Will I actually make it…?? That is the question. Larry the Lyft driver picked me up at 7am and very prompt for a pre-scheduled ride. This is my new “travel comfort” – scheduling rides with Uber/Lyft in advance to the airport. He was a very sweet old man who laughed when I told him I should develop health questionnaires/ QR codes for potential suitors. I mean, if Hawaii can ask me if I took Advil or Tylenol to reduce a fever in the last 24 hours, then I should be able to ask if someone’s passport is active, whether they are vaccinated, and how much of a flake they are. Right??!
Head to the Hawaiian airlines check in counter because my upgraded seat (FIRST CLASS) allows 2 free check-in bags. I originally intended to have 1 carry on. I also originally intended to stay in economy. But at check in, the deal was too good to refuse. So I’m being a baller this trip. Celebrating my amazing life, my upcoming job and the fact that I’m pretty awesome. But let’s be honest, every day is a splurge for your Blogger.
Breeze through TSA with a very unusual process; they don’t want to see my boarding pass. Perhaps the info is stored in my license but how weird was it to not show my boarding pass. I even asked the woman at the checkpoint and she said “just ID.” As a creature of habit, this unnerved me but since I’m on vacation, this is a blog story.
Head to my gate but stop at the bar just outside. It’s 7:45a and I need to wake up a bit and also a little breakfast. Arlene is the bar manager and she’s a freaking mini-tornado. She’s all over the place and at the same time in one place.
I meet a very cute older man at the bar – at this time (visit #1) it’s quiet and less rushed. Arlene brought my breakfast and mimosa very fast. Finish out and head to the gate for boarding.
Now here’s where I need to brag – I’m boarding in zone 1. Usually in Mexico this means I pay $40 more to get group one. However, on this flight to Maui, I’m continuing my splurge and paid <$500 for an upgrade. I’M IN FIRST CLASS Y’ALL!! I’ve flown first class before but work paid for it. This time, I’m gladly spending the dough. We board the plane first – fancy people section – and then get asked what special cocktail we want. Mai Tai for me.
Sit down. Drink my mai tai. And nod off because it seems we are waiting forever. And we are. When the captain comes on and says our flight is delayed. The radios are not working on the flight and I’m pretty sure flying over an ocean requires radios. So I depart with the rest of the passengers and head to the bar (visit #2). This time, I’m old friends with Arlene and get some drinks in. The funny part is I said I wouldn’t drink at the airport unless I had long delays and here I am. Long delayed.
Go back to the gate to see what’s the status and it’s another 2 hours until we leave. Flight scheduled to leave at 10a is now scheduled for 3:45p. Hey Arlene girl, I’m coming back to see you! Visit #3. Here’s where I met John attending a president’s club vacation (= expenses paid) and Paul (who’s moving to HI). You were both cool guys and I won’t write anything bad about you. Potential new readers?!
At this point, it’s mostly a $*^# show as the flight has been CANCELED and rescheduled for Tuesday morning. We get a $15 food voucher that can’t be used on alcohol (which is when you really could use it). I collect my suitcase and get a Lyft back home – saving receipts because Hawaiian Airlines will certainly be getting a reimbursement claim for my travel expenses yesterday.
It’s now Tuesday morning and while I had hoped to wake up in Maui, San Diego ain’t so bad. I’m at my gate and using all my status/points with the Universe to make sure this flight takes off and I can enjoy the perks of 1st class. Oh, and today’s Lyft driver will now be following the blog and “can’t wait to read the book.” Plenty of time to write in Maui.
There She Goes... 