Art at ISP
2008-08-15, 08:31 AM
While we all know fares are going up (as well they should), they still appear to be all over the place. While I love CO, even over AA, the thought of getting up at 3:30AM to drive to EWR for a 6:40AM flight still does not appeal to me-especially when I don't go to sleep until my little princess gets home and she was out until midnight the night before! However a buck is a buck and CO priced out almost $350 less than AA on a MIA r/t, so up at the ungodly hour I was.
The drive was not terrible. Listened to some news, and there was virtually no traffic. I was able to avoid the closures on the highways by going a slightly longer way, so I did arrive at EWR just about 90 minutes from the time I left the house. I parked on the rooftop and proceeded to security, which even at 5:30AM was quite busy. The elite/first line was empty, however, and I appeared to wake up the TSA agent on that side.
Through security and onto the Presidents Club, which was also semi crowded. I had the requisite toasted bagel and cream cheese with juice and coffee, and made my way to the gate, which of course was the farthest from anywhere (C137). No boarding yet, but they were clearing standby passengers. Finally they began boarding, and I was on and settled in my seat-2F. I will note the F/A's on this one seemed a little distracted, but predeparture beverages were served and just as well, as you will note later.
We departed about 4 minutes early, and there was almost no line for takeoff, although we held near the terminal for a runway change (which probably helped us). Once airborne, it was slightly bumpy, but the flight attendants remained seated for over an hour-the first hint of service was one hour 20 minutes (who's counting) from liftoff! No explanation, no announcement from the captain that he'd like the flight attendants to remain seated, they just started late.
Once they did begin it was standard CO first class service--hot towel, breakfast snack consisting of fruit, yogurt and a hot croissant and beverage of choice. The F/A's were just a little short of friendly, but I guess everyone can have a bad day. I tend to give lots of leeway on super early flights.
Back to my book, which brought back memories of my dad (Assisted Loving-True Tales of Double Dating with my Dad)--anyone with a single parent in Florida should read it! Before we knew it we are on approach and on the ground-hit the gate about 5 minutes early.
Off to Avis to pick up the rental car, and right away the same problem with Miami--a crappy car with over 20K miles. My profile states low mileage only ( I have had mechanical issues with some high mile cars which included bad brakes so I just won't take cars with more than 15K). I go back and ask for the manager, and the best they can do is another Chrysler 300 with 16K miles. I decide to cut my losses, but the car is filthy inside, the dashboard rattles and the engine already has a valve tap. I would let it go if it were a one day rental in and out, but for 2 plus days, I gotta say something.
Return to follow--believe it or not I am taking the B-1900 again to TPA and then TPA - EWR on a flight which is almost always late...stay tuned.
The drive was not terrible. Listened to some news, and there was virtually no traffic. I was able to avoid the closures on the highways by going a slightly longer way, so I did arrive at EWR just about 90 minutes from the time I left the house. I parked on the rooftop and proceeded to security, which even at 5:30AM was quite busy. The elite/first line was empty, however, and I appeared to wake up the TSA agent on that side.
Through security and onto the Presidents Club, which was also semi crowded. I had the requisite toasted bagel and cream cheese with juice and coffee, and made my way to the gate, which of course was the farthest from anywhere (C137). No boarding yet, but they were clearing standby passengers. Finally they began boarding, and I was on and settled in my seat-2F. I will note the F/A's on this one seemed a little distracted, but predeparture beverages were served and just as well, as you will note later.
We departed about 4 minutes early, and there was almost no line for takeoff, although we held near the terminal for a runway change (which probably helped us). Once airborne, it was slightly bumpy, but the flight attendants remained seated for over an hour-the first hint of service was one hour 20 minutes (who's counting) from liftoff! No explanation, no announcement from the captain that he'd like the flight attendants to remain seated, they just started late.
Once they did begin it was standard CO first class service--hot towel, breakfast snack consisting of fruit, yogurt and a hot croissant and beverage of choice. The F/A's were just a little short of friendly, but I guess everyone can have a bad day. I tend to give lots of leeway on super early flights.
Back to my book, which brought back memories of my dad (Assisted Loving-True Tales of Double Dating with my Dad)--anyone with a single parent in Florida should read it! Before we knew it we are on approach and on the ground-hit the gate about 5 minutes early.
Off to Avis to pick up the rental car, and right away the same problem with Miami--a crappy car with over 20K miles. My profile states low mileage only ( I have had mechanical issues with some high mile cars which included bad brakes so I just won't take cars with more than 15K). I go back and ask for the manager, and the best they can do is another Chrysler 300 with 16K miles. I decide to cut my losses, but the car is filthy inside, the dashboard rattles and the engine already has a valve tap. I would let it go if it were a one day rental in and out, but for 2 plus days, I gotta say something.
Return to follow--believe it or not I am taking the B-1900 again to TPA and then TPA - EWR on a flight which is almost always late...stay tuned.