by Eric Reiss - 24 March 2003

 

Clear and present signage

Yesterday, I flew from Portland, Oregon to Miami, Florida. This isn't easy at the best of times. In the wake of anti-war demonstrations across the country, heightened airport security made this particular trip at this particular time particularly nightmarish.

However, I did enjoy one part of the all-night odyssey ? transferring at Los Angeles International (LAX).

Talking the talk
My Alaska Air flight from Oregon landed at Terminal 2. My next flight on American left from Terminal 4. Since I'm not familiar with the airport, I asked directions from one of the pilots.

The Alaska Air flight uniform consists of a bomber jacket and crushed visor cap, making crew members look like they just stepped out of a B-17 instead of a B-737. Great look.

"Forget the shuttle. That's for little old ladies with lots of time. What you want to do is take that door over there at 11 o'clock [that's ahead and slightly to the left, for you non-aviation types]. Then set a heading for the parking lot and keep on a straight course until you get the big white building in your sights. That's your target."

At this point I was starting to wonder if watching old war movies was part of Alaska's training routine.

And out the door I went. If a picture is worth a thousand words, here are 3K's worth.

 

And this morning, at 5:30 AM local time, I arrived in Miami. Safe and sound, but too tired to read any more signs.

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