As I staggered around Concourse B half asleep trying to find a spot to sit down, I saw my flight delayed for the third time. I was on my way home – stuck in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. My gate had to be one of the most crowded I’d ever encountered and my head was about to explode.
I dragged my stuff to the counter and asked the agent if there was anywhere I could sleep for an hour. I don’t know what I was expecting. She could barely hear me over the roar of the crowd. She pointed towards gate B15. I slowly started walking that way and called my husband. I asked him to look up where I was on an airport map (online) and see if there was any kind of sleeping area tucked away. I was facing a mean case of plantar fasciitis and had lost my seat when I used the facilities. He assured me there was something called Minute Suites near gate B15.
I walked up to the counter of Minute Suites where Heaven (yes, that was her name and she was my angel) was working. She showed me the rooms and explained the process. I was elated. I got settled into a room that had a place to lie down, a light with dimmer, blankets and pillows, a noise suppression system, personal thermostat, a work space, and much more. I didn’t need the free wireless or DirecTV, but it was great to charge my mobile devices without fighting the crowd for an outlet. Best $34 (plus tax) I’ve ever spent. One hour of uninterrupted quiet and calm. Of course it took that long for my brain to settle down and I was just falling asleep as Heaven knocked on my door to let me know my hour was over.
May your journey be your muse,
Rachel