Saturday, October 11, 2008

Killeen, TX Oct. 2008: Killeen/Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen TX (GRK) to Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

CO09550 11OCT08 Killeen/Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen TX (GRK) to Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) 4:55p 6:05p SF3 N356CJ

Flight Time: 0:40
Seat Map

I walked down the jetway and greeted the flight attendant as I boarded. She asked us to sit in row 9 and after for weight and balance purposes, so we all did.

This aircraft has a single entry door with one lavatory behind the cockpit and holds 38 passengers in a 1-2 leather seat configuration. I headed for the four seats across the back of the plane in row 12.

Later, the Captain came on the PA and announced that he was thankful for our being so helpful with sitting in rows 9 and aft. He then advised that it would be a 0:40 flight today.

At 4:43p, we pulled forward after the jetway was pulled back to clear the wing of the airplane.
We taxied out to runway 15 passing some military helicopters on the right, then took off at 4:47p or so.

The control tower can be seen just before takeoff.

It was a great takeoff and you could see the entire airport below.


At 4:54p, the flight attendant came around and asked if we wanted anything to drink. I asked for some water and Ginger Ale and she came back with a 16.9 Fl oz (500ml) bottle of water and a can of Ginger Ale accompanied by a pack of Honey Roasted Peanuts. I was happily surprised.

At 5:16p, the Captain came on the PA and said that we were beginning our sequencing for IAH now and it was 83F and the winds were form the SE at 6 miles per hour. We were 40 miles from the airport and will be touching down in about 15 minutes. He then asked the lone flight attendant to prepare the cabin for landing which she did.

Killeen, TX (GRK) Oct. 2008: Departing Killeen/Ft. Hood Regional (GRK)

Killeen/Ft. Hood Regional, Killeen TX (GRK)

It was 4:04p when I arrived at the airport. I bade my sister and my nephew goodbye and headed into the terminal. At the check-in counter, there was a sign that read something like "We've gone to the gate and will be back after the flight has departed." So I went up to the gate to see if I could get beyond security. The TSA agent said no so I went back downstairs and waited.

By now there were four people there, only one of which was traveling. The lady said hello and apparently from my accent she realized I was from Jamaica as well. We struck up a little conversation as we waited. Her dad was the one traveling and she told me that she missed the first bag fee by three days. I also noted to her that his bag was 6lbs. overweight and that there would be a charge.

The agent then arrived and started checking them in. He collected the $15 first bag fee and advised them that the bag was overweight and would cost $50. They then proceeded to take some stuff out, placing the extra 6lbs in their carry on bag.

After he was done with her, he printed my boarding pass and I went upstairs and cleared the security area without issues. I continued to talk to the lady's dad about random stuff. You could see out plane from the gate area.

Also, the back of the podium was a Laptop Station; wireless access is actually paid at this airport.


At 4:37p, boarding started for all rows for the five us that were going to Houston this afternoon.

Killeen, TX (GRK) Oct. 2008: Departing Killeen, TX

11OCT08 Killeen, TX

We left my mom's house at about 3:45p with my sister behind the wheel. It seemed like everyone was out doing something as it was such a picture perfect day. We pretty much hugged the perimeter of the Fort Hood military base as we made our way to the airport making fun of a picture of my nephew as we progressed. He's only 13, almost 14, but he looks like a 19 year old.