Philadelphia, PA (USA)

[Training Trip (flight time)] Left the house around 0830 so I could pick up Kathy and Bonnie - they were traveling home today while I was leaving for Philadelphia. Got them at the hotel and had no problems (just a little traffic) during the drive over to the airport. Dropped them off at the terminal and then parked in the long-term lot. Was able to meet up with Bonnie again and she took me (as her guest) to the Admiral's Club. I'd never been in a place like that! It looks like a hotel inside and there are people who come by to offer you drinks (etc.), just like on the airplane. Spent several hours there - even after Bonnie left - because my flight wasn't until 1405. We got on the plane on time (after some real fussing by the American Airlines gate staff). Once onboard, we got the normal lecture about carry-ons (when they started to charge for checked bags, boarding became a nightmare). Nobody was happy - and they let the flight attendants know it. We then had to sit on the ramp for about 30 minutes (ramp freeze ?). After takeoff, our pilot interrupted everyone's sleep nearly every 20 minutes to tell us about landmarks or explain that we were going to have to hold (twice) for weather. After we landed (1825L), everyone elbowed their way off the plane (sometimes I feel like passengers are cattle - with manners to boot). I was worn out from the experience, so I immediately went to the USO and had a light dinner. Ended up having to pick up my bag from the claim office - and I also hit a lull in Enterprise rental car shuttles (and nobody would answer their phone). After nearly 30 minutes, I finally got a ride - subsequent stops filled the bus to capacity with angry customers. Eventually (1905), I made it through Enterprise rental car office - by then, the traffic on the interstate was all gone, which made the ride to Willow Grove quicker than normal. Ran into one snag: no tickets at the PA Turnpike toll booth. Waited awhile and then got everyone behind me to back up so I could pick another lane. Glad to be in my room at the "usual" hotel (Navy Lodge Willow Grove). Took it easy tonight...