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Nov. 6th, 2006 12:59 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jebbypalI'm home finally. Turned out that the drive from the island into Charleston takes a little longer than I'd anticipated so I got to the airport w/ 45 min to spare before my flight (and I didn't get a chance to refuel the charge so there's at least 60 bucks I"m out in fuel fees). Word to the wise, Charleston Airport is laid out absolutely HORRIBLY for the modern traveler. It's nice and calming to arrive into, but my god, they need to update shit fast.
First, it's the only airport in recent memory that requires you to take your luggage to a separate line and stay with it while it is checked for explosives etc. Second, there are only two concourses. Third, there are only TWO XRAY MACHINES. You do the math. So even though I managed to get everyone to let me cut in line to get my bags checked, the THIRTY minutes I had until my departure time wasn't enough to get through the security checkpoint. Fourth, and most infuriating, the security at Charleston won't allow you to cut ahead in line at the checkpoint if your flight is boarding or in final call. "There are other people leaving at the same time in line too". So why not let us all up to the front of the line when boarding starts? You could have us through before final call. Or you know, do like I know for a fact that they do at Philadelphia International (which is oh only at least 50x as big) and call the plane and tell them to wait. nooo, can't do that.
So I got to go and get reticketed. While doing so, the ticket agent said that apparently there had been a big brawl in the security line when someone had cut ahead once, so now, no one can. I was pretty freaked that she put me on a flight that was leaving in 45 minutes since I knew how long the line was. Fortunately, it started moving faster. However, it was interesting to see the security guards threaten to call the cops on a man who was letting people whose flights left earlier than his cut in front of him. He was broadcasting or charging or anything, just politely asking the folks around him.
So much for Southern Charm. My love for the Charleston area of South Carolina was effectively ruined by that whole experience. Just frakking amazing. The only thing that was more amazing was the asshole ticket agent that refused to help me at all when I arrived at the airport with food poisoning a half hour before my flight. Bastard.
But I'm back in the big city now and about to go run errands before I start unpacking and doing laundry. Also, apple sausage mixed into oatmeal does not taste as good as just apples. Just saying.
First, it's the only airport in recent memory that requires you to take your luggage to a separate line and stay with it while it is checked for explosives etc. Second, there are only two concourses. Third, there are only TWO XRAY MACHINES. You do the math. So even though I managed to get everyone to let me cut in line to get my bags checked, the THIRTY minutes I had until my departure time wasn't enough to get through the security checkpoint. Fourth, and most infuriating, the security at Charleston won't allow you to cut ahead in line at the checkpoint if your flight is boarding or in final call. "There are other people leaving at the same time in line too". So why not let us all up to the front of the line when boarding starts? You could have us through before final call. Or you know, do like I know for a fact that they do at Philadelphia International (which is oh only at least 50x as big) and call the plane and tell them to wait. nooo, can't do that.
So I got to go and get reticketed. While doing so, the ticket agent said that apparently there had been a big brawl in the security line when someone had cut ahead once, so now, no one can. I was pretty freaked that she put me on a flight that was leaving in 45 minutes since I knew how long the line was. Fortunately, it started moving faster. However, it was interesting to see the security guards threaten to call the cops on a man who was letting people whose flights left earlier than his cut in front of him. He was broadcasting or charging or anything, just politely asking the folks around him.
So much for Southern Charm. My love for the Charleston area of South Carolina was effectively ruined by that whole experience. Just frakking amazing. The only thing that was more amazing was the asshole ticket agent that refused to help me at all when I arrived at the airport with food poisoning a half hour before my flight. Bastard.
But I'm back in the big city now and about to go run errands before I start unpacking and doing laundry. Also, apple sausage mixed into oatmeal does not taste as good as just apples. Just saying.