Alaskan Adventure Post #1

Well, I've been here for a few days now and figured that I better take the time to update. We've been having a wonderful time together and I have much to report on.

I'll start with my trip up here and get that crap out of the way. My flight was a disaster from the very beginning! When I went to check in to leave Arkansas, I found out that my flight out was delayed. This was caused by the bad storms south of us causing an incoming flight delay and that was the particular flight that was to start me on my journey. Sooooo.......I spent over an hour {quite literally} while the gal at the American Airlines counter tried to reroute me and still get me to Alaska.

First, let me explain that I made this reservation in January. I spent hours finding the best flights, with the fewest stops and shortest layovers, while still managing to get into Fairbanks at a decent time for a change. (I was supposed to arrive at 4;15 in the afternoon, which is unheard of. I usually have to arrive and depart around the midnight hour). I also was attempting to stick with Alaska Airlines so that when I did have to change planes, it would be in the same concourse. And of course, I had my seats all selected. I prefer window seats as I don't have to be scrunched between 2 people. Well, all that careful planning got all shot to hell! I ended up with a 6 1/2 hour lay-over in Seattle and didn't get into Fairbanks until about 11:00 PM.

AND.....even tho' I had arranged for 'assistance' off the plane and from gate to gate.....it didn't happen. I have a serious beef with the American Airline personnel at the Chicago Airport and they WILL hear about it! I actually didn't have much better luck with Alaska Airlines in Seattle; got pissed off and took it upon myself to attempt to make my way to my next gate. It wasn't too horribly far, as airports go, and would have been a piece of cake for a person with no walking issues. I managed because, #1) I was pissed off!! #2) Sheer determination and stupidity. #3)There were lots of places to sit every few yards or so and I had lots of time.

All of my seats on this revised trip, were center seats and one was in the bulkhead row. To say I was uncomfortable the whole time is a gross understatement. My legs ached so badly on the last segment from Seattle to Fairbanks.....I just wanted to scream! No way to get comfortable or even have room to stretch my legs out. I was never so glad to get off a plane in my life!! The absolute best thing to happen was seeing Riley's face from the top of the stairs as she was watching for my familiar suitcases to appear, out of one eye and watching for me out of the other eye! We grabbed each other and it was just OMG!! I made it!!

In view of the discomfort of my trip up, I called today to see about upgrading my seats to 1st Class for the trip home. Well......good thing I did, cuz guess what?? My return reservation had been cancelled because I had never been checked in on the outgoing flight. I can just imagine arriving at the airport on May 28th and not being able to go home! But, I got it all squared away today, except for the 1st Class thing. I have to upgrade when I check in, if seats are available. I don't get that, but will make the best of it and hope there are seats available.

I think that's all for now. I have lots more to tell you and will update later today or tomorrow. Stay tuned.