Flight: Frontier MKE to DCA

The day had all the makings of a disaster. I had to attend a meeting in Milwaukee late in the day, and there aren’t a lot of direct flights between DC and Milwaukee. But, the timing of things seemed like a noon flight up and the last flight back of the day would work thanks to the meeting schedule and the time difference. This would get me back in the office on Tuesday for a pretty full day.

Of course, panic starts to build the day before as we watch the weather report predict very nasty winter storms for Milwaukee. I decided not to panic - weather happens - and if its too bad to travel then its too bad to travel.

The sun comes up the next day and while the news is reporting bad weather, all the flights seem to be on time. So, off to the airport and wait for the plan. A minor delay (15 minutes) is easily attributed to flight issues somewhere across the country.

The plane lands in Milwaukee and it is not snowing badly, but it is cold, mildly windy, and snow is blowing everywhere. The airport seems normal except for all the slushy junk you have to walk through. But, now they are talking about winter weather back in DC. And, I find out the meeting might go long. I was prepared to spend the night if I had to, but I wanted to get back home.

As the meeting was running long I received the page that the flight back was delayed an hour. Well, probably the only time I was glad to have a flight delayed! No problems getting back to the airport, but the snow had kept going all day long.

Thanks to the delay, enough time to get a hot meal for the first time today. And, airport food is soooo delicious! (Actually, not too bad but maybe that’s just because i was so hungry).

On the plane we had to wait for the runway - it was blown over from the wind. Then, two coats of deicer.

As we took off I could watch the snow blow by the aircraft well past 10K feet. Didn't think it would be this high in the air. How do you burn fuel with water pumping into the front of the turbine? Kind of amazing when you think about it.

Now its after midnight. Still, in the air two hours later than expected and wondering what the weather will be like when I land. My advanced scouting team reports sleet, and it sounds very scary against the windows.

Hotel: SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Philadelphia Plymouth Meeting

City: Plymouth Meeting, PA
Chain: SpringHill Suites (Marriott)
Property: SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Philadelphia Plymouth Meeting
Address: 430 Plymouth Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Phone Number: 610.940.0400

Check Out: March 2011 ($120)

Very close to PA turnpike entrance in Plymouth Meeting, PA, northwest of Philadelphia. Central to airport via Blue Route, King of Prussia, Conshohocken.

Compare to Hampton Inn; low frills hotel targeted at business travelers with included breakfast, workspace in rooms. "Suite" in the title should be used lightly in this hotel, there are walls to break up the room in to separate work area, bedroom, and bathroom, but no doors and the TV swivels to turn between "living" and "bed" areas.

However, the room was clean, comfortable. Internet access not included. Small exercise room and pool. Small kitchen area in the room with microwave and refrigerator. For a diversion, Plymouth Meeting Mall is across the street.

Staff was nice.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: .5 (did not use)
  
• Bar: 0
  
• Internet: 0 (for a fee)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 0
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 1
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1 (Ditto)
  
• Common Areas: 1 (Ditto)
  

Total: 5.5



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