Monday night I went to IAD and parked in the valet parking, USAir Shuttle, at DCA. The shuttle was scheduled for 5:30. The previous shuttle at 4:30 had been cancelled. Apparently this happens all the time.

I am usually lucky in this regard and our flight was not cancelled although we had to park out near the runway for a holdup for ATC. My seatmate had been on the previous flight (cancelled) which had gone out to the runway, turned around and come back for eveyone to deplane. He claims that they cancel the shuttle whenever they have very poor pax count. Anyone have exper on this?

My seatmate also had experienced very bad turbulence on a recent flight. The pilot had tried to land, aborted, diverted to Syracuse. The FAA had questioned some pax when they left the plane, apparently the turblence was so bad that some pax needed med attn! Pressure on the pilots to land can be exceptional.

I sat in coach, an ancient 737-200.

The flight was fine, landing in 20 knot winds was very professional. Food was an apple, a snack that I didn't eat, no liquor (only beer or wine...why don't they sell liquor?)

Just for fun I checked out the USAair club in BOS. Pretty nice, although a drink (double shot) cost me 8 bucks! Admirals club members get US club privileges day of departure...

I stayed at the Marriott at Copley Plaza. A thoroughly pleasent hotel, terrific quiet room, great mattress. Dinner was delicious veal ragout, really great. In the morning, wonderful breakfast buffet including fish, omelette bar, and much more.

Next day (today) I found out that I had to be in Chicago Wednesday. A trip to BOS and I had to clear security to get into the Admirals Club, then clear again to get to my gate. Plah! BOS is a terrible airport, isn't it?

The flight in FC was on a 737-800 (is that the right number? I think so). New blue seats. Once again, saga of the seat, this time the headrest kept falling down. (Last AA flight I had footrest problems in C)

This is endemic with those new blue seats. I moved to an empty row (FC was half empty or half full, depending). Food was excellent for a short flight, choice of chicken thing or rare filet mignon. I had the beef, it came with a nice salad, smoked salmon, and chocolate pie, really excellent. Plenty of good AA service, uneventful flight.

In ORD I stopped in on the Admiral's Club to fax something urgent. the fax didn't work real well and they wanted $2.50 per page. I think this is criminal, it should be free! I believe that AA has new Platinum business facilities but these were not open when I landed.

Took a $30 taxi ride into the city, staying at Allegro Hotel. An amazing Art Deco place, really a neat hotel.

We'll see what tmrw brings!

I stayed at a wonderful Art Deco hotel, Hotel Allegro, on LaSalle Street and Randolph. Striped wall paper, funky interesting lighting fixtures, I can't begin to describe the visual pleasures that this place provides.

Drove to ORD and was delayed, delayed, delayed out to DCA on AA. Short 1.5 hour flight with strong tailwinds and medium chop. They served a quick but satisfying lunch of shrimp salad or turkey sandwiches.

While we were waiting for takeoff, FAs went around and served drinks. Very nice touch.

Glad to be back in DC. Next week, it's Seattle!

Why does everybody always come to Seattle when I'm traveling???

Oh yeah, it's because I'm always traveling.

Sorry to miss you richard.

Ships passing through the night, QuietLion. Hope to see you sometime soon in the other Washington (DC that is)