As I see it, the reason to get to the airport early is to avoid a lot of stress. An 0830 flight on a Sunday means that I can’t take public transportation to the airport. The earliest I could arrive is a bit more than an hour before my flight. Given today’s TSA delays and concerns, I am not willing to panic, stress and miss my flight. The real downside to an early weekend flight is that someone (namely George) gets to get up as well and drive me to the airport. Gas +toll is still seriously less than the ~120$US that Lyft & Über were charging the last time I looked (night rates).
So dropped off by the kind husband with more than enough time. Dropped off my bag @ United. Yesterday my projected gate was changed 3 times. This morning, when I checked in there was yet a new gate – F16 so there I went. Security was easy, less than five minutes from the start of the line to tucking things back in my pockets.. SFO has some of the new standing/arms down open scanners like I am used to from the German & Dutch airports. It goes faster and I don’t have to do the “my arm doesn’t go up over my head” drill.
So there I am at the gate. I don’t see it on the sign board. Double check – new gate of D14. Right, new jet way and a reasonable hike from no quite the end of F. I’ve had coffee which means that I can cope – and it is 0640….. which gives me enough time.
Well, that was the last gate change. The flight was full – totally and completely packed. And I swear the seats keep getting smaller every year. Since I haven’t changed weight in decades and, if anything, have shrunk a couple of inches in height if I notice smaller seats – there most definitely is a problem. Even given that – the flight to FLL was unremarkable, my friend picked me up at the airport and I am spending the night at her house. After a lovely dinner, we stitched and sort of watched one of the cozy mystery TV programs.
And yes, I am headed out on a ship. I will post the route etc tomorrow as that is departure day.
