The journey

A lot of stuff happened today, but I guess I'll start from the beginning.  I got up at 6:45AM, double checked everything, put Jackie in his pet carrier (a lot easier than I thought it would be) and then we were off to the airport around 9!  I figured since my flight was at 10:30AM I would be fine if I got there at 9:30, right? WRONG!  I completely forgot that this is a holiday weekend.

So I get to the airport at 9:30 and the parking lot says FULL.  I go in anyway thinking someone somewhere must be leaving and thankfully I was right.  I found a spot in Area E of the parking lot but there were no shuttles around.  So I throw my car keys in my luggage bag and walk to the terminal (about 5 minutes but it was hot and I was carrying a cat, a backpack and dragging a bag around).  I finally found my way to the AirTran terminal (they moved it) and to my surprise, theres a huge line there!  I waited from 9:40 to 10 but the line wasn't moving much (some people apparently had a bag that was too big).  Finally they call people in my flight so they can get checked in fast.  I think "Awesome! I'm ok".  WRONG!

They say the flight is closed for baggage so my bag has to be sent with a different flight, its annoying but ok.  I've got everything I need in my backpack anyway, I think.  So after the guy gets done typing for 5 minutes straight, not saying a word, I'm finally checked in.  I rush to the security line, and see that it is even bigger than the check-in line (like 3 times bigger)!  Argh!

I finally get to the security checkpoint and I take Jackie out of the carrier and put it in the belt last (bad move).  My bag throws a red flag because it has a water bottle in it.  I tell the guy, please just get rid of it so I can go to my flight!  As the belt starts moving, making noise, Jackie freaks out!  He starts clawing at my shoulder and back trying to run (Oh, and I forgot his leash at home).  He hides under a table and I snag him and put him back in his carrier like a pro (I was in no mood for playing nice!).  I grab my stuff, put my shoes half on and run for it!

At the gate, I see some familiar disappointed faces.  A few others passengers for the flight that were in line with me did not make it either.  The flight is closed.  The manager at the gate, however, was a very nice guy.  I asked him to put me on the next flight thats connecting with Charlotte (that would be at 7:30pm).  At least, I'll get to go home and rest and then come back later.  I start walking back to my car and go to open the door.... CRAP!!!!

My keys were checked in with my bag, which was on its way to Atlanta already.  My apartment key was also in that keychain.  I was stranded with my cat at the airport.  I called my uncle who lives nearby.  He agreed to pick me up and let me stay at his place until my next flight.  I was relieved, Jackie wouldn't have to be in the carrier all day.  I went back inside the airport and found a family restroom where I could let him out without worrying about him running.  Thankfully I had a bowl I brought with me to give him water.  But he didn't drink it, he just sat in a corner the whole time.  My uncle came and picked me up, we stopped by Walmart so I could buy a small litter box and litter for Jackie.

We kept Jackie in the garage because my baby cousin was sick and they didn't want the cat inside.  It was a bit hot in there so I constantly went in to check on him.  I tried using a leash but the rascal wiggled out of his entire harness to escape me and hide under the car.  I let the garage door be open for a little while since it was raining and I knew he wouldn't run out into the rain anyway.

Finally at 5pm, I pack up again and we head off to the airport.  This time there was no line at all and I only had to go through security.  I put the pet carrier in first but Jackie wouldn't come out of it.  Thankfully, the guy in line behind me helped me out by holding the carrier while I took him out of it.  He still freaked out when the belt started moving and scratched me up pretty bad but I was ready for him this time and he didn't escape.  I got some pretty big cuts though, thankfully nothing deep.  I get on my flight with no problem and it went great.  Jackie got scared when we first started taking off but once we were in the air he was fine. 

In Atlanta, I had about 45 minutes until the next flight and since I was on standby they said I was not guaranteed a spot.  I was really freaked out because there was no other flight for a while and I didn't want to be stranded overnight in Atlanta with Jackie.  Thankfully, two people didn't show up for the flight and I got a seat.  I don't know who you are, but thank you for missing your flight Melody Gold :P  This flight was really short and I just played Chrono Trigger on my DS.  Jackie was totally calm and quiet the whole time.

So that was the plight of my flight.  I definitely learned my lesson now.  I will always be there at least 2 hours early for any flight in the future.  Never again!! 

I'll try to update more often during my vacation.  Since I quit using Facebook I'll post pictures on my blog.  Its a bit harder to use but it works. 

Bye for now,
-Me