Saturday, January 21, 2023

Traveling. Hotels. Flights. Seats. Yup, I'm going there....

 We all want to vacation. We all want to be sitting somewhere warm, eating food we know we shouldn't and enjoying a new adventure! Well, the reality is, you have to travel to get to your destination. Everyone has their own ideas of the best way to travel. If you are looking for inexpensive, no extra fees kind of "tips" on traveling - stop reading. That is not how I roll. I did about 15 years ago, even 10 years ago, my husband and I would go as cheap as we could. Now, nope! On our recent flight to Hawaii, we were flying out of Detroit at noon, we left the night before. Here's what we did! 

Instead of paying for parking for two weeks at the airport ( I also park in the garage to protect my baby!) we rented a car one way from Kalamazoo Airport to Detroit Metro Airport. We picked up our car Tuesday night to have it dropped off Wednesday night in Detroit. Our flight was Thursday. Are you confused yet? It's ok. I got this. So we loaded the car Wednesday after work, said our good byes to our fur babies, and headed off to Detroit! We didn't have to rush, we didn't have to worry about missing anything, we didn't have any of that stress!! 

We arrived to Detroit Metro Airport right about 8:00 PM. We went right back to the International/Delta Terminal where our hotel was. Yes we booked a room at the airport, in our terminal for the next morning. We figured since our flight was at noon, we could sleep in a little, 7:00 AM for our family, get a nice breakfast, and then get on the plane for our non-stop flight to Honolulu. So we unloaded the car, checked into our room, and then took the car back to the rental. Of course we had to take the shuttle back, which was a bit of a pain, but totally worth it not having to do it in the morning before our flight! We had a delicious dinner in the hotel bar (see pictures!) and then headed up the stairs and got ready for bed! 






The next morning was so simple! We each were able to grab a shower, repack a few things, and get our carry on items ready for the long flight. I was thrilled! There was also the opportunity after we checked our luggage to come back to the hotel and go through TSA right in the hotel. Since the three of us have pre-check, we just went through the one in the terminal. The lines were not long at all, so it was not bad! Always quick with pre-check! As soon as we got through pre-check, it was time for breakfast! We had time to sit and enjoy breakfast and even after doing a little shopping. We wouldn't have had all this time, if we drove over the same morning. At least, not with being a happy family, moms, wives, you know. 



Now it's time to board. Let's do a little information on this flight. This is a non-stop flight to Honolulu, Hawaii from Detroit, Michigan. We have Comfort+ seats. We were on an Airbus 330-300, and had the first row. These were literally the best comfort+ seats, we have ever had. We had Comfort+ last trip to Hawaii, and we were in like sardines, not on our flight out. And you bet I was snapping pictures. I had for starters a larger seat, almost like when I travel first class. There was a secret compartment in my seat! I could store snacks there and inside the compartment were plugs for chargers! Leg Rest. All I need to say about that! I had enough room to physically lay back and not bother the woman behind me, but don't worry, my seat was still there to help her up each time she needed to go to the bathroom! We were given amenity kits and great head sets! I was able to snuggle down with my pillow, and blanket, watch Christmas movies until I felt like doing some work with the WI-FI available on board. (Did I tell you that my cousin who was on vacation in Fl was actually on this flight? He lives on the Island, and this happened to be his connecting flight! Let me tell you the HEY look we had on each others faces! Two Werner's on one plane!) 

What was waiting for us when we sat down - Headphones, amenities pouch, and blanket

Look at all this room! My husband really did appreciate this! 





This is actually a remote for my tv and to control the buttons up above me..... 

To extend my leg rests..... 

Worked great for me! For my tall family members... yeah not so much :) They survived though!

The wide arm rest between my husband and my-self. 


Amenties

Amenities



Always have time for a great Christmas Movie


Now, after this long flight, we did have to land. In our Delta Vacations package, we had transportation included. I did upgrade to a private limo service for a few reasons. 1) After being on a long flight, we will be taken straight to our hotel 2) No additional stops unless we ask for them 3) We won't be fighting for a seat on a shuttle with others. Worth. Every. Single. Penny. 




We were greeted with leis, our luggage was taken care of by our driver, we were whisked to Waikiki, even had some interesting other modes of transportation on our way to the Outtrigger, and started our vacation stress free and happy!! Dinner was next before bed! "Meadles" Hawaii Vacation 2023 started off perfectly! 

Now did you know I can book your Hawaiian Vacation with Delta Vacations? 



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