought it might be one of his but no, it was a commercial tug. By now we were under the clouds and I saw familiar territory. I was getting excited about seeing my family.

The plane, I believe, was also happy about being in her new home. She eagerly landed on a wet runway and taxied right over to her new house, a small hangar.

It was nice to be on land again after all the storm activity. But would she fit in the hangar. Geoff said yes, but I was unsure. We pushed the plane back into the hangar and she fit! Maybe with only inches to spare, but she did fit in the hangar.

Kristi Abby, and baby Mary arrived.... all excited to see their new plane and Daddy. Abby jumped in the cushy back seats and sat like a princess in her carriage. She then eagerly jumped into the right seat (she usually rides next to Dad) and tried out the controls. I have a suspicion that she will be a young pilot!

It's Over

The cross-country flight was over. We were all safely home in Jacksonville, Florida. That evening we went out to dinner and we all felt like eating. There would be no more flying for awhile. We would just be reminiscing about the adventure we had just experienced.

I will remember this trip for the rest of my life. It was an opportunity to spend time with my son and to learn more about him and his love of aviation. The trip also was an experience based on trust. I would have never taken this flight with anyone else except my son.

Further Reading:
The Pilot's Version of the Trip (and More Photos)
Geoff's Blog - Family Flying
Photo Album on Facebook

PHX Sky Harbor Service and Disservice

I'm flying again this weekend. I do that for a living. So when something is different at the airport I notice it.

Imagine my delight the day before Thanksgiving when I drove up to the East Economy parking lot and there were two employees there to hand me my ticket. Usually I just punch the button and get my own. Imagine my delight when there was a Roadrunner bus waiting for me after I parked in the garage and the driver jumped to assist me with my bag. Wow!

So when I flew back the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I was really looking forward to the PHX Thanksgiving service. My eager anticipation dwindled quickly as I stood in line waiting at the Roadrunner bus stop. It pulled up and looked pretty full to me. The driver beckoned us on anyway and I lugged my suitcase up into the bus. There was a place near the luggage rack so I put my suitcase under the rack and held on for the ride to the parking lot.

That's when things got really nasty. The driver kept asking folks to get on, whether there was room or not. He demanded (yes, demanded loudly) that the already cramped and luggage laden riders move back to make room for more and more passengers. There was no room to move! A USAir flight attendant standing next to me was very tired. She said if there was anywhere to move and if someone would lift her luggage she would be happy to move back farther in the bus. A strong man in front helped some passengers move slightly back, and the driver (who sat in his seat like a king on a throne) continued to demand that we make room for more passengers. Finally there was a mini-revolt as the passengers said there was no more room. (I had begun to wonder if there were no more busses coming). Needless to say, by the time we got to our stops we had lost quite a bit of the holiday cheer we had before boarding the "bus from Hell."

So I have no idea what to expect as I travel this weekend. My expectations of the level of service at PHX have certainly been reduced and I'm prepared for an unhappy ride to Terminal 4.