I Got The Commuter Blues

Commuting is rough.

Plain and simple. I want to park this declaration here--a space I can return to when I forget the immense frustration... when I foolishly attempt to make my way to DCA one flight before my report time.

When listing for a commute I can see the available seat count, yes. But I cannot see or control ATC ground stops, maintenance issues, gate arrival availability, ground crew availability, gate agent availability, etc etc... when you need something to go right, remember the helplessness of sitting for an hour+ of rolling delays before having to deplane at your home airport as your report time gets closer and closer; remember that Murphy and his laws are employed by the airline industry. Remember! And resist flying less than two flights prior to report time. Like you're supposed to...

I'm talking to myself here. Because I am the responsible party. I told my airline, "Sure, I will relocate" when I hardly knew what commuting would entail... the unpaid hours, the emotional roller coaster at the end of four days of working when your bed, your home, your husband, and new stepchildren are dangled in front of you before getting snatched away by Murphy. That's commuting home. Commuting in, just as much as an emotional roller coaster. But only when I really need it not to be. In the hope to alter my neurological pathways, I am throwing down some tips while I am still amidst the "Could Not Commute" frustration.

Find joy in the airport:

Part of this reoccurring issue is me trying to avoid sitting for hours at the airport in advance of a trip that may very well have me flying until the wee hours of the night. Accept the hours-long airport sit as the preferred predicament. Read, get your steps in, people watch. Write your blog. Assign all non-time sensitive computer tasks to your airport time.

Find joy in your base city:

Got 9 hours to kill before your report time? Rent a car with your awesome airline discount and explore. I have a long list of things I wanted to see & do while I was a reservist living in DC... attractions, day trips, star shoots. Tackle them and keep updating your list.

Drive.

I've done it several times both to and from. Unlike getting a ride from the airline, you are the pilot. Find some stops along the way or stay overnight somewhere half the price of your base city. Make it an adventure and not a dreadful duty.

I will try to add to this list as I think on this mission. But my commute aircraft has arrived... I got my boarding pass, I got my seat and it's two flights before the start of my report. So it should be okay... ... ... .. . . .