Travel Time - Alaska Departure

We all know that TSA screenings have made running through the airport 15 minutes before your flight depart a distant memory shared nostalgically as we wait in winding snake lines to remove our shoes and have a virtual body scan completed, but arriving three-and-a-half hours early may not be the way to go either. Especially if you know you are in for a 12+ hour day of travel without these minutes.

On the bright side, if you happen to feel a bit panicky with travel to a distant airport and you find yourself as the 2^nd person in line to check-in as the ticket counter opens, you may benefit from a free perk. Free exit row seating or free check-in of your carry-on at the counter to name a few. Yes, I may be bragging a bit here. There are other benefits to foregoing that extra hour of sleep; having the time to actually use the plush seats that are outside of the terminals while people watching is something I never before had time to do, but today this was a great way to kill an hour. 

There is a truly delightful feel to people watching arrivals in the land of the mouse. Families exit planes holding tightly to tots pulling their own travel cases likely filled with coloring books and markers as well as favorite princess dolls or superhero action figures. Their eyes become saucers as they take in the airport stores: Disney, Universal, Sea World, so much to see at once and just the slightest hint of the delights awaiting over the next few days of their vacations. Truly a great way to start any journey.

And this is exactly how we started our adventure this morning. Of course as I look down upon Glacier Bay for my first glimpse of the Northwest, I understand that I likely resemble the children I watched departing from planes at the start of this long day. I run through the trip itinerary mentally and physically – yes it is printed and plotted and I know you are likely laughing, but having a plan is vital to smooth travel when four strong ladies set off on a road trip – quickly glance around the cabin to see Oldest, Sis, and Niece, and take a moment to reflect on just how lucky I am to be having this experience. Ready or not, it’s time to see Alaska.