May 23, 2022- Going Home

 

United had already sent me an e-mail announcing that my flight was taking off at 12:10 instead of 11:30 this morning so I did a video workout after breakfast and then finished packing.  I arrived at the airport 2 hours before boarding time which seemed like plenty, but I’m not sure I would have made it without being able to use the Priority check-in and security lines. They still ask the questions about whether your luggage has been under your control, whether anyone has given you anything to take on board… at check-in and then as I neared the gate area.  Both the check-in agent and the Border Control agent asked what happened to my passport.  Border Control wanted some documentation of when I entered the EU to verify that I hadn’t stayed longer than permitted.  Happily, he accepted my Tripit app itinerary on my phone and I was on my way.

I spent a lot of time walking around trying to get a refund of the 18% tax imbedded in the cost of the things I’d bought, only to find that the refund applies only to stores displaying the “Duty-Free” sign outside.  My purchases did not apply.  Well, I did manage to get 10,000 steps in before getting on the plane.

An edge of Akimiski Island in northern Canada.
 

I realized only a few days before that United had booked my flights with only a 1 hour, 10-minute connection time in Chicago. Really?   Usually I'm more vigilant about thwarting attempts to book silly connection times but I missed this one- and the next flight to Kansas City was at 9:05 PM.  Oh, joy.  Naturally that's the one I ended up taking.  I'd been looking forward to a shower and maybe a nap in the Polaris Lounge but realized I'd have to go through security at Terminal 5 and my flight was from Terminal 2.  The tram was landside so I'd have to go through security again at Terminal 2.  I decided to use the regular United Club at Terminal 2.  Not a bad place to hang out but I really could have used that shower!   I fell asleep as soon as I got seated on the plane home and got into my house at almost midnight.  Very long day.


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