Grateful Despite no Donuts

Friends,

For this holiday, I decided to take advantage of the ridiculously cheap travel airlines afford parents of employees who choose to fly standby (i.e. yours truly). The way I saw it, this is low season for International travel, so flying to Ecuador would not be an issue. I would fly to Houston on Monday’s first flight out, spend the day working from the airport and travel to Ecuador at 6:30 PM. As for the Thanksgiving rush on the domestic leg, even if it was tight, people always oversleep and miss early trips. Besides, I can always catch the next flight. Right? I woke at 3 AM, and after a nice breakfast at the airport made my way to the gate. 5:39 AM flight sold-out and I was 11th on the standby list. 7:53 AM full, 7th on standby. 10:03 AM full, 13th on standby. 12:30 PM full, 9th on standby. 2:05 PM, the last possible flight if I’m to make my connection, full and I’m 11th on standby. I explain my situation to the kind lady and ask if there is any way to pay more to move-up on the stand-by list. She gives me options. I could buy a one-way ticket to Houston at the counter for $1,200 or try to find a better deal online. Just as I’m about to give-up and go home, I get a strike of inspiration and luck. Miles! Might I use frequent flyer miles? For 25K miles (the usual rate for a domestic ticket) and a processing fee I was on the plane and on my way. I suppose that’s a long-winded way to say I won’t be bringing donuts in today. I hope you had a very happy Thanksgiving in the company of your loved ones. If it went well, you’re feeling guilty enough you wouldn’t have had a donut anyway.

Happy Friday!

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