Friday, November 07, 2008

Chicago Nov. 2008: Arriving in Chicago O'Hare International, Chicago IL (ORD) from Houston Intercontinental (IAH)

We landed and taxied into the gate arriving at 10:28p, nineteen minutes off the mark. As we taxied in, it was actually doing some kind of precipitation as there was water on the windows.

I noticed that the ground staff was on the plane cleaning it as I deplaned. This only meant that the airplane was going back to Houston. Odd I thought, as we were not that delayed. Once outside, I noticed that the 7:30p to Houston was delayed and the airplane I had brought in was going to make up the return flight.

I then made my way to the Baggage Claim area after checking to see if the Presidents Club was open; it closed at 7:30p.

In the Baggage Claim area, I checked the price of the door to door van service and the price was $28.00. I decided against it and followed the signs to the Blue Line train.

Chicago Nov. 2008: Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Chicago O'Hare International, Chicago, IL (ORD)

CO346 7NOV08 Houston-Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Chicago O'Hare International, Chicago IL (ORD) to 7:25p 10:09p 735 N??602

Flight Time: 2:01
Seat Map

I boarded this 2-2 configured airplane with its eight leather seats in First Class making my way to my Economy class middle seat.

I did find some place for my bag and coat so that was great as they were already checking bags. I settled in and waited for us to leave.

The Captain came on the PA at 7:19p and advised that the flight time is 2:01 and he was expecting snow flurries on arrival.

It was 7:23p when we pushed, the manual safety demo started soon after. As we made it to the runway, the pilot advised that we had a 15 minute hold due to the Chicago weather. When that time had passed, we had yet another 15 minute delay. Soon, it was our time and we took off.

We were served two packs of peanuts after takeoff and then some beverages. As there is no entertainment on this aircraft, I watched two episodes of Merlin that I had downloaded from the BBC on my last trip to the U.K. The guy next to me was actually watching the show with me as well as it has closed caption.

I even had time for a cat nap before we started our descent into the Chicago area.

Chicago Nov. 2008: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) from downtown Hosuton, TX

I used my new G1 phone to show the TSA agent my boarding pass. It worked, so I was happy about that. The security line was actually a bit slow indeed.

I looked at the board and noticed that the 5:45p flight was at gate E-8 and was delayed until 6:45p. I quickly made my way there, but the agent said they were full. I then headed towards C-30 and the Presidents Club.

I had a beverage and some cheese and crackers, then headed to my gate, stopping to chat with two work colleagues who were heading to Baltimore, MD (BWI).

Soon, I got a middle, thanked the agent and boarded.

Chicago Nov. 2008: Leaving downtown Houston

A group of friends are meeting in Chicago, so I have to go see them this weekend.

I took the 5:06p 102 bus from downtown and headed to the airport arriving at 6:10p as planned.