This morning I worked my way through the long line at the United Airlines at Denver International Airport. With one check in bag and one carry on which fits nicely on top, and my back pack that I use daily I made my way through the lines. Until baggage check on this was fine, now I'm carrying a bag and running through airports. Did I mention I'm carrying a few note books and paper backs, with all my make up. To say the least it is kind of heavy. Well that got me to thinking, and I am going to write a review as I run through each of these air ports and train stations as well as hotels.
First is Union Station. I was let off at the opposite end of the station, and I nearly ran to the other end to reach an elevator. Now I'm familiar with the trains and I knew to look out side to see which track the A train was on at 6 a.m. Saturday morning. There are two different elevators and ticketing may only be available at the station or the far end of the platform I was able to get tickets and board train in 10 minutes.
Now Denver, my home airport and fairly new, this classy airport has moving side walks. Allows me to rest, put down the bag and site see as I move through the airport. I was rushed the whole time and there were crowds. A straight shot from light rail to check in, security near by and the trains directly below one floor. The train is the only way to get to the terminal and I then used the moving walk ways to get to my gate.
When I arrived in Chicago I thought the airport was very nice, with plenty of places to eat and a few stores for gifts and last minute must haves. I did quite alot of walking due to the fact that Ohara does not having moving walk ways. Stopping at a nice Sushi restaurant for lunch and to rest up for the other 1/4 mile walk to my gate F25 the other end of terminal two . Overall the airport was nice and accommodated us. I took an air bus to Erie.
First is Union Station. I was let off at the opposite end of the station, and I nearly ran to the other end to reach an elevator. Now I'm familiar with the trains and I knew to look out side to see which track the A train was on at 6 a.m. Saturday morning. There are two different elevators and ticketing may only be available at the station or the far end of the platform I was able to get tickets and board train in 10 minutes.
Now Denver, my home airport and fairly new, this classy airport has moving side walks. Allows me to rest, put down the bag and site see as I move through the airport. I was rushed the whole time and there were crowds. A straight shot from light rail to check in, security near by and the trains directly below one floor. The train is the only way to get to the terminal and I then used the moving walk ways to get to my gate.
When I arrived in Chicago I thought the airport was very nice, with plenty of places to eat and a few stores for gifts and last minute must haves. I did quite alot of walking due to the fact that Ohara does not having moving walk ways. Stopping at a nice Sushi restaurant for lunch and to rest up for the other 1/4 mile walk to my gate F25 the other end of terminal two . Overall the airport was nice and accommodated us. I took an air bus to Erie.
Arriving an hour later after flying over part of the lake, and a golf course looking down at all the trees, which later after looking more closely were pine ,fir a lot like home in Colorado. We landed at the small Erie airport. Some of the luggage was brought off the plane and handed to the passengers as they walked off the plane. I headed towards baggage claim for mine which was just down the hallway. I was drawn to the car rental and ended up with a Nissan Alantra for the next two days. Late to baggage claim, a passenger let me know my bags had been removed, so straggling down the hallway I was asked to wait while they got the last passengers to their plane. Grateful to now have my belongings I headed to the car with all in hand. The drive around the Peninsula was great, and the next day I drove down to Bay Front. A car is a must have in Erie.
This morning the Lift experience was good, he arrived in five minutes and helped with all my luggage. I arrived early enough to have breakfast in Union Station PA.
Dashing out for breakfast Tuesday morning before making my way to the airport. I walk to Park street about three blocks away from Longwood Inn, there are shops, and small restaurants that are very urban. I finish breakfast at fresh cuts a juice and omelet later then made my way back. At the train tracks I decide to ask a local where the trains go. How to get to the airport and if I can get a day pass. I pay as I get on, a local fair to Park station, the train which seats like a bus travels the street rails for sometime then we dip below the street to a subway system that takes us for some time till I find my way by asking more questions of this nice young lady. We part at Park street station, I find my self above ground at Commons Park. Freedom Trail, City center, the original shore line of Boston. Half of the tall buildings around me stand on man made land. Then an hour later I'm on the train again and making my way to the airport. Two trains, one shuttle later I arrive at the rental car center. Very nice, large facility with all rentals in a central building with attached garage. Half hour and I'm in a red Chevy with auto seats.
I do want to mention I traveled through the airport even though I will not be flying out of Boston. I felt like I was on an Island alright , as I was. Very quiet, no shops. Security at the front door. Driving through the Ted William's tunnel was nothing I've ever experienced. Twice or thrice that of the Eisenhower tunnel in Colorado, it seemed to go on and on.
Now I know I put a lot of emphasis on the moving side walks, after the small airport in PA I can honestly say that I do not expect to much, the reasoning for checking my bags came to me while carrying my bags on a lay over. Unless you know what to expect plan for the worse, be surprised by the better and weigh the carry on luggage before leaving home. To my surprise the small airport in Manchester Boston had easy access to airport from car rental, just a short sky walk to the other terminal. As well, they were moving walk ways on the the cross walk. I took pictures, rested and found that I had arrived early enough to walk over to the observatory deck, take pictures, watch a plane or two take off.
Watched it rain for a solid twenty minutes and took a couple more pictures before making my way through security. A large aircraft a comfortable and easy take off from Manchester, first time flying with South west airlines. They have a similar boarding approach to a 5K I ran. We all were placed in a corral according when we made early check in. Second group to board the plane, general seating, I found a window seat. Good flight, comfortable with good weather.
Transferring at Chicago again, prepared this time with very little carry on, did have a chance to stop in to a couple restaurants for a bite to eat and a drink. Meals and appetizers reasonable, a glass of wine any where from 10 to 20 dollars a glass. Really Chicago, my meal card declined, my food budget for this trip is spent. Will see where the most expense comes in after the trip.
Arriving in Denver on time I am confronted with the fact the light rail will be down for repairs. I call ahead and ask Jack to pick me up at the airport, a Lift would have been quite expensive. There was a bus available instead of the A line, unexpected wrench thrown into my travel plans, got home by eleven, and Jack helped me get my luggage into the house. My luggage now five pounds heavier, with this trip now over, I look back and see that the system works well I am looking forward to more adventures to come. I was one of the lucky travelers, Amtrak did cause some missed connections I know that other arrangements were made for the travels when this happened. Moving walk ways are almost a must when long distance walking is required, and beverage and food or snacks are also essential. Good time, will start making plans for next trip.
With a year behind, well almost, I find myself again at DIA, with travel plans to fly direct to San Diego, good thing leaving a day before a large storm is to hit Colorado, Iam soon in the air for a two hour flight. Entering San Diego was a great experience as we flew right over the city to touch down at the airport. Picking up my luggage I made my way toward public transportation pick up, a short walk over an enclosed walkway, soon on a shuttle by Wyndham to arrive at the hotel all within 45 minutes. This town really moves.
I will leave San Diego by train, the Union station is also a central stop for the Metro, which is the public trains for the city, With a small station, easy to manage, I am helped right away to check my bags, and then wait there for a half hour. Looking g around at the familiar Union Station decor, large vaulted ceilings, wood benches and large windows. I bought a chi tea at the only eatery, a small counter shop there, looking out across the street is downtown buildings with large glass windows, Three hours later I exit on to the platform at the Los Angels Union station, a large station with many corridors and levels, I turn wrong and wonder down toward an entrance, with many shops, I am turned back down the hallway to the other end near a food court. I have arrived and soon meet up with my second cousin Linda we make our way outside into the warm California sun,to see her Mom, the adventures begin.
My next next airport is the famous LAX, as large as DIA, I stopped for lunch at California kitchen and the made my way through the terminal toward my gate, and as luck would have it thereby a Irish bar, stopped for a glass of wine then made my way toward the gate to board. This was a nice airport with busses and gates and I didnt need them, but I'm sure there were moving sidewalks too.
Tip for traveling, it seems easier to leave during the week days then on a weekend. The lines areare shorter and it seems the airport workers are enthusiastic about being there ,
Transferring at Chicago again, prepared this time with very little carry on, did have a chance to stop in to a couple restaurants for a bite to eat and a drink. Meals and appetizers reasonable, a glass of wine any where from 10 to 20 dollars a glass. Really Chicago, my meal card declined, my food budget for this trip is spent. Will see where the most expense comes in after the trip.
Arriving in Denver on time I am confronted with the fact the light rail will be down for repairs. I call ahead and ask Jack to pick me up at the airport, a Lift would have been quite expensive. There was a bus available instead of the A line, unexpected wrench thrown into my travel plans, got home by eleven, and Jack helped me get my luggage into the house. My luggage now five pounds heavier, with this trip now over, I look back and see that the system works well I am looking forward to more adventures to come. I was one of the lucky travelers, Amtrak did cause some missed connections I know that other arrangements were made for the travels when this happened. Moving walk ways are almost a must when long distance walking is required, and beverage and food or snacks are also essential. Good time, will start making plans for next trip.
With a year behind, well almost, I find myself again at DIA, with travel plans to fly direct to San Diego, good thing leaving a day before a large storm is to hit Colorado, Iam soon in the air for a two hour flight. Entering San Diego was a great experience as we flew right over the city to touch down at the airport. Picking up my luggage I made my way toward public transportation pick up, a short walk over an enclosed walkway, soon on a shuttle by Wyndham to arrive at the hotel all within 45 minutes. This town really moves.
I will leave San Diego by train, the Union station is also a central stop for the Metro, which is the public trains for the city, With a small station, easy to manage, I am helped right away to check my bags, and then wait there for a half hour. Looking g around at the familiar Union Station decor, large vaulted ceilings, wood benches and large windows. I bought a chi tea at the only eatery, a small counter shop there, looking out across the street is downtown buildings with large glass windows, Three hours later I exit on to the platform at the Los Angels Union station, a large station with many corridors and levels, I turn wrong and wonder down toward an entrance, with many shops, I am turned back down the hallway to the other end near a food court. I have arrived and soon meet up with my second cousin Linda we make our way outside into the warm California sun,to see her Mom, the adventures begin.
My next next airport is the famous LAX, as large as DIA, I stopped for lunch at California kitchen and the made my way through the terminal toward my gate, and as luck would have it thereby a Irish bar, stopped for a glass of wine then made my way toward the gate to board. This was a nice airport with busses and gates and I didnt need them, but I'm sure there were moving sidewalks too.
Tip for traveling, it seems easier to leave during the week days then on a weekend. The lines areare shorter and it seems the airport workers are enthusiastic about being there ,
It's 2021,CoVID is behind us, yet many mandates are in place. Mask requirements in all airports and on all planes, Social distancing when possible. Everything seems to move smoothly on the airports. Denver to St Louis, I'm traveling alone, I check one bag, with the help of a United attendant, I get the keyossk to give me a paper boarding pass, something didn't work like it should have when I checked in the night before, I should have had an e ticket, it showed up on the phone after I had a paper ticket in hand. In a TSA line next, same as it ever was, and up to my gate. I walked a mile, it seemed as though the gate numbers were turned around, B8 was at the other end, I got my steps in for the day. Now airplanes have Apps for movies( United) and movies free on the seats(Delta), Music and TV. More comfortable way to pass the time.
St Louis airport, easy to get around in, not alot of moving between floors. Some walking with moving sidewalks.
First time in Salt Lake City airport, we flew in over Salt Lake, very impressive, large. The mountain range west of the airport is beautiful, high as the foothills.Near to the city it is a grand thing protecting Salt Lake from anything coming from the west. The airport was clean, it had moving side walks and a few shops. We ate at California Kitchen. We had a delayed flight into Denver, the airport was nice, we sat at the end of the terminal waiting for a airbus, it reminded me of Chicago, easier to get around in though, not a sprawled out.
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