After 10 days in CA helping out with the newest addition to our family, it was time to come home. Time to come back to the husband and dogs that were anxiously awaiting my return.

In the interest of saving $70.00, rather than take the afternoon non-stop out of LAX I booked my self on the 6:00am flight. Yes, 6:00am, which meant getting there between 4:30 and 5:00, which in turn meant getting up somewhere in the neighborhood of 3:30. What the heck was I thinking? My son, bless his heart (I’ve lived in Texas for a year now, so I think I’m qualified to use that phrase) said he’d take me to the airport. With a new baby, he’d be up at that hour anyway!

I got to,the airport thinking it would be quiet for a 6:00am flight, but I could not have been more wrong. I walked in and the line not quite out the door, but getting close. Thankfully, because I fly to CA once a week (not really, but almost!) I rapidly achieved A-list status so I marched right past everyone in,line and right up to the counter. 

“Good Morning Mrs. Dodd”, the agent greeted me with the usual Southwest Airlines cheeriness. I asked if it was always so busy this early in the morning and she told there were several large groups flying. Had it not been so early, and if I’d had more than an hour and a half of sleep, the first warning light would have gone off in my head. But – I was tired, sleepy, and possibly just a tad cranky, there was no warning light. Not even so much as a dim glow. I checked my bag and headed to my gate.

It was pretty quiet, I had my choice of seats, so I selected what I thought was the best one. No one there, I could be by myself, charge my phone, etc. it didn’t take long before my airport solitude was disrupted by, oh I’d say an entire family. The were waaaaay too chipper that early. I didn’t want to hear loud voices, or laughing. Good grief, don’t you people know it’s 5:00am? I noticed that some of the women had henna tattoos on their hands, and they all had a pretty impressive collection of bags and purses. I casually kicked my bright pink tote bag under my chair so as not to get it mixed up with their YSL, Furla and Chanel bags. Gradually, the noise level rose to rock concert level and I thought I should move. But wait, if I move will they be offended? I don’t want the, to think I have anything against their culture, so I stayed. After all, only a few more minutes till boarding time.

When I travel, I prefer the aisle. I like to be able to get up rather than have to climb over someone in the event I want to use the in flight oversize bathroom lounge. I watched as everyone boarded. Oh my. Over 50% of this flight is this family! It was pure madness. Once the fasten seat belt sign went off, that entire family was up and out of their searts. Talking, laughing, visiting, going to the bathroom, hitting my are every time they walked by. They didn’t care what time it was – it was party time for them!

It took no time at all before I turned into a grouchasaurus. And  

 I mean, full on. Next the flight attendant announces that the wifi is not working. Now I’m snarling. I’d try and sleep but how can I with a raging party going on? And of all days to have a smooth flight! Maybe we’ll hit some turbulence and they’ll have to sit down. I actually prayed that the fasten seat belt sign would light up. 

What’s this guy doing up here? The flight attendant gets on the loud speaker and announces there is a special guest on the plane. “Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Anup. He and his entire extended family (who are taking up over half of this aircraft) are flying to San Antonio where Anup will be getting married tomorrow. [applause, applause, applause]. We’d like to help him celebrate and we have some gifts for him.” At this point, they pull out the sash made of toilet paper and adorned with swizzle sticks. They then present him with a “cake” made out of a roll of toilet paper with a bottle of wine stuck in the middle, and lastly – a crown, artfully fashioned out of bags of pretzels. 

How could I not smile? How could I not laugh? How could I not snap a photo? And how could I not cheer along with all of the other passengers to congratulate Anup and wish him well. 

Sat what you want about Southwest, but this crew gets an “A” for creativity. And that big family that took up over half the plane? Well, at the rate we’re going, that will soon be my family!!!