All Day Travel
Since my girls turned 3, they are now 7, I usually do a few turn around flights a year. Which makes maintaining my status with American and absolute essential membership. As I'm sure you'll come to learn, I'll do anything to maintain my status and comfort when it comes to traveling. My travel day today, started about 3:30 am Pacific Time. I had thought it would start about 2 am, but I slept through my alarm. The girls were absolute angels and were up, dressed, teeth brushed all before I was out of the shower. I had a lot of help, A LOT and couldn't do that by myself.
We were out the door and headed to LAX by 3:45 am at the latest. Our first flight was at 6 and it usually takes about an hour to drive to the airport from my house. We made it in 45 mins today. Luckily there was zero traffic at that time. If it weren't for the outrageous ticket prices to fly out of Santa Ana (John Wayne), I wouldn't need to make that hellish drive each time. Maybe that's an upgrade for this year. Once at the airport I usually park at The Spot instead of inside. However, today I took a chance and parked right at terminal four. Keeping with our luck, there happened to be a spot right in front.
We breezed through TSA and made it to our gate with no issues. We did sit at the wrong gate for a while, and luckily I checked to board and noticed that our gate had changed from terminal 4 to terminal 5. The walk was easy and we still made it in time to board with our group, so no stress there.
Delays
I'd consider myself a seasoned traveler. I expect delays. I ALWAYS expect delays in Dallas or Chicago. Dallas did not disappoint today. Although only an hour delay, we did spend more time on the runway in Dallas than we did in the air headed to Houston. In all it wasn't that bad. I'm also traveling with no baggage besides the girls. I'm glad I'm not one of the people in baggage claim (pictured below) who seem to have lost their luggage. LAX is a total mess in the claims area.
The Club
In order to maintain my sanity, I often sneak into the American Airlines Admirals Club. I guess it's not really sneaking since I'm a paying member, but it's the one place I go between flights. Basically I go for the following reasons:
- Clean bathrooms (Traveler Must)
- Beverages. Mostly free but you absolutely must tip your server
- Snacks (See below)
- Fewer crying babies
- Comfortable seats
- Sports (usually)
I've got to eat healthier this year, but hey it was a long day and I love the diabetic coma these put me in.
Upgrades
Traveling with my girls is really comfortable. Typically I can get a whole row of seats to ourselves. Them being small (7 yrs old) gives me plenty of elbow room. Actually my favorite part is all the hugs and sleeping beauty on my lap. But, traveling with them does mean that at least one leg of the trip I'm solo. When I'm on my own it's nice to get upgraded to first class. As luck would have it, today continued to be my lucky day.
Home
It was a long day of travel. It's also somewhat emotional to part with my little twins as they head back to their moms house. I miss them the moment they are out of my sight. But, I know I'll get to see them soon and I'm headed back to my older children. A little turbulance coming in to LA, but I'm also glad to be home.