I am an extremely paranoid traveler. For international travel, I like being at the gate 3 hours before the flight. For domestic travel, 2.5 hrs before flight. Some of you that travel regularly might find this ridiculous, but I really don’t like dealing with travel stress. It’s nice knowing that I have no worries through security.
Unfortunately, travel still finds a way to wig me out. Such was the case with this trip to Luxembourg. I was at the gate 3 hrs ahead. All looked well. Until the phone calls detailing that my travel companions were all horribly late.
My boss was stuck in Charlotte. And the company president was stuck on the Mass pike. It should be said, I was not ready to rock this trip solo. As the plane was boarding, I was standing nervously waiting just inside security. 40 minutes before the flight takes off, the president made it.
My boss did not. He made it to Logan but got caught in shuttle bus traffic. Shuttle bus traffic?
We get on the plane. Six and a half hours later (it’s fairly telling that this felt like a short flight – I don’t even think I checked my watch) we land in Paris where we have 45 minutes to travel what felt like 3 miles through packed hallways and eternal lines.
For those of you who haven’t experienced frequent international travel, never accept a flight option that gives you less than 120 minutes at Charles de gaulle airport. I honestly have no idea how we made it to our flight. We sprint walked with our luggage through customs, through security, and probably at least a mile and a half to a new terminal.
All’s well that ends well? I’m in Luxembourg and as usual, I’m all sorts of jet lagged.
I hate Charles de Gaulle! It and La Guardia rank as my least favorite airports. Favorites include PDX and Houston (what??!!). (My internal rankings involve easy security, good bookstores, and healthy food options) Mike, what are your favorite airports?
Random list of favorites:
I’m adore Bradley in Hartford – I suppose we love what we know – though I avoid terminal B.
PDX is small and convenient – the style needs updating
Charlotte is awesome (except term E)
Get a burrito from Salsaritas
A lot of people hate Atlanta, I don’t mind it at all. If nothing else, it’s straight forward. Also, they have art exhibits between terminals if you walk instead of take the tram.
Detroit is beautiful – awesome fountains and the underground tunnel of light.
Houston and Dallas would probably be favorites if the car rentals weren’t so far away.
For international flight, I prefer Logan’s parking – but JFK’s terminal food offerings (still fairly paltry).
Ooh, Charlotte, I forgot about that one. That is also one of my faves. Have to say, I was bummed out by Hartford – the security line took forever!!