CO479 21OCT08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH) to San Antonio International, San Antonio TX (SAT) 7:20p 8:24p 738 N??267
Flight Time: 0:36
Seat Map
I went to the seat I was assigned, but there was someone sitting there so I took the open window seat; the middle was empty. This flight was pretty light so there were many empty seats.
I had just enough time to make a call to my friend in San Antonio advising him that I was on my way.
I looked to my left and saw a Boeing 777-200 there. Odd, one of the flights to Europe must be late. It is either the Paris-bound or the London-Heathrow-bound flight, I was not sure which.
The door closed at 7:18p and by 7:22p we pushed back with the safety video playing as we did so. The Captain had come on the PA and advised that we were held up due to congestion behind.
It was 7:45p when we took to the skies from runway 15L.
Immediately after takeoff, we were offered a pack of stadium style peanut and then a beverage; I opted for some water and apple juice. I was trying to get down the tray table that was in the middle and it would not budge; what I did not realize was that the guy at the aisle knee was blocking it; I apologized profusely and he laughed. Geez, how silly could I be? I felt like a real dingbat.
At 7:59p we were level at 24,000', the Capt. came on and said we will go into gate 30 or 31 and we should be in just shy of the 73F and clear skies. Have a good night on this short flight.
At 8:05p, we started our descent into San Antonio, soon after the flight attendants came by and cleaned up before we landed.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Google Android G1 Phone: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)
Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)
It was 7:07p when the #102 arrived at Terminal C. I bolted off the bus, holding my top pocket and my backpack as I headed for the departure level. I went up one more level up and followed the signs to Terminal E. I was hoping that the parking lot entrance was not closed as that would have ended this run.
I was in luck it was still open and there was onyl one guy going through. I showed my documents to the TSA office noting for future reference that it is closed from 8:30p to 5:30a. I cleared security as fast as I could and then darted for the closed doors at the end of the corridor.
I almost ran into the stationary doors as I was not sure which ones would open. Quick thinking avoided certain disaster. It was now 7:10p and I had to make it to E-19, the last gate in Terminal E. At one point, I thought I should just stop for fear of just passing out, but I continued as fast as my legs could take me.
I rounded the corner at gate E-24 and saw a red coat all the way at the end. I had a feeling he was looking out for runners; me. I tried to move faster, but my legs were low on oxygen so I just kept my already quickened pace. As I neared him, he shouted nicely "San Antonio?' I said an out of breath "yes" and nodded.
The agent then gave me my boarding pass and sent me down the jetway.
I can't believe it, I made it.
It was 7:07p when the #102 arrived at Terminal C. I bolted off the bus, holding my top pocket and my backpack as I headed for the departure level. I went up one more level up and followed the signs to Terminal E. I was hoping that the parking lot entrance was not closed as that would have ended this run.
I was in luck it was still open and there was onyl one guy going through. I showed my documents to the TSA office noting for future reference that it is closed from 8:30p to 5:30a. I cleared security as fast as I could and then darted for the closed doors at the end of the corridor.
I almost ran into the stationary doors as I was not sure which ones would open. Quick thinking avoided certain disaster. It was now 7:10p and I had to make it to E-19, the last gate in Terminal E. At one point, I thought I should just stop for fear of just passing out, but I continued as fast as my legs could take me.
I rounded the corner at gate E-24 and saw a red coat all the way at the end. I had a feeling he was looking out for runners; me. I tried to move faster, but my legs were low on oxygen so I just kept my already quickened pace. As I neared him, he shouted nicely "San Antonio?' I said an out of breath "yes" and nodded.
The agent then gave me my boarding pass and sent me down the jetway.
I can't believe it, I made it.
The Google Android G1 Phone: Leaving Downtown TX.
I have a friend in San Antonio, TX who is a techno geek. He was the one that told me when the Android was going to be available. I had told him that when I get it I will come see him so we can play with it. Well, here goes.
I left my house at about 5:35p and headed for the bus stop. It was 5:45p when the bus showed up and 6:05p when we arrived downtown. I had no idea whether or not a bus was in the vicinity, but I just hoped. I saw one coming in the distance and as it drew nearer, it was the 102.
Houston is an odd city, people who live in the suburbs actually line up for the bus one behind each other neatly. I have not see that in any other city I've visited, perhaps except for Japan where commuters queue for the trains. It is interesting to see. The folks for the 102 did not queue, there was maybe 5 or 6 of us.
While on the bus, I continued to figure out the new G1 Android phone. I had expected to see all my phone numbers in the Contact section, but that was not the case. So I called T-Mobile and asked them what was up with it. It was painful. The lady who answered the phone transferred me to the PDA Blackberry desk; odd I thought since they just launched the G1.
The guy then asked me for my phone number, which I though was ridiculous; annoyed I asked him if the lady had not told him what was up; he said no. I told him my issue and he advised me that it is necessary to download my contacts to the phone. You would think when I touched Contacts for the first time, there would have been an intuitive message giving me some direction?
We had a bad connection and eventually, I lost him as I was on the bus. I then figured it out myself and just downloaded the contacts, which I think doubled up for some weird reason.
I left my house at about 5:35p and headed for the bus stop. It was 5:45p when the bus showed up and 6:05p when we arrived downtown. I had no idea whether or not a bus was in the vicinity, but I just hoped. I saw one coming in the distance and as it drew nearer, it was the 102.
Houston is an odd city, people who live in the suburbs actually line up for the bus one behind each other neatly. I have not see that in any other city I've visited, perhaps except for Japan where commuters queue for the trains. It is interesting to see. The folks for the 102 did not queue, there was maybe 5 or 6 of us.
While on the bus, I continued to figure out the new G1 Android phone. I had expected to see all my phone numbers in the Contact section, but that was not the case. So I called T-Mobile and asked them what was up with it. It was painful. The lady who answered the phone transferred me to the PDA Blackberry desk; odd I thought since they just launched the G1.
The guy then asked me for my phone number, which I though was ridiculous; annoyed I asked him if the lady had not told him what was up; he said no. I told him my issue and he advised me that it is necessary to download my contacts to the phone. You would think when I touched Contacts for the first time, there would have been an intuitive message giving me some direction?
We had a bad connection and eventually, I lost him as I was on the bus. I then figured it out myself and just downloaded the contacts, which I think doubled up for some weird reason.
The Google Android G1 Phone
My Motorola flip phone died a few months back. One of colleagues, Dave lent me his RAZR until I could get the next best thing. Thanks Dave!
As it turns out it is the new Android G1 made by HTC, which arrived by UPS today at about 3:30p. Now I can be a true techno road warrior or can I?
The UPS guy said I was his 112th delivery of the phone for the day and he had 70 more to go and he can't wait to get rid of them :-)...
Here are first look. It is charging now, so no screen shots as yet.
It is really nicely packaged.
Compared to the Motorola RAZR
As it turns out it is the new Android G1 made by HTC, which arrived by UPS today at about 3:30p. Now I can be a true techno road warrior or can I?
The UPS guy said I was his 112th delivery of the phone for the day and he had 70 more to go and he can't wait to get rid of them :-)...
Here are first look. It is charging now, so no screen shots as yet.
It is really nicely packaged.
Compared to the Motorola RAZR
Monday, October 20, 2008
Qantas flies the A380
Qantas flew the A380 for the first time from Melbourne, Australia (MEL) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX) on October 20, 2008. Here is a schedule for other flights of the A380 the next few months. Go to http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/A380/schedule
Sunday, October 19, 2008
London October 17, 2008: Arriving at Gatwick from Central London
19OCT08 Gatwick International, London England (LGW)
I detrained and followed the signs to the North Terminal where I arrived via train a few minutes later. This was my first time departing from gatwick since Continental started their Heathrow service back in March. Many of the check-in areas were now replaced by Emirates check-in counters. By October 26, I think it will be all gone as there will no longer be service to Gatwick from Houston or Newark.
I used the kiosk and received my boarding pass and took an aisle seat with the window currently open. I then did my security checks and headed for the security lines. Good, there were no lines so it was smooth sailing which was a plus.
Once inside, I found the IRIS office and as it turned out it was not open until 7:30a and it was now 7:23a. I did not see any activity inside, so I am assuming that it will be opened late. The drawback is that the Lounges are on the other side of the airport and I don't really want to be going back and forth today.
Hopefully the wait won't be too long.
At 7:30a, the two agents showed up. After a few minutes of back and forth, they re-registered me and I was on my way. Hopefully, it will all work when I return.
I then headed over to the Emirates Lounge and relaxed until it was time for the flight.
I detrained and followed the signs to the North Terminal where I arrived via train a few minutes later. This was my first time departing from gatwick since Continental started their Heathrow service back in March. Many of the check-in areas were now replaced by Emirates check-in counters. By October 26, I think it will be all gone as there will no longer be service to Gatwick from Houston or Newark.
I used the kiosk and received my boarding pass and took an aisle seat with the window currently open. I then did my security checks and headed for the security lines. Good, there were no lines so it was smooth sailing which was a plus.
Once inside, I found the IRIS office and as it turned out it was not open until 7:30a and it was now 7:23a. I did not see any activity inside, so I am assuming that it will be opened late. The drawback is that the Lounges are on the other side of the airport and I don't really want to be going back and forth today.
Hopefully the wait won't be too long.
At 7:30a, the two agents showed up. After a few minutes of back and forth, they re-registered me and I was on my way. Hopefully, it will all work when I return.
I then headed over to the Emirates Lounge and relaxed until it was time for the flight.
London October 17, 2008: departing London
19OCT08 Canary Wharf, London England
The alarm clock went off at 5:00a, aarghhhhh. I had only crawled into bed 2.5 hours earlier. I got my act together, then went and checked on the Journey Planner Web site at http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk where exactly was the bus located. It was in the same area that I was the previous afternoon.
At 5:44a, I headed out and was at the bus stop in no time. There were two others behind me as well. At about 5:50a, the N550 appeared and I was on my way. I somehow think that this bus was a little late, but I am not complaining at all.
I spoke with the driver and told him my intentions and he said he would let me know when to get off. In about 12 minutes or so, he called me forward. There was also another guy who was catching the same bus as well.
Unfortunately, the #11 passed before us as we were held at the traffic light. The driver was really good though and said that we can catch up with it at Trafalgar Square so stay on the bus. We did and sure enough at Trafalgar Square we caught up with it.
In the brief time I spent at the bus stop waiting, I heard two girls talking about the relationship that the other had with a guy. Apparently, they had just broken up and she was not taking it well. I could not help but overhear them talking about. The one who had broken up wanted sympathy and the other was just not having it. How insensitive, I thought...
It was 6:24a when the #11 deposited us just outside Victoria Station. This gave us six minutes to make the 6:30a Gatwick Express train. This was going to be close.
We hastened our steps and made it to the station by 6:25a and noticed that the train was on track 14. We both started to make a run for it and was onboard the train by 6:27a. At exactly 6:30a, it pulled out, 35 minutes later we will be in Gatwick Airport.
At about 6:45a or so, the trolley buffet came by. I thought this was odd as the announcement had said that there was no service this morning and had even apologized for it. I brought that to the attention of the guy and he smiled.
At 6:51a, the conductor came by and I purchased my ticket. It has been a while since I rode the Gatwick Express and the price had gone up considerably, it was now 16.90 GBP for the one way fare. The Heathrow express fare is 16.80 GBP.
We pulled into the station at 7:04a.
The alarm clock went off at 5:00a, aarghhhhh. I had only crawled into bed 2.5 hours earlier. I got my act together, then went and checked on the Journey Planner Web site at http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk where exactly was the bus located. It was in the same area that I was the previous afternoon.
At 5:44a, I headed out and was at the bus stop in no time. There were two others behind me as well. At about 5:50a, the N550 appeared and I was on my way. I somehow think that this bus was a little late, but I am not complaining at all.
I spoke with the driver and told him my intentions and he said he would let me know when to get off. In about 12 minutes or so, he called me forward. There was also another guy who was catching the same bus as well.
Unfortunately, the #11 passed before us as we were held at the traffic light. The driver was really good though and said that we can catch up with it at Trafalgar Square so stay on the bus. We did and sure enough at Trafalgar Square we caught up with it.
In the brief time I spent at the bus stop waiting, I heard two girls talking about the relationship that the other had with a guy. Apparently, they had just broken up and she was not taking it well. I could not help but overhear them talking about. The one who had broken up wanted sympathy and the other was just not having it. How insensitive, I thought...
It was 6:24a when the #11 deposited us just outside Victoria Station. This gave us six minutes to make the 6:30a Gatwick Express train. This was going to be close.
We hastened our steps and made it to the station by 6:25a and noticed that the train was on track 14. We both started to make a run for it and was onboard the train by 6:27a. At exactly 6:30a, it pulled out, 35 minutes later we will be in Gatwick Airport.
At about 6:45a or so, the trolley buffet came by. I thought this was odd as the announcement had said that there was no service this morning and had even apologized for it. I brought that to the attention of the guy and he smiled.
At 6:51a, the conductor came by and I purchased my ticket. It has been a while since I rode the Gatwick Express and the price had gone up considerably, it was now 16.90 GBP for the one way fare. The Heathrow express fare is 16.80 GBP.
We pulled into the station at 7:04a.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
London October 17, 2008: Arriving in London Heathrow (LHR) from Houston Intercontinental (IAH)
18OCT08 London-Heathrow International, London Heathrow (LHR)
It was 9:04a when we touched down with ease. We taxied across towards Terminal 4 and as we did, it was great to see a number of aircraft making their way around the airport.
We had to wait for a British Airways Airbus A320 to take off before, then we crossed the active runway behind a Sri Lankan Airbus A340, I think it was. We were at the gate at about 9:10a.
I deplaned and walked to the Immigraton area with my colleague and his friends. After about a twenty minute wait in the Immigration line, we cleared customs and then exited. I got them settled with the ground transportation to the city, then I headed to the Underground, missing the train by about a minute. Not to worry, the next one was in 15 minutes.
It was 9:04a when we touched down with ease. We taxied across towards Terminal 4 and as we did, it was great to see a number of aircraft making their way around the airport.
We had to wait for a British Airways Airbus A320 to take off before, then we crossed the active runway behind a Sri Lankan Airbus A340, I think it was. We were at the gate at about 9:10a.
I deplaned and walked to the Immigraton area with my colleague and his friends. After about a twenty minute wait in the Immigration line, we cleared customs and then exited. I got them settled with the ground transportation to the city, then I headed to the Underground, missing the train by about a minute. Not to worry, the next one was in 15 minutes.
Friday, October 17, 2008
London October 17, 2008: Arriving in Houston Intercontinental from downtown Houston
17OCT08 Houston Intercontinental, Houston TX (IAH)
The security lines were a breeze at Terminal C. We then took the train to Terminal E. Sadly, there was no time for the Presidents Club, so I stood outside and checked some flight details for my colleague who was heading to Seattle on the 7:25p.
It was now 5:57p, so we made our way to E-18 as he was meeting a friend at E-21 and my flight was leaving from E-18. When I got there, I noticed that they had not yet started boarded, bummer, I could have hung out a bit longer at the Presidents Club, oh well.
I went over to the gate and collected my boarding pass for my upgraded window seat on the right side of the plane. Boarding started at about 6:08p, so after saying hello to another colleague who was on that flight and goodbye to my colleague who was heading for Seattle, WA, I boarded.
The security lines were a breeze at Terminal C. We then took the train to Terminal E. Sadly, there was no time for the Presidents Club, so I stood outside and checked some flight details for my colleague who was heading to Seattle on the 7:25p.
It was now 5:57p, so we made our way to E-18 as he was meeting a friend at E-21 and my flight was leaving from E-18. When I got there, I noticed that they had not yet started boarded, bummer, I could have hung out a bit longer at the Presidents Club, oh well.
I went over to the gate and collected my boarding pass for my upgraded window seat on the right side of the plane. Boarding started at about 6:08p, so after saying hello to another colleague who was on that flight and goodbye to my colleague who was heading for Seattle, WA, I boarded.
London October 17, 2008: Leaving downtown Houston
Downtown Houston, TX
I had to finish a last minute report just before leaving work. Friday afternoons are always so hectic for some idiotic reason.
It was 5:05p when we pulled out of the garage and headed north on I-45 to I-10 and then to US59. There was quite a bit of traffic as usual, but we made it to the airport without incident by 5:45p.
I had to finish a last minute report just before leaving work. Friday afternoons are always so hectic for some idiotic reason.
It was 5:05p when we pulled out of the garage and headed north on I-45 to I-10 and then to US59. There was quite a bit of traffic as usual, but we made it to the airport without incident by 5:45p.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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.
Friday, October 10, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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