Background
All right I know what you’re thinking, Arizona State University Freshman on Spring Break, he must be going down to Rocky Point or Cancun to get very very drunk. Well as appealing as that sounds, I wouldn’t earn enough Frequent Flyer Miles by doing that, and can I pass up that AANYC promotion? I should hope not! So I saddled up both my warm weather and cold weather clothes, and got ready to spend time on both coasts and Florida all in one week. It’s Spring Break Flyertalker Style.

Preflight
SATURDAY MARCH 13, 2004
American Flight 356
PHX-DFW
Scheduled Departure: 7:30 AM
Scheduled Board: 7:00 AM

“I have really got to stop doing this to myself” I said as I splashed warm water on my face in an effort to get the rest of the shaving cream that my razor had missed off. In order to complete an odd routing (such as today’s PHX-DFW-BNA-STL-LGA) I have to be awake at 5:20 in the morning. This allows me time to make one of the early departures to an AA hub. On mornings like this, I usually don’t remember rolling out of bed and having a shower. It isn’t until I press the cold Gillette steel onto my cheek that I become at least partially conscious. As it was too early for the sun to come up and too late for my beer swilling buddies to still remain awake, I had to utilize Supershuttle to get to the airport today. Unfortunately, the Phoenix area was having a rare morning and it was pouring rain. It seems anyone who lives out west cannot drive in the rain so my Supershuttle showed up 15 minutes late. By that point I was wet and annoyed and didn’t react to the half-hearted half-mumbled apology of the driver. But even still I was at Skyharbor at 6:15 AM with plenty of time to spare.

Check in was a breeze. I feel AA handles it far better then UA at PHX as AA staffs its First Class/Elite line with more people allowing the line to move quicker. This morning I had a one minute wait between getting in line and hearing “are you taking the scenic route or something?” Reasons for traveling fully explained, I shouldered my two carry-ons and headed upstairs. Holy Christ on a Cracker I thought as I saw the security line for the Gates 15-25 (Delta/Northwest) pier. The line was over 600 people long and had wrapped itself around the escalators to get upstairs from the check in area. Inversely, the Gates 1-14 (America, ATA, Aloha) pier had no one in line. Perfect, enough time for an overpriced Starbucks bagel with a little schmear (cream cheese) and coffee concoction before heading off to Dallas. As I stated earlier, security was empty so I was through it quickly and procured my preferred Arizona Paper ( The Republic ). There was only a brief wait at the gate before I strolled on board:

Flying
Gate 6
Seat 8A Main Cabin – Exit Row
757-200, N706TW
Actual Board: 6:53 AM
Actual Depart: 7:2 AM – 8 Minutes Early
Take off 12 minutes after departure

My seat aboard today’s 100% full ex-TWA aircraft put me right next to door 2L with all the legroom one could ask for. During boarding as I was the first coach passenger onboard, I entered into an enjoyable conversation with the flight attendant. She had positioned herself next to my seat to survey the massive ingress of passengers which was a sight to behold. Unfortunately, today’s load was some of the more non experienced travelers that although loveable, are not yet familiar with the many nuances that make an easier flight for everyone. Today’s free tip, if the overhead bin is shut, it’s full, don’t open it to see if there is room for your stuff. Upon seeing this, the f/a commented that the plane had nearly no closets and she had no idea how the TWA flight attendants stowed their coats in the winter. Hmm, interesting point. Soon all passengers and their respective luggage were secured and we were off to colder skies but at least ones minus rain.

Today’s bill of fare for my cabin provided a full cup of the passengers preferred beverage with a hearty dose of ice and a healthy granola bar of this month’s flavor. This meant I had a Cran-Apple juice to compliment my Oatmeal Raisin bar. After this I felt I should get a little reading done so I got Mystic River down from the overhead and was about to start reading it when I fell asleep. Now, I never used to sleep on planes, but recently I’ve realized that as long as you’ve had your meal or drink and they’re not playing a movie you want to see, there’s no point to forcing yourself to stay awake if you are tired. As it turned out, the short respite was all I needed as when I awoke (during the announcing of connecting gate information), I felt excellent. I returned the book to my bag, freshened up and then we were deep in the heart of Texas (where the sage in bloom is like perfume).
Scheduled Arrival: 10:47 AM
Actual Arrival: 10:40 AM
Gate C26

Preflight/Transit
American Flight 322
DFW-BNA
Scheduled Departure: 12:37 PM
Scheduled Board: 12:07 PM

I do love a long connection at DFW. The airport is well suited for a meal as they have both good amounts of fast food restaurants plus some sit down places and two amazing Admirals Clubs (I cannot comment on the B Concourse Service Center though). As I had a C Concourse to C Concourse Connection I headed to the (anyone see it coming?) C Concourse Admirals Club! Before I could present my credentials to the gate keeper on the ground level, I had to wait on a family of three all in Full Fare First Class seats to Richmond. It was patiently explained to them that their tickets did not grant them access, but they could buy a membership. There were no takers among them.

I had an enjoyable time at the Admirals Club, slinging back free sodas and using the free internet before that crappy bagel had long since evaporated and I needed better food. I left and went over to the McDonalds near C6 and as I consumed food that would make Dr. Atkins thwap me with a rolled up newspaper. As I ate, I watched the 737-800 to LaGuardia load up and mused how a lesser Frequent Flyer would be on that flight.

Now C3 is one of the nicer DFW gates. It has windows that haven’t been covered due to the construction and generally has an open feel about it. There was only one problem today, there was no Super 80. A quick check of the arrivals board showed the plane was due inbound from Tucson and was going to arrive 25 minutes late, 5 minutes after our scheduled boarding time. Argh, I was irked. Still, airports are no place to mope. Being the worrier I am, I called up Sean and had him tell me the latest possible BNA-LGA nonstop and latest possible BNA-LGA connection. After he adequately made fun of me for worrying, I got the information I needed. I then called my friend Josh to see how his trip home from San Francisco was going. While talking with him I realized something, Gate C3 also has good cell phone reception unlike most of the other gates! After what seemed like a while but wasn’t much time at all, we had a plane and they allowed us to board:

Flying
Gate C3
Seat 9A Main Cabin
MD-80, N417AA
Actual Board: 12:34 PM
Actual Depart: 12:55 PM – 18 Minutes Delayed
Take off 10 minutes after departure

Once again we had another full flight. Even so, I’ve noticed that when there’s a delay ensuing, the passengers form a kind of unspoken agreement. After the bond is made, they take as little time as possible to get situated to ensure we all get out of there fast. Today was no exception as places were found for all bags and people very quickly and we were off earlier then I had hoped. Next to me was a grizzled EXP who looked very annoyed he had to share coach space with the likes of me. Hang in there buddy, only 5 more days and you don’t ever have to sit in 9B again.

Once we were wheels up, the flight attendants sprang into action. Even though a certain other airline with a DFW hub would serve a fast break on this one hour 18 minute flight, I was not on a Widget bearing plane. Everyone on the Silver Bird received a full can of preferred beverage and a salty yet scrumptious pretzel bag snack. I drank my Dr. Pepper while attempting the Mensa Quiz and Crossword puzzle and generally reminding myself why I attend ASU. Thanks American Way for letting me struggle with 9 letter words that can be formed into other 9 letter words. Soon though I was able to forget my shortcomings and concentrate on the approach into The Volunteer State which allowed it’s runway to grasp our plane. After a brief taxi this flight was over.
Scheduled Arrival: 2:19 PM
Actual Arrival: 2:25 PM
Gate C2