I woke up early this morning and finished packing. I only really needed to finish packing my camera and batteries as I wanted to hit the ground running after checking in.
I got an Uber to the airport, luckily despite the thunderstorm there was little traffic. I also arrived earlier than I really needed to so I could avoid most of rush hour.
Weirdly the United app said to check in at Terminal D – United never had a check in counter at Terminal D, but I guess it is temporary during the construction that has Terminal E in total disarray.
I got in the bag drop “shortcut”. I put “shortcut” in parenthesis as the queue was very long and slow. Once I did get to the front they had a NFC card that automatically printed off the luggage tag when my phone was held up to the sign with the United app open. Apparently I was the only one who could read directions as the queue should have moved quicker.
There was no CLEAR at Terminal D that I could find, but I did get in the TSA Pre-Check line. It was very quick and I appreciated not having to remove my laptops and everything else from my bag.
After going through security I took the elevator to the AMEX Centurion Lounge to have breakfast. I had scrambled eggs with Gruyere cheese (tasted much better than it looked), turkey sausages (I know), strawberries and a banana. Oh and I also got a Mimosa – colortini #1 on the trip.
I was stalking the seat map for my flight as well as the standby list. Everyone on the standby list got a seat assignment and I noticed 9 empty seats, so I changed to an empty row. I took the window seat, but in reality I have 3 seats to myself and 2 outlets to myself. Victory is mine.
I printed my luggage tags for the cruise on the printer in the lounge so I wouldn’t have to try and have the hotel print them for me.
Finally time to board the plane. I walked from Terminal D to Terminal E and got on the plane in my private aisle.
The screen showed the gameplan for the flight.
First meal service. Choice of chicken or vegetable.
I opened the window around the continental divide, there was a really cool river meandering through the mountains.
Time for a light snack,
And the flight is going over the Aleutian islands of Alaska.
I got a little sleep on the plane, it will be tomorrow before I arrive in Japan.