More Rock Star Scheduling

Well, week before last wound up with an extra city and extra day in the three days-three cities schedule. The flight from Newark to Charlotte was delayed such that I missed the connection to Tampa Friday night.

By the way, here’s some friendly advice…do NOT use Newark airport unless absolutely necessary.

The travel started off great with a free upgrade to first class on the USAirways flight I was on (and I was even traveling on a United ticket). We got in a little bit early, and then on Wednesday night, I got to Dulles a little early. All downhill from there. The flight from Dulles to New York Thursday night was delayed. I got to the hotel at 1:30 AM, and had to be up at 6:30 AM.

Then, as noted above, I get to the Newark airport plenty early for the flight home. The weather was a bit rainy, but nothing really bad, but apparently Newark is notorious for back ups during the least bit of weather. Got to Charlotte two hours late…about one hour too late to make the connection. Of course they wanted me on an 8am flight from Charlotte to Tampa (next available flight), but I made them put me on an afternoon flight. I rented a car, and drove over and spent the night with my Mom in Kings Mountain. Saturday, we even had time to go to a soccer match for my nephew. (I’ll try to post some pictures later.)

I was really impressed with AVIS. I have a Wizard number with them, and called them as we were taxing in at Charlotte. By the time I got on their bus curbside, they already had my reservation in their system, and the car was ready to go.

This week, I am off today to Chicago for another software users group meeting tomorrow. Then Wednesday I fly to Atlanta for another regional user group meeting Thursday and Friday. Let’s hope the travel is smoother.