Each one of my trip reports starts out with a masterclass in poor planning and even worse execution. Why mess with tradition, right? Though, this one might be my worst yet.

I mentioned a few trip reports ago that I was offered a huge career opportunity in my home state of Louisiana. While future Mrs. D4L and my family are firmly entrenched in Houston, I couldn’t pass on the opportunity. Besides both of my Louisiana offices were an easy 4.5 hour drive or 50 minute flight away, so commuting really isn’t an issue. So my plan was to live out of hotels or stay with friends while I worked in Louisiana on the weekdays, be back in Houston the vast majority of weekends, and work from home as much as I could. Ready? Break!

The plan worked, and I was racking up a mountain of Hyatt/Hilton/Marriott points to boot. But man was it tiring. I’ve been on the near weekly packing/unpacking routine for the last 15 years, so I’m very used to it. What I didn’t realize was how beneficial those odd office weeks were to my overall quality of life. I still had those office weeks, but those were still travel weeks in the current construct. So my plan worked, until it didn’t. I finally broke down after 18 months and decided to buy a crash pad in Baton Rouge.

It took awhile, but I finally found a house in Baton Rouge that checked all of my boxes. The problem was that rough spring weather delayed construction, so the earliest I could close was the day we were headed to Sweden for the concert. The cherry on top was that I waited too long to schedule the movers with my projected closing date all over the map. They were pretty much booked up through the summer, except for the time we were in Sweden.

It would take near perfect timing to pull off, but I had a plan. First thing I did that morning was close on the house. Then I headed over to the house about an hour later to unload a few things. Of course, the precious cargo was unloaded first.



I had to run to the office to take care of a couple of last-minute items, and then hit I-10 for the hour drive to New Orleans.



Obviously, I couldn’t wait until August to move in. Fortunately, a friend of mine happened to be free this week, and he graciously agreed to help me meet the movers. Before I could go to the airport, I needed to meet up with him talk about that game plan and give him the house key. The least I could do was buy him lunch, and we had a quick and tasty lunch at one of our favorite spots. And don’t worry, I’m also slipped him a lovely bottle of Hibiki.



Then finally, I made quick hop over to Louis Armstrong International Airport.



I parked at long term parking, and shuttle dropped me off at the terminal a few moments later.



Security was quick.







I made my way over to my gate and rolled up just as boarding began.



United Airlines 2420
New Orleans (MSY) – Houston (IAH)
Depart: 2:13PM
Arrive: 3:54PM
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
Seat: 21F (Economy Class)

Not much to talk about on this 51 minute flight. We boarded on time.



The exit row was plenty comfy for this short flight.





The plane rotated off Runway 28 runway a couple of minutes after an on time push. Since I flew United and on one of their Boeing 737-800s, I feel obligated to add that we departed without incident.



I promptly fell asleep and didn’t wake up until we touched down in Houston.



The plane parked at C5, so it was a somewhat longish but easy walk over to the Polaris Lounge, which is close to E11











It’s hard to believe Polaris Lounges are part of United’s umbrella, but facts. They’re very solid Business Class lounges.













The tarmac views from the lounge were commanding, and they’re even better if you’re a fan of the United livery. I’m not, but I’m sure someone out there is.





My first order of business was to shower, especially after a morning of moving and dashing around.







Then I checked out the buffet.













While the buffet looked solid, I ended going with the a la carte dining.









Drink menu wasn’t half bad either.







I started with the Polaris Star, which was nice and refreshing.



The fried tomato salad was a very tasty little snack and seasonally appropriate.



I cut myself off there in anticipation of the huge meal on board, and I found a quiet little corner to get some work knocked out and start this trip report before my flight to Manchester.