Everything started out pretty well with my travels on Delta Airlines. I printed out our boarding passes at home, which I think is a great tool for speeding things up at the airport. We went through the normal strip search procedures required at security. (I wished I had known I could've waited and dressed at the airport instead of at home.) Anyway, we had plenty of time so no worries. All was well until it came time to board and I believe we were only 10 minutes before scheduled departure. Delta does this "zone" boarding thing that seemed quite intriguing until I saw it in action. Silly me, I assumed that the "zone" boarding would allow people seated in the back of the airplane to board first or maybe all the window people to board, then the middle seat people, then the aisle people so as to alleviate the need to crawl over people. Well, if that was actually the plan, it failed miserably. We were seated in row 38 I believe, seats A and B (window and middle) and we were boarded almost last. So, if anyone knows the secret behind this "zone" boarding, I would love to hear it. This boarding took over 40 minutes from start to finish thanks to the people who still think it is appropriate to bring the kitchen sink on vacation with them. You see, although the rules (I think they are more like guidelines) state only 1 carry on and 1 personal item per person, there is no more reinforcement because of the "check in" at home process. I took them at their word and made sure I only had my suitcase and my purse. I even left a few items behind at home. I appeared to be the only one not carrying a suitcase, laptop and backpack. I guess rules mean nothing to people which is why I now refer to them as "guidelines".
We finally got on our way to Atlanta after the very amusing boarding process and I was pleasantly surprised by my new traveling companion. No, not my hubby, I already new about him. A gentleman that I will here in after refer to as my new friend, Fred, sat down beside me and we talked from take-off in San Diego to landing in Atlanta. That was such a pleasant experience for me especially since I do not usually spend a lot of time talking to people sitting next to me on airplanes. Fred had some wonderful stories to share about his family, especially his daughters, and their many travels. I am hoping to get them to guest author on here and share some of their experiences with us. He is also a great listener, which makes a conversation so much more enjoyable. So, no matter what Delta pulls on me from this point forward, I will always be thankful for meeting Fred. I know we will keep in touch.
We almost got to Atlanta close to on time, but just enough off for Fred to miss his shuttle connection for home. Sorry about that chief!!! Hubby and I knew we had time to grab a bite to eat before continuing on to Nashville, what we didn't know is that we had time to take in a show to go along with it. There was some noise about a missing flight attendant coming in on a late flight. Well, I completely understand that issue having come from the industry and that being one of the daily nightmares thrown my way. This really didn't bother me much and besides, I wasn't going to miss any connections, as this was our final destination flight. (Notice how understanding I am being?) So, after a few hours of standing near these automatic trash compacting contraptions that are plugged in every 10 feet or so, we boarded the plane and headed for Nashville. This was a pleasant flight with a lot of cool air coming out of the overhead a/c so I was a happy camper. Or so I thought I was until the Captain kept telling us to expect turbulence from the storm surrounding the Nashville area. There never really was much turbulence to speak of, but since he kept speaking of it, there were a few green people on board. Go figure! We arrived in Nashville almost an hour late. Little did I know at the time, this was just the beginning of things to come.
Well, the Delta saga will continue but I have decided to write about my trip in chronological order so you will have to keep checking back to hear more about my adventures in Tennessee first.
Do you know what they have in Tennessee that we don't have in California? Varmits!!! And I think they live in something called a "Holler". What's a holler?
A hollar is a small valley. Usually there is a "crik" (creek) in the hollar.
I cannot believe you had to be strip searched.
They enforce the one carry on the past few times I have flown, but it was not international flight.
As for the zone, it makes no sense. But if they loaded the back of the plane first, which would make sense, their first class and business class customers would have to wait.
Looking forward to more tales on Tennessee.
Posted by: CyberCelt | 26 February 2008 at 22:06
CyberCelt- I have lots of pictures to come of said "crik". I must have actually been in a hollar and didn't even realize it, ha!!
Posted by: Annie | 27 February 2008 at 07:03
Hi Annie,
Sorry 'bout the delays and inconveniences in getting to Nashville, but I'm glad we all got stuck in row 38 (or was it 36) together. I can't wait to read "the rest of the story"! Thanks for your kind words, and we will definitely stay in touch. "I'm a gonna email y'all a one o' them thar fotugrafy thangs whut shoz ya whut a crik iz down in that hollar ovr yonder! An sum o' them sprang flars tew. Hain't got nary one uv a varmit tho. Recons howz summers elze 'll hav ta fetch that fer ya!"
Happy Travels
Posted by: Fred | 27 February 2008 at 21:17
Delta disappointed me too, so I had to comment.
My husband and I splashed out on first class for our honeymoon to the British Virgin Islands. After an overnight flight from the west coast, we went from Atlanta to Puerto Rico, about three hours.
What kind of breakfast did they serve in first class for a three hour international flight? Peanuts and Sun Chips!
When I asked when the meal would be served, the attendant said there would be none and sheepishly offered me more Sun Chips.
Sure glad we sprang for the "luxury" treatment! ;)
Posted by: Julie | 23 March 2008 at 21:51
Julie-Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment. What a great way to start a honeymoon, huh? Wait till you hear what happens on my way home from Tennessee on Delta....
Posted by: Annie | 23 March 2008 at 22:19
Thanks Annie. I really like your site and will look out for the rest of the story!
Posted by: Julie | 24 March 2008 at 11:39