Admiral’s Club

Posted on December 28, 2007 - Filed Under Personal |

Whenever traveling, every effort is expended to avoid long lay-overs.  But the US and A is filled with airports that get shut down, due to this strange white powder which the gods thrown down on us.  This white powder contains the deadly "Delay Virus".  Once the "Delay Virus" infects a traveler they stop being human and transform into sub-human creatures smelling of dirty gym socks.  Days pass and these zombie-like creatures wander airports aimlessly, wondering if they will ever see home again.  Existing on a steady diet of $10 food vouchers, they are relegated to scratch for food either at Burger King or the Clown.

I would help them if I could.  But when there are cancellations, it is literally every man for themselves.  They are cunning, using guile and every other trick to secure a seat.

Zombie:  Sir, please sir.  May I have your seat?
Clifford:  No.
Zombie:  But sir, I have a human heart in this organ cooler which must be transplanted into my sister.  She will be dead tomorrow if I do not arrive tonight.
Clifford:  No.  Next time, use FedEx.

These creatures would not hesitate in slitting my throat and stealing my Twinkies in order to free up a seat on the next plane out of hell.

Speaking of hell, Chicago is layover-central for me.  Every trip back to Michigan requires a stop in this blues town.  Sure, Dallas or Denver or even Miami could be my layover spot instead.  Since my final destination is Michigan, however, a car or SUV or dog-sled could be rented in the event Chicago O’Hare gets shut down.

Before leaving the hotel in LA-LA Land, the news on television had nothing positive to report on Chicago.  *gasp*.  Chicago seemed not the place to be.  Checking in at LAX, hesitation didn’t occur when the e-Ticket booth asked me if I wanted the one day pass to American Airlines Admirals Club.  Price of admission:  $50.

For those that don’t know, the "Admiral’s Club" is a member only area of the airport where you can lounge about in relative comfort.  Unlike the rest of the airport. the Admiral Club offers all kinds of free goodies, including hot showers if you are so inclined.  Three if not four large screen televisions, showing news, sports or "The Fugitive" if you catch it right.

Delays forced a 5 hour lounge visit in LAX alone.  In Chicago, my flight to Michigan was delayed.  Another 4 hours.  Nine hours in total, lounging around airports.  But not just anywhere . . . in the Admiral’s Club.  Away from the stinky gym sock zombies.

So is the $50 worth it?  Considering the free coffee, fruit, juice and internet (Thanks T-mobile!) I think it’s worth it.  $5/hour for relative comfort is a good trade, in my humble opinion.

The bloody mary’s aren’t bad either.

If you liked that post, then try these...

Christmas Break on December 22nd, 2005
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I'm now into week 9 of staying at Anne and Tony's.

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