Day One—Travel

Adella’s grandmother and aunt willingly drove us to the airport, so at 7:00am I was ready to go. We determined the only other time Adella flew in an airplane occurred with me on her last Aunt Becca trip. To think I’m also her first out of country companion too makes me feel special!

It’s fun watching someone experience new things. We headed to the Escape Lounge for breakfast at Kansas City International Airport. While we made it inside, I discovered my lovely Priority Pass privileges have changed. I receive benefits through my Capital One Venture X card. In February the credit card company changed the benefit. It went from one member being allowed to take three guests in the lounged just the member being allowed in.

Since the lady at the desk comped Adella, we still enjoyed breakfast inside. We only stayed about half an hour, but we were fed and happy.

Once we boarded our United flight to Chicago, the real education began. Adella instantly reached for the safety brochure, and we discussed it in detail. Her curiosity mixed with a little apprehension let me know she would know exactly what to do in an emergency. Her Aunt Cara even texted her to let her know to put on her mask first before helping Aunt Becca 🤣.

Our arrival to O’Hare gave us plenty of time to explore. I generally fly Delta, so flying United allowed me to see a “new” airport. Parts are under construction, and I hope that remodel will bring greater access to electricity. Now that we live in such a technology based world, having access to recharge those devices is essential. We had a charging block, but it could have been more difficult had we not.

None of our planes had seat back entertainment. In order to use wifi, you had to be signed up for frequent flyer miles. Adella’s dad took care of United, and I signed her up for Air Canada once we realized we needed it. Adella spent most of her time looking out the window, eating snacks, and watching Wicked for Good.

We had four hours in O’Hare, so we walked everywhere. We tried to go to every concourse.

Eventually we received word that our flight was delayed. We didn’t worry until we realized we had less than an hour to get through customs and make it to our gate. In addition, they checked Adella’s luggage through to Charlottetown, and we worried we’d have to pick it up at the carousel before going to our gate. Everyone told us we didn’t have to do that, so we just ran to our gate.

Customs in Toronto was amazing. Adella and I started at a kiosk then the agent was waiting for us. Likely because our names are the same, the agent didn’t investigate if I had permission to take a child, not my own, across the border. We did have all required documentation though—a letter from her parents, copies of their passports, and her birth certificate. We didn’t need it today, but I’m so glad we had the documents.

To back up a bit…Toronto had signs and separate lines for transferring fliers. One designated all foreign travel, one designated Canada transfers, and one designated US transfers. Because of their amazing layout, we had no trouble getting to our gate on time.

We boarded within ten minutes of our arrival, and the relief we felt kept our emotions on a high.

At midnight Atlantic Time, we arrived in Charlottetown. I started with the rental car then went back for our luggage. Sadly, Adella’s did not have enough time to clear customs and make it on this plane.

The agent, though not entirely friendly, did set us up for a luggage delivery. We had our doubts as Adella’s luggage, when checked, was not attached to our tickets. Thankfully, we had the claim ticket (advice: always take a photo), so there was hope. The first flight into Toronto was noon. We kept our fingers crossed.

Another thing I had done was email our hotel to let them know we would arrive at 1am. They told us there was someone staffed, but we would have to ring a doorbell to get inside. Sadly, that didn’t work. We called the hotel (and heard the phone ring) multiple times. Eventually I sent an email letting them know we were at the door. I’m not sure which method worked, but we got in!!! Then we promptly celebrated our completion of Day One by falling right to sleep.

We were definitely tired AND excited for the next day.