AA2364
DFW-ORD
Seat 3A
MD80

Once onboard I ask for a Glenlivet and Ice, and my seat neighbour does likewise. He comments that we have just emptied the bar of the Glenlivet as they only load 2 bottle on the MD80 flights. Of well, its down to Dewars for the rest of the flight, so the next one is requested with ginger ale to make it drinkable.

I made a call to my Chicago-based colleague who was going to meet me at the airport to let him know were delayed and not expecting to arrive until 9:30pm. So I suggested I would just get the courtesy shuttle to the hotel and we made arrangements for him to collect me from the hotel in the morning to drive to the office.

After about 30 mins sitting on the tarma the captain tells us we have been given a landing slot into ORD and we are second in line for takeoff so please turn off all phones and laptop computers immediately.

Soon after take-off we are offered a choice of meals, cheese ravioli or beef salad. This is typical AA domestic F fair. Edible, but not great. The FA (John) is very jovial and chatty which helps to pass the time. My seatmate is also good for some conversation to help pass the time.

We ended up landing about 9pm. By the time my bag arrived on the belt and I found my way to the courtesy bus centre and waited another 25 mins for the hotel shuttle, I found it was 10pm before I reached the hotel. It had been a long day of travel and I was ready for hit the sack.

The check-in agent at the Corwne Plaza Rosemont told me he had provided a complementary upgrade, for which I thanked him. When I got to my room I realised this was not just an upgraded room but a huge King Executive Suite. It was about half the size of my house. It didn't take me long to settle into bed.