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

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

We touched down with a jolt and then taxied up to the terminal. To our left was a Delta Connection CRJ at the gate.

I deplaned when it was my turn and walked across the tarmac and then up to the long jetway to the terminal building. I then made a small pit stop before heading out to meet my sister who was waiting with my nephew and my dad. I greeted them all and then we headed out.

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

CO9498 10OCT08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to Killeen/Ft. Hood, Killeen TX (GRK) SF3 N352CJ

Flight Time: 0:45
Seat Map

It was 7:17p when I made it on board and last passenger arrived at 7:23p. This aircraft has a 1-2 configuration and the last row has four seats.

I tried to sit in my assigned seat, but there was a guy's bag strapped into the seat. I then headed for the open Exit row and the guy sitting in the single seat had both his bags under the seats in front of that row. I tried again and found a single seat further back.

At 7:24p the flight attendant closed the door. We pulled forward at 7:27p as she did the safety demo. As we taxied out, at 7:37p Captain said we were #3 for takeoff. It was 7:40p when we departed 33L-15R.

After takeoff, at 7:51p, an offer of mini pretzels and beverage of choice were made. I requested some Sprite and a few minutes later the flight attendant returned with a can of Sprite and a glass of ice.

I could not tell the last time I got a whole can of soda on an airplane flight.

The captain came on the PA at 7:57p to advise that we were at our cruising altitude of 12,000' and then turned off the seat belt signs.

All during the flight, I kept smelling a stinky smell, it was quite horrible actually.

The Captain came on the PA and said that the temp was 77F and that we had started our descent at about 8:13p.

The Captain also advised that it would be an early arrival and told the lone flight attendant to prepare the cabin for arrival which she did. I actually fell asleep a little bit and awoke when we touched the runway.

Killeen, TX (GRK) Oct. 2008: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental, Houston, TX

10OCT 08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)

The check-in lines at Terminal B were not too bad and in about 8 minutes, we had cleared. I walked her down to her gate, chatted for a bit and then headed to my gate. I had to take a shuttle bus to Terminal A.

It did not take too long to arrive and in no time I was at gate A2. I made my way across to the relatively new Presidents Club across from gate A7, which is actually my gate. When I got there, there was no one at the front desk. I did see a lady, but it looked like she was cleaning up stuff. As it turns out, it was 6:29p and the Club closes at 6:30p :-(. There was one other guy there who was protesting as apparently a sign on the bar says they closed later. The agent advised him that the sign was for the old hours.

As I left, I noticed that the sign outside said 5:15a to 6:30p daily. Bummer as the last Killeen flight is at 9:25p and there are other flights still leaving after 6:30p.

I decided to head for Terminal B so I could use the Presidents Club there. Here are some sights as I headed that way.





I arrived there via a shuttle bus at 6:40p, knowing that I would only have about 10 minutes there. I had a beverage and some crackers and cheese and then hurried back to the shuttle bay, barely missing one.

At 7:09p one showed up and I made it to the gate at 7:15p out of breath. Why do I do this to myself?

I identified myself and in a moment, I was given an aisle seat. They actually thought I was another passenger. I took the boarding pass and headed down the unusually long jetway.

Killeen, TX (GRK) Oct. 2008: Leaving downtown Houston, TX

10oct08 Downtown Houston TX

It was about 5:01p when we left the office. My colleague who was driving was a little anxious that she would not get to the airport on time for her 6:30p flight. I reassured her that all was well.

Even after a slight detour, we arrived at the airport parking facility at 5:35p and the terminal at 5:45p.

Killeen, TX (GRK) Oct. 2008

It's the weekend right? So where am I going?

I am off to see family this weekend; my parents and my sister in good old Killeen, TX (GRK). Seeing my family is always so stressful, so it won't be a good two days at all. But this too will pass.

The flights looks good in both directions so I anticipate no issues.