Because I’m Not Very Smart

I used to be smart. At least about travel. I’ve flown hundreds of thousands of miles in my life. I consider myself an experienced traveler. I have preset packing list. And yet, when it came down to it,

I’m not very smart.

My trip was on Tuesday. If I travel during the week, I have to arrange for someone to cover for me while I’m on the plane. But, it also means I can take the train to the airport. That’s a $5 charge rather than parking for a week or a taxi.

I approve my travel schedule. I submit a request and when it’s approved by the VP and the SVP, the travel department sends me a proposed schedule. I get to make final approvals.

My trip for this week was no different. Except when the schedule arrived, I got stupid. I glanced at the dates, saw they were correct and said approved.

My flight from Salt Lake City left at 7:00 AM. That’s not normally a problem except that the trains don’t start running until 5:00AM and the trains take 90 minutes to get me to the airport. Thirty minutes before takeoff is too short. Especially given the uncertainty around the TSA schedules.

So, my choice was drive or take a shuttle. My car is still in the middle of a major differential rebuild. So, that left the shuttle. Okay, that’s not a problem.

Except that when you order a shuttle, you tell the shuttle company what time your flight leaves and your address and they calculate your pickup time.

Apparently they are taking that “two hours before your flight during the government shutdown” advice seriously. My pickup time was 3:45. . .AM!

But, that makes sense, right? It’s only a 45 minute drive to the airport, but they probably have to pick up other people, right?

Nope.

I was the only passenger. The shuttle arrived right on time. We arrived at the airport at 4:30. . .AM!

But, that’s okay, right. Security lines are longer than expected.

Nope.

This was the security line.

Fortunately I got upgraded to Delta Comfort+ on the Salt Lake City to Atlanta leg. It’s nicer to sleep in those bigger seats.

At least I was smart about the return trip, right?

Nope. My return flight leaves Louisville on Friday at 6:00. . .AM. I’m not very smart.

Maybe I’ll get smarter on the next trip.

Rodney M Bliss is an author, columnist and IT Consultant. His blog updates every weekday. He lives in Pleasant Grove, UT with his lovely wife, thirteen children and grandchildren.

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