I’m writing this from home, almost a month after returned because I needed to take some time away from this day to write this post, because it was a pretty frustrating and eventful day. However, we learned a few things throughout the day – that could be useful.

We started the morning off early – and were down in the hotel lobby by 5:55 AM. As promised by the manager, our driver with a van was there to pick us up – and then we would pick up Jon and Yvonne from their hotel.

We were ahead of schedule – and that’s when we realized that our flight was delayed. Jon and Yvonne were flying on a different airline – we were flying with Delta. We were dropped off first – and we parted ways with Jon and Yvonne. We were grateful we got there early – and with the delay…. REALLY early. The line for security was extremely long – and took a significant chunk of time.

Once we got through we got breakfast and a few last minute souvenirs. And then we sat around and waited. Due to the delay, we were now in danger of missing our connection in Salt Lake City.

Of course we boarded, and my screen didn’t work. This was a 10 hour flight – normally I can handle a minor inconvenience, but not that day. They tried to reboot it twice, and they were never able to get it to work. One of the flight attendants considered it an “in-flight emergency” and gave me some extra miles. I’m still not sure why they wouldn’t comp me for internet and let me use my own device, but they didn’t. (Don’t worry, I already complained to Delta! They should empower their crew to make it right for their the passengers).

We found it hard to relax because we knew once we landed in SLC airport it would be a rat race. As soon as we landed we quickly ran to baggage claim – we had roughly an hour to get our luggage, go through customs, recheck it, and go through security again.

One thing that I had learned a few years ago, was to download the Mobile Passport app. (Thank you Anna G!) Not as many people know about it, and you fill out the customs form electronically instead. It’s free – and now that I gave away my secret… Hope it helps save you some time too!

What seemed like forever – our bags finally showed up. We ran to customs – and continued our jog to check our suitcases again. Thankfully, there was a Delta employee who was really trying to help us he took our checked bags very quickly.

And that’s when we hit a standstill. Unfortunately, there was literally ONE woman scanning boarding passes. And everyone on the other side (where you actually put your stuff on the belt, etc) was extremely grumpy. No TSA pre check on the connection side.

There was a revolt at one point, because one woman got ushered to the front (not due to Clear), but she had the sense of mind to let someone know she was about to miss her flight… her and about 75 of other people in the general area. People started cutting the line – and then a supervisor came to calm the crowd down. He had everyone go back to where they had cut the line – and instead of helping her scan boarding passes… he went back to the other side.

Once we finally got through – my bag was pulled to the side. I told Andy to run to our gate (and when I say it was the furthest one from security – I mean LITERALLY) and make sure that they knew we were coming.

Of course, the grumpy TSA agents were moving slow. And the poor woman in front of me had purchased some wine at duty-free and he had to go through and make sure that she hadn’t opened any of them. He was weighing each one.

Thankfully, another TSA agent came over to “help” which meant that she tore apart my bag looking for a wine bottle opener that was gifted to us from one of the wineries. She couldn’t find it – and she wouldn’t let me show her where the pockets were.

By the time she found it I was resigned. I knew I wasn’t going to make it – and now I couldn’t even get my stuff back in my bag. I ran with our passports, my makeup, and a bag of macaroons in my hand. In addition to a very heavy duffle bag!

At one point my shoe fell off and I had to limp for a while until I could get on a moving walkway to adjust. Andy was texting me – and at this point I had no idea where my phone was, but could see the message on my watch. He told me we had TWO minutes – and I knew I was still about 20 gates away.

I wanted to cry, but then I saw a guy from our Paris flight who had told us he was on our flight to San Diego. I saw him SPRINTING as fast as he could. He gave me new hope and I started to run again.

1 minute and 59 seconds later – Andy could see me from the gate. He told the gate agent and he ran to greet me and grab some of my stuff. WE WERE A MESS!

We were the second to last two people on the plane – and the last two were people that were on stand by… waiting for folks like me and Andy to miss the flight. We made it with about 10 seconds to spare before they were going to bump us off the flight for the 10 or so people on standby hoping to get on that flight.

As soon as we got on the plane – we were a sweaty mess – an observant flight attendant gave us water bottles. (We really just needed a stiff drink at that point and some fresh deodorant).

But we made it. I tell you this now – weeks after because it’s important to note that travel is not the same since the pandemic. There are more disruptions. It’s chaotic, but it is almost always worth it.

Just plan ahead – have a plan B (and maybe even a plan C). Double check your reservations ahead of time – and make sure you wear running shoes on the plane… no matter how long your connection is. You may need them!

Up Next:
-Domestic: Alaskan cruise (September)
-International: Peru (December)