We did take the Westin Ferry back instead of the public ferry and we’re glad we did. When we arrived at the airport at about noon chaos abounded. I have never seen such a disorganized mess of cabs, passengers, security lines, and the like. I understand from talking to some of the locals that this is a daily event but it’s particularly bad on Saturdays. We got to the Delta counter OK, but the security and customs lines snaked around the whole front of the airport.

I checked us in online while the rest of the gang waited for our luggage to come off the truck that brought it from the ferry. I was offered my first Delta bump in quite some time. The idea of bumping is always possible, but with Carter boy along, the conditions would have to be just right and it would mean splitting up. When the next screen showed up indicating I would have to “bid for my bump,” a cold shutter went through me. Don’t they realize who I think I am? Don’t they realize that I am doing them a favor, and now they have the audacity to ask me to bid lowest for my bump? I was outraged (tongue in cheek) and refused to even engage in the process. Circumstances just didn’t warrant low bidding with all the baby stuff we had to carry. I understand the underlying math here, but it will not change my bump philosophy when I’m flying Delta. If I’m not earning at least $100 per hour waiting for the next flight and getting a first class upgrade, I won’t be the low bidder. I like the Delta Wi-Fi but this bidding turns me off.

There was no inflight entertainment in our seat backs but the movie was the one that got cut off on the way down, so I got to finish “The Ides of March” with George Clooney. Carter slept most of the way and never made a peep. The time he was on my lap we constantly played with the overhead light switch. It didn’t make my seat mates happy, but Carter was calm and inquisitive. We were a half hour late departing and arrived one half hour behind schedule. We still had an hour until the flight from Atlanta to Columbia (we thought).

Our 8:30 departure was delayed until 9:41 p.m. due to the late-arriving crew. What is that all about? It was the last flight of the day, we were in a Delta hub, the flight was the last of the night, returning first thing in the morning, and the plane was sitting there waiting for us to rock and roll.

Carter and I discussed our plan of attack and the idea of him writing a letter crossed our minds. How could they inconvenience a new Delta flyer, way past his bedtime, with only one bottle left in the diaper bag? Based on Carter’s poor, unreadable penmanship at five months of age, we gave Delta a pass this time. But he and I agreed we were keeping an eye on them for such future issues. They must of had a reserve crew at the hub ready to move the full plane along. It meant a delay with the following morning flight as well due to the eight-hour rest rules.

Our Meetup with Darla

On the way down to St. Thomas, I was approached by Darla, a faithful blog reader, who recognized me and, thankfully, came up to chat. It was great hearing about how the blog has helped change her life. Darla has been to Egypt, Hawaii numerous times, and she can fly to St. Thomas on business now on miles and points instead of paying out of pocket. That’s the great part. The sad part is that Katybug’s camera went swimming with her and the photos did not come out of all of us at the plane steps as we deplaned in STT. Darla, I am so sorry. I hope your photos came out as I can’t find any on my iPhone and we only four from the whole trip survived after Katy’s dip. If you have one, please send it along to us.