1 hour until departure
My roommate was quite friendly, and we bonded over repacking our bags. The beds were quite comfey, and sleep was only barely hindered by the fierce thunderstorms (that made me feel like a star bombarded by the paparazzi) and the pounding music coming from a nearby room/party. Less we should forget, "tonight's gonna be a good night..." was clearly audible.
My alarm was set for 7:05 this morning. I only snoozed once. My roommate and I walked down and had breakfast together, and then moved our checked bags from the luggage room to a hallway to be loaded onto chartered trucks.
I won the lottery by having been at the end of the alphabet -- I got on Japan Airlines! I thought everything was good (the carry on size is bigger) until I was waiting to catch the shuttle (45 minutes before the American Airlines everyone but us 15 of 130 Chicago JETs) when I learned that while the carry-on SIZE is bigger, the WEIGHT is 20 pounds less. So, right now, I'm hoping that my carry on bag, at 43 pounds, manages to slip past and be mistaken as under 20. Eeep... Luckily, misery loves company and most of us are in the same boat. Meanwhile, I am strong, I am Hercules, this bag is fluffy and light, I swear Japan Airlines, I swear. Please ignore the sweat on my brow as I drag it.
The bad weather last night meant that some roads are closed today and our Japan Airlines shuttle to the airport was late for the first time in 20 years. I checked in at the airline counter just fine with both my bags scraping through barely under the 50 pound (23 kilo) limit. Security was uneventful except that they now have a full body x-ray machine. I didn't have to go through it, happily.
As Japan Airline passengers, who are executive class or something, us JETs are allowed in the VIP lounge. The American Airlines JETs don't get this perk. The lounge has big, leather chairs, attendants who will come fetch us when it's time to board, snacks, and a classy bar (Biccardi, Baileys, etc.) including chardonne and champagne. I've been most excited by the Oreos. Who knows when I'll see those again? I guess it makes sense and I feel like I should take advantage of these perks as I confirmed on the ride over that yes, my ticket WAS $3,907 USD. If I pull out, I have to repay any money they've spent on me, which is now more than I can afford. Had I ever had any doubts, that confirmed that I'm here for the long haul.
I can't wait to sleep on the plane.
Im surprised you slept the night before! I would have been so excited that people would have found me in the lobby surrounded by empty coffee cups with my nose pressed to the door waiting for the shuttle.
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