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| http://www.ratpackstlouis.com |
1) Memphis is in Tennessee
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| http://www.city-data.com |
For most of the day, I couldn't figure which state I was visiting. Normally, I am really
good with geography, not today. So, I felt dumb asking the FA which state
Memphis was located in.
2) Express Parking at BWI is Sweet
My original plan was to park my rental car in hourly parking and pay the $22. However,
after my extra expense for this trip, I decided to find an alternative place to park. This
was a very last minute decision, I actually went into the hourly parking lot and then left.
After following the signs to the other parking garages, I had two options: Express or
Daily. Express was $10 a day and Daily was $12. I choose one of the 24 parking
spaces left with Express.
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| http://www.bwiairport.com/en/parking/information-rates/express-parking |
The Express parking lot has people to help guide you to open spots; very helpful,
especially when the parking lot is full. Then the shuttle comes to your parking spot,
within minutes, to help you with your luggage and take you to the airport. My
favorite part was that they give you a slip a paper with your parking spot on it.
Remembering where you parked, after a long trip, is a bitch.
The trip from my car to the terminal was less than 5 minutes. On the way home,
I had to wait for 5 minutes for the shuttle, but was again back to my car in
additional 5 minutes.
In the future, I will use them again.
3) Can't Use Electronics Gate to Gate on All United Flights
The FAA recently changes the rules about personal electronic use below 10,000 feet.
United Airlines has received clearance to implement the plan, but only on those flights
that they own. For instance, 3 of my 4 flights were United Express, operated by
small airline companies.
My first flight attendant did the normal "turn off electronics until we reach 10,000 feet."
At first, I thought she might have missed the memo. It wasn't until my second and third
flights, that the flight attendent (same on both) stated that the "FAA has changed the
rules about using electronics throughout the flight and that TransState Airlines is in
the process of getting FAA approval to implement it."
Just because the plane says United, doesn't mean you get the benefit of flying United.
4) Memphis "C" Concourse Has Very Little Food Options
My goal between my two flights in Memphis was to find something to bring back on
the plane to eat. I was disappointed with the options.
Here is the map:
Yes, my choices were Moe's Mexican, Cinnabon, Hudson News, and a
Starbucks (not pictured). I went with Moe's.
5) The Bathroom Is Your Shelter Area
Yes, I am a northern boy, where this is not common.
6) Wish More Airports Had These
The "C" concourse is older, so plugs were scarce absent. I think its smart for the airport
authority to install these for their passengers. My gate had 3 of them. That is 24
additional plugs (8 on each power thing). It's the small things like electric plugs
that can improve a passengers experience.
7) Best Views from Chicago
My flight back to Chicago from Memphis gave me some of the best views of
Chicago from the sky. It was late afternoon, the sun was out, and very few clouds.
The plane flew directly over the Pier and did a wide over the Lake. Even the FA
was impressed by the view. As she got out of her seat to look through the window.
I got these shots:
8) The ORD Toilet Seats Make Me Laugh
Used them many times at ORD. They make me laugh each tim. Only place I have ever
seen them. However, they are brilliant:
Conclusion:
Overall, a great trip. Now cross my fingers, I get credit for these flights.
Follow us on Twitter @doit4thepoints! Have a question for me? E-mail me at jd@doitforthepoints.com
