Well, the airport was a cluster. When I arrived, there were long lines outside for AA flights to MIA and JFK. I told them I was going to CLT; that line was inside. I haven't yet learned how to pack with just a carry-on; the baggage check line took over half an hour. Very frustrating. Then the remaining checks (I think there were three of them? can't remember) took another half hour so over one hour from front door to gate. There was no ramp this time so an attendant carried my carry-on up the stairs for me.
The rest of the trip, while long, was uneventful. I know a lot of folks don't like MIA, but I prefer it over CLT, at least as it relates to the baggage pick-up and drop-off. But I must say, Global Entry is fabulous and really cuts down on time in lines. I had just renewed for another five years prior to this trip and am grateful to have it.
Home around 11 PM PDT last night. Working on laundry and emptying bags today. I pick up my one remaining feline this afternoon and expect that will be an emotional experience. Here's a picture of both of them at the cat retreat. The one who is left is on the right.
Again sorry you lost a family member but we all with pets sign up for this. In regards to CLT over MIA I just booked our return for next year through MIA because CLT only had a hour and 5 min layover where MIA a hour and 45. With you flying FC you should have been able to go straight to the piority line to check bags. At least that was the way it was when we returned last month.
Your experience at PJIA was better than ours, as it basically took us 2.5 hours altogether, once we arrived at the airport. But I'm sure that doesn't make you feel any better!!! Really takes the air out of a great vacation. And, as Scubaman said, when we came home on June 21, there was a priority line for check in at AA, which I assumed was for first class. When we arrived and left, there was a ramp at the FRONT of the plane, but none at the back. When we were coming home, I was able to use the ramp to board and then head all the way to the back, through the plane. (Especially since most everyone had already boarded by the time we did..)
Sorry about your loss. I'm sure you will feel it much more strongly, once you are home. We are dealing with an issue with one of our dogs now and it has me kind of in knots..
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