I am writing this blog post at an altitude of 15,000 feet. Although I have no wi-fi, it’s still nice to whip out the laptop for something to do. I am on a Southwest Boeing 737 on my way to Las Vegas. Although it would be really fun to spend a night there, I only have a 2 hour and 15 minute layover, which due to wind blowing in the plane’s favor has now turned into a 3 hour and 15 minute layover. Now I certainly think I have time to go to the strip, but wouldn’t want to take any chances. I know they have wi-fi in the airport, and that’s good enough for me for 3 hours, you know, in between playing the slots.
During my flight, I learned all sorts of new things about Southwest procedures. Apparently, a lot has changed since my last flight in 2001. Yes, I haven’t flown anywhere in almost 10 years.
- No more pillows – They have discontinued the use of pillows and blankets due to SWINE FLU. Freaking Swine Flu. It just has to ruin EVERYTHING. I really think this no pillow rule should be more publicized so that travelers can be aware to buy a neck pillow before boarding. No wonder they are in every shop at the airport. Thank goodness I had a sweat-jacket, which doubled as a make-shift pillow.
- No more peanuts –They’ve advanced to 100 calorie Nabisco packs! The only problem? Oreos were not an option. Didn’t they know I was coming? Jeez.
- No more little liquor bottles – I remember the days that you used get the little liquor bottles and a can of soda/carton of juice/whatever. Nope, no more. I ordered a Vodka Cranberry and got an already mixed drink in that little cup. I don’t think these Flight Attendants have gone to bartending school recently (although maybe they should), and mine clearly had a heavy hand. I would have much rather had two less potent drinks then one almost undrinkable cocktail. Note to self: Get a beer next time. They can’t mess that up.
We are starting our descent down to Vegas. I can already hear the slot machines dinging.
UPDATE: I am now sitting on my connecting flight waiting to take off for San Diego. In the 3 hours I was here, I won $25! But I spent $30 to get it. So I only lost $5 in 3 hours in Vegas. Damn, I’m good.
