I usually do early morning flights. Since I didn’t have big plans today, I went for an afternoon flight. There was a 5am option if I were looking to maximize my time in Long Beach.
I’m doing lunch on the way to the airport. This is actually a New Orleans spot that has expanded to the Dallas area.
I got the spicy Asian brisket sandwich.
I am parked.
My flight was delayed so it looks like I have three hours where I would normally be here two hours early.
I’m making a mental note that this security line is good. Mine is down by the check in counter but I can walk back here if there’s a long line down there.
With my Go Big ticket I can have a personal item, carry on, and a 50lb checked bag. Normally I bring my small backpack that fits in the personal item bin. This time I brought my big backpack.
I wasn’t sure how this was going to come out. I know it was heavier than usual. I’m usually 35-40lbs. This time I’m 45lbs.
It’s saying bag over but it’s not. It used to be a 40lb limit. I don’t know if the limit changed for everyone or if it’s just for people with the Go Big ticket. But when I checked in at the kiosk it said a heavy bag was 50+.
I did the self bag check. They do have two workers for those who need help and there are some who need it. That group was in there before I went in.
This security line looks good.
Someone must’ve ditched a lighter in the line.
I’m through security 9 minutes after I got in line.
I have time to grab a beer. Friday’s is close to my gate but I’m going to shop around.
My gate is 33 but right now I’m hanging with the upper crust down in the single digits. I’m talking Delta and United passengers.
The beer is cheaper than an Astros game.
Apparently there are people with much bigger problems than me down here. This one guy is struggling trying to get to Wyoming. It sounds like he’s trying to get there via Denver now. He’s had multiple canceled flights.
We have a plane and pre boarding is starting.
This is me by the window.
For a minute there I thought I was going to be the only one up here but the other seats filled up. I’m guessing they just didn’t have that group 1 boarding since they probably upgraded at the gate.
Drinks, snacks, and WiFi come with the Go Big ticket. I got an email warning that WiFi may not be available on this particular flight and it was not.
I got a double Bloody Mary.
I got fresh ice for my second one.
It looks like we flew over an Air Force base.
The one thing I’ve complained about with LAX is the long walk to baggage claim. You go down an escalator and expect to to be right there but it’s not. It’s down here.
We’ll see how LAX It is today. I’ve had good luck with it when I’ve used it. This is my carousel and that green pillar outside is the pickup spot.
As soon as I got outside a shuttle was there but they were saying it was full. I saw six empty seats in the back but I think luggage was clogging up the walkway to get back there.
Less than two minutes later another shuttle pulled up with plenty of room.
It looks like it’s going to be about a $60 ride to Long Beach. I think that’s about right.
The shuttle takes you to the LAX IT lot and this is where I need to make the Uber or Lyft decision.
This is the best price I’ve seen at $57.99 so I’m going Lyft.
It tells me zone 31a which is over there.
My car pulls up.
And we’re off.
To recap, I was outside at LAX IT pillar at 5:18. On the shuttle at 5:20. In the lot at 5:32. And in my Lyft at 5:39
I made it to my destination at 6:12pm. Next time we’ll cover the Hilton Long Beach.
