Flying Home

Sitting at the local Barnes and Noble just outside my mom’s house before heading to the airport after a wonderful Mother’s Day, I am looking out the window just in front portion of the cafeteria area enjoying a small bottle of Fiji water and listening to the casual conversations that are taking place around me. At one of the tables is a group of ladies discussing the latest book that they were reading while making plans on the adventures that they will endure for the summer months. Next to me, is a mechanic bringing in a small toolbox trying to fix what I believe is one of the ovens at the cafe. Well that is my wild guess due to the signs all over the entrance stating that the oven is out of order and that the only foods that are available are those that can be warmed in the microwave. Other tables are having the casual conversations about life in general, the weather, or what happen during Mother’s Day.

Watching the blue sky with a few puffy white clouds over head, I wonder what it would be like to be able to float up over the clouds and look below from a distance. Just to feel free without any worry to watch the world below without paying an astronomical fee for an airplane ticket or becoming a pilot which at my late age may seem highly unlikely. Peacefulness, worry free, no problem in the world. What a great life!

About the time I was about to drift off to my happy place I receive a text wondering where the Mother’s Day cards that my wife and I sent last week. Apparently my daughter didn’t receive her card which is the same with my mom. I guess both of the cards are taking the scenic route to their destinations. Maybe they are flying above with the jet stream heading to their destinations? Oh well, no need to worry about it. Now it is time to get ready to leave here and head to the airport.

Reaching the airport after a nice and relaxing 45 minute drive through the Pennsylvania foothills, I turned in the rental car and proceeded to the ticket counter to check-in. However, to my surprise Breeze airlines does not check anyone more than two hours before a flight as told by the really nice agent who was trying her best to check in a passenger flying to Ft. Myers Florida. By the conversation and the desperate look that was the both of their faces, the one going to Florida probably arrived at the last minute and was trying her best to dump off her bags and get through security before departure. Luckily, for her, the wait time at TSA was less than five minutes for all of the security lines to include pre-check, general, and special needs.

Since, I had about an hour to kill before I can go back upstairs to check-in, I went downstairs to Cafe Conmigo which is just before the entrance of the baggage claim. I got a chocolate chip cookie and a vanilla cappuccino for my effort and took a seat by a business man waiting for his associates. The truth is, it is not a bad place to put a coffee shop because while people are waiting to meet those who are getting off a flight, they can enjoy a drink, pastry, or sandwich.

Finishing up with some writing and reading email, I went upstairs to check in expecting to be one of the first ones in line. However, to my surprise my place in line was way in the back most likely behind 10-15 very nicely dressed passengers getting ready to enjoy some time in Charleston. Oh well, so much for arriving early, but with a lot of patience all went smoothly. Within 15 minutes after the three agents opened up the ticket counter, I had a boarding pass in my hand and was on my way to the gate.

Passing through TSA was really smooth. Guessing, maybe five minutes or less to include having my license checked, bags x-rayed, and myself swept by the security detector. Afterwards, I stopped by the Chick-Fil-A ordered a strawberry milkshake, and was on my way to terminal A. Luckily it was a short distance from the food court so no need to run or walk briskly. Upon arriving at the terminal I looked up towards the sign to find out what side my gate was on. What was interesting is that there was a sign for the Sensory room which is located in the same terminal. Trying to figure out what a sensory room is, I set out to see what is special about this one particular room before sitting down at the gate. I reached the end of the terminal without seeing anything, so I turned around and headed back. After passing my gate for the second time, I noticed the entrance after passing A11. To my surprise, the room seemed small with the locked door and a phone next to it on the right. There was also a sign next to the door, “Welcome to the Presley’s Place, a quiet, soundproof, and sensory-friendly retreat for travels who need to de-escalate.” My impression is what a great idea for those who need a chance to calm down. To gain access to the room, all one has to do is just call the number using the phone and either an attendant will come and meet you or the door will open automatically. I didn’t call to find out, which I should have done, not because I needed the room but to let those know of the opportunity. Researching further I found out the space is not as small as I thought but it is approximately 1500 sq feet with key features such as simulated airplane cabin with actual airline seats, overhead bins and working lights to simulate an actual flight; calming zones which are private soundproof rooms soft furniture and visual features such as bubble tubing; sensory friendly restrooms, and a transition foyer to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy terminal.

After peeping through the door window to see if anyone was there, I picked up my backpack and headed to the gate to find a seat so that I can pull out my book and finish reading the latest adventure from James Patterson. Within 20 minutes I was sitting in the plane getting ready to take off for the flight above the clouds towards Charleston.