airport drunk

Once again I booked another overnighter... The PHX airport must be the most boring place on earth, or at least my terminal is. I'm sure the US Airways terminal is bigger and busier, but this contental one doesn't have a single thing open other than the news stand. It's only 11pm for gods sake! I showed up way too early, ended up being blasted through checkin and security in about 4 minutes (not a lot of people take the night flight to IAH I guess), and now I've got 2 hours to kill until boarding. So far I've been playing online poker (this airport is one of the view with free wireless), and I'm up $200.

An important thing to keep in mind when booking short flights like these is to make sure you are on at least a 737, and not one of those shitty little commuter jets like the Embraer RJ145... They are these goofy things with 3 seats across (2 on the left, then an aisle, then a row of single seats on the right). The thing I hate about them is that they do not allow carryon-sized luggage, and you have to check it at the gate with the "airport valet". I just sat there in horror for 25 minutes while I watched those assholes toss my way-too-expensive designer suitcase a good 6 feet onto the conveyor belt. After the short, noisy flight, I got it back nicely scratched with a damaged handle. Of course you'll tell me that buying expensive luggage is stupid, but that's why it's carry-on. I shouldn't have to worry about some douchebag abusing my stuff!

I didn't bother having breakfast this time, just played some GTA on my PSP and chilled by the gate after having what would be my last cup of Starbucks for a month. Arrived home in Costa Rica at noon, ready for a nap.