AA 1349 ORD-SAT 650p-953p, 25D
Turns out this was an MD-80, not an F-100, the 10pm nonstop was the F-100. My seat opponent in 25F was a very pleasant man who did corporate training for electric utility companies. We chatted on and off during the flight, something I don't usually do. It was a bistro meal, but I had gotten a real sandwich during my extra hour on the ground at ORD, so I just ate the rest of the junk food. The FAs came back twice for drink refills until the captain made them sit down - the seat belt sign was on for all 3 hours because of the threat of severe turbulence that never materialized. Landing was a little rough.

I found the SATrans booth outside the airport and bought a one-way ticket. There was about a 10 minute wait. It's only worth taking SATrans downtown as opposed to a taxi if you're by yourself - the taxi is $17 and the shuttle bus is $8. Had a nice talk with the driver on the way in as I had the front seat in the van.

The Wyndham is very nice. The ByRequest stuff works! I was in my room (actually a suite of two small rooms) in about 90 seconds, and my chosen amenity (bottled water and Diet Coke) was waiting for me. Plus there was a 6 oz can of peanuts that I can't eat because I'm allergic to them. I doubt I'll get the 500 miles, but the $120/night savings off of their normal weekend rate was worth the tradeoff! I'm just happy that the rest of the program works on a priceline stay.

I'm off to do whatever sightseeing I can get in before the rains come this afternoon, then I will start looking for the other FT folks.