Day 1, Orlando to Lisbon - My Way on the Camino Portuguese

Thursday, April 4, 2024

My Camino Portuguese started after many months of waiting. The anticipation grew as the departure date grew closer. I left early that day for the airport. I’d rather be waiting for my flight at the airport than miss my flight and have to wait for the next flight. I was at the airport with plenty of time. Or so I thought. With only two counter agents, the line to check in my one bag took one and a half hours. When I was finally at the front of the line, I stepped forward when the agent finished with the passenger. I put my bag on the scale. “I didn’t call anyone forward,” she admonished me. “Sorry,” I said. I grabbed my bag and stepped back to my position in front of the line. I watched the scary agent punch a few keys on the keyboard as I waited for her to call me forward. She turned and walked away. Break time. Now, there was just one agent to handle the long line of flyers. Eventually, another person came from the back and checked me in. Long lines and the lack of staffing are a big reason to arrive at an airport early. I wondered how long it would take me to get through another long line, the TSA security checkpoint. I slowly moved forward to show my passport and ticket to a TSA agent. I passed through and moved forward to place my wallet, ticket, passport, shoes, cellphone, headphones, and other electronics into a tub on a roller conveyor. The tub disappeared into an inspection machine. I walked into the inspection chamber, put my hands in the air, and spread my feet as instructed. I walked through and was pulled off to the side. I always set the alarm off and go through the embarrassment of an extremely friendly pat-down. Of course, nothing is found, and I am free to go, but this happens every time I fly. It’s like someone implanted metal under my skin.

I always try to arrive early for my flights. Not true for the airlines. They like to be fashionably late. My 4:45 p.m. departure was delayed several times, with the last departure time posted as 6:08 p.m. The delay was almost as long as I waited in line to check my bag.

My flight to Boston was uneventful. The flight to Lisbon also had several delays, but eventually I was in the air. I had purchased Comfort + seats for the extra space and was relatively comfortable on my way to Lisbon. I sat back to enjoy the flight and watch a couple of movies.

( To by the book, click here )