Tuesday, December 23, 2008

We Made It!





It was a beautiful day in Unalaska when we checked in at the airport. The Pen Air folks told us that Alaska Air's flights were getting in and out of Anchorage and Seattle and getting the stranded people cleared out and on their way. Our flight was supposed to leave at 1:05, but we kept getting updates that there was a strong headwind delaying the plane's arrival and we didn't end up taking off till 2:45 PM. Our flight from Anchorage was supposed to board at 5:15. It's a three hour flight to Anchorage and we have to go through security once we get there. You do the math. We just decided whatever is gonna happen is gonna happen and there's not much sense in obsessing over it.

Luckily, the strong headwind translated into a strong tailwind on the way back to Anchorage and we made it in 2 hours, 15 minutes. I do believe that's my fastest trip to Anchorage ever. Security was not busy and we were departing from one of the closest gates. Everything was in our favor after all (we do have pretty good travel karma, as those of you who know our travel stories are aware). The Seattle flight was a little bit delayed which also helped us out. Got de-iced, had a pleasant trip and we arrived in Seattle with a big thud (a little scary) at 10:30. The airport here was still packed with people and all kinds of luggage lined up in alphabetical order in baggage claim. People were looking a little haggard. I feel bad for those who have been stranded or maybe still are; we feel fortunate that weather and schedules converged in a good way for us.

Up early and off to Vegas in the morning.

8 comments:

Sarah Durham said...

YAY! So glad you made it. can't wait to see you :)

Kathi said...

I was thinking, YAY, and then I saw that that was exactly what Sarah wrote!! But YAY anyway. I'm glad you're on target. We woke up to beautiful weather this morning here in San Antonio. The sun is out, and it feels so much better. Have a great time- all of you!

Carlisleboy said...

Congrats!!!
Now, Send some of that Snow from Vegas up to Us!!!

Suzassippi said...

Glad you made it. I can send some rain, but it is in the 60s here today.

bonnie said...

Glad you made it!! CAn't wait to see you!

Alaska Steve said...

Yeah! I was keeping fingers and toes crossed for you, have a wonderful time and thanks for posting those picures form the take-off, I never remember to take any! Cheers, steve

Gigi said...

Thanks, everyone; I am sure all those good vibes helped! Sarah and Bonnie, can't wait to see you on Saturday (and Susan, too, if you are checking my blog without leaving comments!) Hope everyone is having wonderful holidays.

Betty said...

I tried to call you from Joe's but you must have left so when you get home, you'll prob find some messages from you! Glad you had a good flight in. We had lots of snow in Jackson. A foot fell on Christmas Day and the dogs just tunneled along.