8-27-10 On The Road Again

I admit it. I am spoiled. I realized that, yet again, yesterday. I got on an airplane yesterday, for the first time in over a year. And I realized how much having the might of a corporate travel department eases the irritations of travel.

For starters, I had to fly through Chicago. Most of you are familiar with O’Hare and the particular joys of going through one of the busiest airports in the world. And to add to the joy, I had a 3 ½ hour layover. Now it used to be, when I traveled for business, I had access to the airline’s red carpet clubs. That sure makes a lengthy layover more bearable. But yesterday, I got to spend my time sitting around in gate areas. Not exactly the best way to spend an afternoon.

My final destination was nearby Louisville, Kentucky. Arrived there about 11pm and made my way to the hotel. Which I discovered was undergoing extensive remodeling. The jackhammers, saws, and sanders started up about 8am this morning. Sigh. So I got to spend an hour or two on the phone, looking for a much quieter hotel.

So while you are still a corporate executive, learn to appreciate your travel department. While I spent my fair share of time cussing them when I was still working, I realize now just how much crap they cleared out of my way as I traveled around the world. Nothing makes you appreciate something more than not having it anymore.

Cheers!