Travel log – Chicago III

My conference is completed and it’s time to head home, and that means a trip to the airport.

My day started off incredible. It was just before 8 a.m. when housekeeping knocked on the door. I was awake and moving around, but that seems a little early for housekeeping to start cleaning rooms. Then again, maybe she’s the only housekeeper on staff and 14 floors of cleaning tends to warrant and early start. The little lady was very polite, and even told me to have a nice day – in English. When I checked out I made sure to pay her a compliment to the front desk. I hope she got it.

I walked out to a somewhat dreary day in Chicago so I stepped outside and got a cab. My first impression was that the driver had to be okay because he was listening to Christian music. Well, God was with me as we weaved in and out of traffic after the green light. I just shut my eyes and prayed. I don’t think we drove under 80 mph once we got onto the four lane highway. It’s not horrible, because a quick ride is cheaper – it’s just a little scarier. Call it a trade off.

As I got to the airport it was a tuck and roll. I tossed him some money and before I could ask for the receipt the guy literally was off. Okaaaay, I’ll just noted on my expense report “lucky to make it to ORD alive” and maybe that’ll give me a pass.

TSA was actually easy, and I did get a free MRI. I should have had them forward it to my doctor, but I don’t think I needed to mess with the agent that looked like she could have put me into a pretzel. Once through security I made my trek through the airport to the dungeon. 

While walking I observed two women traveling with kids, and they were alone. The first women I saw had four little kids and one was barefoot. The other woman had two little kids in a stroller and gnawing on a Happy Meal she was sharing with the littlest one. Luckily they were good kids, but still I think these women must be glutton for punishment. 

As I got to the gate there were masses of people waiting for a plane to Tulsa. That’s one of those “less desirable” airports. Apparently that flight was missing a pilot. Someone needs to explain to me how an airline misses a pilot. It really is baffling. They made an announcement to that flights waiting passengers and they actually cheered.

If you’ve never been in an airport there is always an area designated for planes going to, less desirable airports. Usually regional airports – like Wichita. This is the terminal where you get the unique opportunity to walk on the tarmac and actually walk up the steps to the plane. If you’re lucky you can see airport workers dumping rice into the fuel tank.

It didn’t take long to get on the plane and into the air. We were flying for about an hour when the flight deck door came open and a pilot made his way to the back to use the facilities. He was back there a while and I couldn't help of thinking of some type of Lifetime movie scenario where the pilot has deathly food poisoning and a hero on the flight has to set the bird down. I wondered what the hell was going on, but I didn't think to much about it until the second pilot came out after the first one returned. 

I'm not sure what kind of rules there are to flight decks, but when one pilot left the flight attendant went up behind the closed door. I'm hoping there is some sort of protocol and they weren't just up there doing shots, or having a good time. The second pilot walked up to the little phone to put in the double secret code to get back into the flight deck. Before the door opened though the pilot actually barked at a passenger, "hey, get back in your seat!" I was slightly put off by this, but at this point was more concerned with the fact that the pilot was on the outside of where the controls are. 

Once things were back to normal an older gentleman sitting next to me started talking about some sort of criminal trial in Arizona - in 1976. Airplanes can be pretty loud so I didn't get half of what he said, but I politely nodded and smiled. He seemed like a sweet old guy, and I'm not one to be rude. 

I have never been so glad to get on the ground, and put my Chicago trip in the books.