The Captain said we’re cruising along at 31,000 feet on our flight from Salt Lake City to Pittsburgh. Outside we’re well above the clouds and a bright sun is shining. We’re about two hours into a three-and-a-half hour flight, so I guess we’re somewhere over eastern Nebraska, but with a solid cloud cover below, there’s no way to tell. I thought about bringing my GPS with me, but I’m sure it’s prohibited. Then I forgot it!
Nina’s sitting across the narrow aisle from me, snoozing. It was a very early morning as we had to drive to the SLC airport and be there by 9. We left the house about 5:30 and got into the terminal at 8:55. Then our flight was delayed about a half hour. “No problem,” says the captain, “we’ll only be about 5 minutes late.” We must have a pretty good wind helping us along.
This is a small airplane! Two seats on either side of the aisle. And small seats at that. We’re flying what’s called a Regional Jet (or RJ for short) which is being pressed into longer and longer routes, routes which used to be serviced by a 737-class airplane. These planes are not very comfortable and there isn’t much service available (no place to store and carry much in the way of food or drink items). This plane has three rows in First Class with three seats across and 20 rows in coach class with four seats across. All seats in the back are full. Half the seats in First Class are empty.
We’ll rent an Avis car in Pittsburgh and should arrive in New Wilmington by 6:30 pm EDT at the latest. Our return flight is on the same type of an airplane late Monday afternoon.
So, I’m moving eastward at some 300 mph, six miles up, listening to tunes on my iPod and feeling more than a little cramped. Flying used to be a lot of fun. Now it’s just a big hassle.
The SLC airport was mobbed again this morning. Lots of people are putting up with the issues and hassle. Why are the airlines loosing money? It doesn’t compute in my brain.
Now all I have to do is remember to send this when we get on the ground and I can turn on cell service once again!