It’s 6:30am and I find myself, once again, at gate C3 at the magnificent Harrisburg International Airport. International my azz. You can barely get out of the state without connecting to a larger airport. Regional airport is a better description, but I digress.
I am flying in coach*. (I paid for this ticket) I see the little Buddy Holly plane sitting out there on the tarmac. Despite having a jet-way, I will not be fooled this time. You do walk down the jet-way and then out the door, down the steps, across the tarmac and then climb the steps to board your ‘luxury’ coach.
I have Admiral’s Club passes so I can get into the secret little club at the Philadelphia airport. Much to my chagrin, the passes expired April 15th—yes, YESTERDAY. Arghhhhhhhh. Being able to hide out in the lounge prior to the next leg of the trip makes the coach trip a lot better. I plan on throwing myself at the feet of the receptionist and begging to be admitted.
The gate is much more crowded than it was the last time I was here. I am hoping the loud toddler that is currently racing around the terminal screaming is not on my flight. We shall see.
My flight to Phoenix is supposed to arrive about 12:15, Phoenix time. I think it’s so bizarre that they do not observe Daylight Savings Time. Well, not that they don’t observe it, but that, as a country, we can’t even agree on that. I am not getting into the whole political process that is going on right now. But, I will say this is not a time to be a proud American.
I’m going to share something I am more than a bit excited about! I’ve resurrected my kiln and have been creating lots of pottery. Since last year, I’ve been getting the feel for the clay again and discovering the new glazes that have come out in the last 25 years. Well, that isn’t the news, although it is exciting! The real news is, I contacted a store I’ve visited a few time in Phoenix and asked if they would be interested in selling the incense burners I’ve been making. THEY ARE!!!!!! I have a container packed with bubble wrap in my carry-on.
The ride on the Buddy Holly plane was uneventful until near the end. As we made our approach to Philly, the flight path took us over the river. As we crossed, one of those huge cargo container ships was sailing underneath us. It was so huge it seemed like it went on forever. The landing gear was down on the plane and I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say it looked like the plane cleared the ship by less than six feet. But, a few minutes later we were on the ground.
And, once again, we taxied to Terminal F. Then you have to take the internal shuttle bus to terminal A. The shuttle was filled with so many people I thought I was in Italy again. No concept of load capacity.
Made it to the Admiral's Lounge and sat in the comfy chairs and used the secure wireless. I also made myself a little breakfast of fresh fruit and trail mix. If you are travelling more than once or twice a year with layovers, you really should look into the different ways to purchase access. It certainly makes the whole layover much nicer--and the free booze is another plus.
You can find several credit cards that offer a couple of passes to their lounges as part of a welcome package.
Here are few interesting articles regarding how to get lounge access. (I am not endorsing any of these methods and make no promises on the accuracy of the information.) Always do your own research though!
Buying a day pass is also an option--but a fairly expensive one. However, I would have no problem doing that if for example, I had a very long layover, prior to an even longer flight. Say, like one to Tahiti. The TBIT has a gorgeous AA Admiral's Lounge .
Thirty-five minutes later, I am hugging my son! And another hour or so, my daughter gets the same treatment. Happy, Happy, Happy!!!
It's now 8:10 here and I am meeting the kids at Pappdeaux's for a late dinner. The food is magnificent! It's 11:10 where I come from and I am beat. But I am also very hungry and thinking after dinner and a few drinks, I will faceplant into the bed when I get back.
BTW, I am staying at a Candlewood Suites. They are very reasonably priced and would be a great deal for a family. They have a full kitchen (no oven), a desk, a couple of chairs, a recliner and a queen size bed. I know they also have 1 bedroom suites with a separate bedroom and living room with a sleeper sofa. They have so many 'little things' they do right here. You can borrow movies, board games, and things like blenders. They also have a 'Candlewood Kitchen' and it operates on the HONOR SYSTEM. It's stocked with soda, juice, water, snacks, fresh fruit, cereal and canned soups.
There is also a laundry room, a very well-equipped gym. Outside there is a heated pool and jacuzzi and a gas grill and picnic tables for outdoor dining. I try and stay here every time I visit.
OMG just back from dinner. As expected, the food was exceptional. The reason: it's a scratch kitchen and the seafood and fish is flown in daily. No pre-made meals. Everything from sauces to desserts are made fresh here. And you can certainly taste the difference.
It's about 11:30 here--so 2:30 'my time'. I'm more than tired. And so ends my first day. I couldn't give the kids enough hugs and kisses. No matter how old they get, they will always be my bebes. Life is so good!
*Coach—kind of ironic that there is a line of pocketbooks that people equate with luxury and status. The reality of coach travel on an airplane is anything but. Just sayin’
