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Written in November 2023

Coffee seems to be the through-line of my travel experiences. And there’s something special about cheap coffee with paper cups that I associate with traveling. And I enjoy traveling. At least I think I do.

I am up far too early to get onto a plane today. Up at 230A and at the airport by 3 and boarding the plane at 430. This was not my choice. I originally chose a flight that left at 10, but it was cancelled. That speaks to the continuing difficulties with staffing, I think.

The end of the story written in January 2024

The above reflects the general grumpiness of early morning traveling, but that was expected. That general feeling of normal grumbles and the liminal world of the early morning terminal didn’t last.

The first delay was painless. We were boarded onto the plane. I had paid up so the airline even gave me coffee to keep myself awake. Half an hour to wait on the mechanic to check the tail rudder connection. You know what? I am perfectly fine with knowing that the plane is safe and able to, ya know, LAND.

Then, the time started ticking. No linger a 500am flight. It was already 630. Then 7. Then 8. 830. Time for some biscuits! And more coffee.

900 they deplane us and say we have half an hour to stretch our legs and pee. Etc. *sighs*

But hey! Five Guys has a breakfast menu. So I eat some actual food and buy myself some new headphones. It’s going to be at least 1030 before we have a status. If I had started driving directly to the NC airport, I would be there by now.

I am not the only one on this flight that is attempting to make a connection. The people who are headed to Jamaica are pissed. The poor woman who is headed to England has been adopted by a local. We’re all standing in line, listening to the toddlers fussing. And seriously, MOOD, babies. Mood.

We are well past 1030 as we stand in line to be rescheduled. They have actually sent people off in a taxi to the other airport. May the odds be in their favor. They have to get back to Camp Pendleton. Three young Marines who are trying to figure out what to do if they won’t make it back for muster through no fault of their own.

At least my connection isn’t until 230

Wait. Make that 530. I don’t arrive in Madison until at least 10P.

Fuck.

So, now I am scheduled on the 1240 flight.

Lunch is a salad at Cava and a delicious apple, pineapple mint drink that could actually do with a little bit of seltzer, but is very nice and completely refreshing.

The 1240 flight leaves without any issues. But my English friend isn’t on it. I will have to trust the staff to look after her now.

We land in Charlotte. And this is a shopping mall that happens to have planes. A huge mall at that. I am trying to find the lounge I paid good money to be able to spend my hell layover at.

It’s closed to day passes.

Mother….

So, new socks because the ones I am wearing keep trying to live inside my shoe. I only have three hours. I can do this.

Make that four hours. The connection is delayed.

Mexican for dinner!

No ice cream at all in this airport. This is major failing.

And now the flight is delayed until 645. This is hour 15 of the travel day and I am not even on the plane to my final destination. The four hour part of the flight.

Boarding at 8 now. FML

10 something arrival in Wisconsin. My body thinks it’s later than that because of the time zone shift.

Time to find a taxi.

Erm. A Lyft.

Since there are no taxis at this tiny little airport. It only has three baggage claims. I am pretty sure that I could walk the whole of it in less time than it takes to get from the parking garage to the main terminal at Dulles.

I’m like a shark now. If I stop moving I will die. Or fall asleep. At the moment I don’t care which.

In the Lyft and to the hotel. It’s 11 and the night auditor is kind and offers hot water and coffee in the front.

And the key to my room.

Bless. A bed.

And one of the coolest rooms I have ever been in for the price. I am paying less for this apartment for a week than I have paid for two nights in DC.

I would have been happy with a bed and a bathroom. And clean linens.