Changing plans and planes.

Flying north was all about the weather a few weeks ago, but flying south seems to be about all kinds of other things.

Flying is different now than it was before the pandemic. You picked a flight and then you likely took that flight because changes were incredibly expensive and refunds did not exist. Now, and especially with frequent flier tickets, you can have a few things booked in the same week and the airline expects you to let them know what you’ve decided.

And that’s how we’re heading south. The first ticket, booked long ago, was based on a date on the calendar. The second one of the roster is an opportunity to game the system for upgrades. Tom’s Executive Platinum status on American Airlines expires at the end of March and every upgrade is possible last event. But now, the schedule is changing once again to accommodate our desire to attend a memorial service. Tom’s on the phone now to switch things out.

I recall people talking about how after 60 you spend a great deal of time saying goodbye. I have to confess, we’ve had fair amount of that this year. And though the changes aren’t exactly convenient, the effort feels important. Living in two places plus a fair number of airplanes hasn’t been easy. That we can still honor a few priorities is a privilege. Plus, I can make a couple of more meals for the family here. I’m going with the ever pleasant win/win.

RIP Gary. You were one of the good guys.