I think it’d highly depend on the size of the airport. I’ve flown out of Pasco, WA (PSC) and Spokane, WA (GEG) in the past two months an hour before and haven’t had an issue. Wouldn’t attempt it at a larger airport though.
And you know what time they start serving beer at the bars at PDX?
5:00 am.
Exactly. I don’t usually start drinking that early, even at an airport, but I’m glad that I could if need be, especially if I’ve been on a red eye international flight.
The last time I showed up for a flight at the local tiny airport, the goddamned US Army had invaded. They’d just had a huge basic training graduation and there were at least a hundred soldiers between me and the guy who takes your bags. Because we were almost two hours early, it wasn’t a problem, but I promise you I hadn’t counted on fighting Uncle Sam to get to my plane.
On the other hand, it was the most eerily polite people-traffic jam I’ve ever been in. I don’t think I’ve ever been called “ma’am” so often in my whole life.
It may have been on time with regards to its scheduled runway slot (gate pushback at 10am, runway at 10;25 or somesuch) and/or they flew a little faster in order to land during their slot at you destination, thereby making you “on time” there, and allowing the plane to be turned around for the next flight, which would be “on time”.
Gate delays may also be due to minor mechanical issues which need to be repaired or verified against minimum equipment lists in order to dispatch the plane.
I commisterate with the OP pertaining to Alaska Airlines. I have had one (total 1) experience with Alaska Airlines. And as God is my witness, I will never have dealings with them again!
AA totally screwed up. In every way. I was expecting my two Ragdoll kittens to arrive at XX time, as pre-arranged. I had purchased a first-class ticket so the kittens could ride in a seat in first class as opposed to riding in the cargo hold, which is cold and unhospitable to kiddens. When I got to the airport (Medford International) the AA rep told me the flight was delayed. I looked at the arrival board, which begged to differ; and the runway itself, where I could see the flight disgorging it’s passengers. The AA rep persisted in telling me that the flight was delayed, even as the passengers walked past the counter!
When I pointed out to the rep that actual people from the actual flight were actually walking past the counter; she did some furious keyboarding on her key-board thingie. She then determined that the flight had indeed, arrived. She then tried to foist a pet carrier full of puppies off on me. I had to conduct an impromptu biology class, Puppys are Not Kiddens! I had paid a great deal of money for show-quality Ragdoll kiddens, and paid for them to fly first-class. And what did Alaska Airlines deliver? A crate chock-a-block full of puppies. Now, I lurve puppies as much as the next guy, but my kiddens didn’t arrrive until the next flight. When I pay for first-class tickets, I expect first-class service. I didn’t get it from Alaska Airlines. May the CEO have to take a second job flipping burgers at McDonalds’ to make ends meet.
Long hair kiddens? I thought they had to be accompanied by an adult?
Muffin, how dare you! Those overly-contrived photos of children in kidden costumes is just…wrong. My Ragdoll kiddens are much cuter; and have won prizes for their cute-ness. Alaska Airlines took my money for a first-class seat, and sent my kiddens via the cargo-hold. Nine years later, I’m still a-waiting a refund for the difference. Alaska Airlines Suckz!
Hey, you can’t drink all day unless you start drinking in the morning! 