Unprecedented. Me in First Class.

I am writing this sitting on a plane in Minneapolis. First Class. I am now one of those people sitting in a big cushy seat with two of my very own arm rests, my computer out on the tray table, working, while the second-class passengers filter in. I feel at home here. All I'm missing is my business suit (really, these faded jeans will just not do).

This is the first time I have been a first class passenger, and I am thrilled. I just ordered a diet coke from the flight attendant, who brought it out -on a tray- way before the plane left the runway, let alone reached its cruising altitude! Soda in one hand, complimentary bottle of water in the other hand, sitting with my blanket and pillow, this is the life.

How did I get so rich so suddenly you ask? I didn't. I've been slowly selling my soul to Delta, and here finally is my reward: a complimentary first class upgrade from Minneapolis to Denver. Is it worth it? Yes.

About two years ago I switched alliances from American Airlines to Delta for no other reason than American stopped giving pillows and started charging for peanuts. Since that time, I have switched over all of my hotel and car rental rewards programs to earn Delta Skymiles. I also earn miles by reading ads at Miles for Minutes and dining at restaurants through the Skymiles dining program. So now, no matter where I sleep, eat, or what car I drive, I am earning my Delta miles. And apparently I have earned silver medallion status… which, in layman’s terms means I can check up to 2 bags free of charge.

This unprecedented upgrade was unexpected, and I wonder if it will ever happen again. Perhaps not; I may have just had my one and only first class experience. Regardless, I am hereby re-committing myself to Delta, in appreciation of the pillow, the water, the Sun Chips, the wifi, and the Twix bar.

The Long-Awaited Return of Travelbloggity

I apologize, loyal Travelbloggity reader (yes, I mean you , Dad) for neglecting you over the past months. I know you have missed my sweet and sexy how-to tips for the family traveler, as I have not been a faithful blogger. Not that I haven't been traveling, I have. Plenty. I just haven't been the inspired travel guru of blogs past; in fact, I have degraded to a rather sloppy traveler. Case in point? I actually checked luggage on my last trip.

But all that mediocre travel is past me now, and I promise to give this another try. I will clean up my act, streamline my security checkpoint process, try new things, and write about my successes and failures. It will be entertaining, if not enlightening, and I will start right now with this odd travel tip:

When expecting 12" of snow at the extended parking lot of your home airport, pull up your wiper blades and leave them erect. Not only is it amusing, but it makes clearing the accumulated snow off your windshield easier upon your return.