Well, it is only January, but the fares were too good to pass up, to start the AS mileage bank off to a good start. And so it happened. At 5:30 AM, the Saturday morning buzz of ...AIDWIAATD buzzed me out of bed, and the hot water was flowing in the shower within 5 minutes.

Yesterday afternoon, I realized what I was about to embark upon. It hit me that 9 years ago, AS 261 had a tragic end in the Pacific. This was an aircraft that I was on for several hours the same day. The retrospective in my head, the viewing several websites, the briefly talking about it, brought a few tears and a few seconds of superstition to my head. Notwithstanding this, I knew my lucky shark, which I was wearing on the flight that turned into 261 later that day, and that I have worn on every single flight, save 2 (which sent me into panic attacks when I realized I left him at home) was to keep me safe on today’s 3 flights. And so, the early morning shower, the quick ride to SFO, and it was off for a day on Alaska Airlines.

SFO. I arrived just after 6:30 AM, prior to the Bored Room opening, so I went to the CO lounge for 2 cups of coffee. At about 7:00 AM, and a quick trip to the ContinentalLoo, I went through the security line. After an uneventful 10 minutes or less, I ended up in the Bored Room, where I put my shoes back on. After approximately a half hour there, where I had a little mimosa to toast the good folks from AS 261, as well as half a bagel, and a cup of coffee (some of which ended up on my shoe), it was time for the flight.

SFO/LAX. AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHH. I always hate such a good crew on such a short flight. If you are going to suck, please suck on the 55 minute flight, not on the 6 hour ones. But you know, life isn’t fair. 1 and one half really bad mimosas (the AS bubbles suck, as does the OJ, but together, they are better than the sum of their 2 parts), and a variety from the snack basket, and it was time for LAX arrival. Despite the late departure, LAX arrival was pretty much on-time. (Once upon a time, when all my hair was brown, there were no lines on the face, and the eye prescription was minor, the published flight time was 1:00 to 1:05 on that route. Now, it is about 1:30, and they are “heroes” when you get in on time or early.)

Given the nearly “on time” arrival, I went up to the LAX Bored Room where I had part of a glass of Pseudo-2-Buck-Chuck and part of a kersant.*

(* Kersant - something that looks like a croissant, but really isn’t light and flaky and really isn’t a croissant, and really, you stop eating it because it isn’t that good, but it looks like a croissant so it should have a similar name.)

Before I knew it, it was time for the next flight.

LAX/SEA. The flight departed from one of the VX gates. There was no MVPG/F line, and when I arrived, there was a substantial line. I didn’t shove my way to the front, with my “do you know who I am” card and “my seat is in Row 2" boarding pass. I simply waited my turn, which took awhile. Finally, I settled down in Row 2, to enjoy my pre-departure water.

The crew seemed pleasant enough. I took out my book, and started reading. Someone who will read this report will be pleased to know that I am now in the mid 100s (page) in the book she gave me some time ago.

After departure, the FA took drink orders, and I ordered one. She served them prior to the meal service. But when she brought out the lunchettes (green leaves and near-chicken-jerky on a plate, with a roll, and some dressing), and I asked for some vino to accompany my meal, she served the 10 remaining people before returning with my wine. Actually, I didn’t even start eating until she brought the wine. From the pet peeve department, when there is 1 FA serving 16 F passengers, (s)he should make sure each row (or 2) is set for the meal, instead of serving 16 meals at once, and then going back for beverage service, most of whom ate with empty glasses. Notwithstanding this, I recall that 9 years ago today, the jackscrew of that MD80 decided to give out 8 hours after I stepped off the plane, and not while I was on it, making today’s little gripe oh so insignificant.

(to be contiunued)