Let The Frenzy Begin

We leave for California on Thursday. We used more of our American frequent flier miles in a effort to not only cut costs for us, but to use them up. American Airlines was our airline of choice during our California days, but doesn't have many options out of DIA (Denver International Airport). It no longer does direct flights to either airports near our parent's houses, which made the choice to switch to United easy. But, we still have lots of miles on American. Being the frugal fools that we try to be, we have used up most of these miles, and bought a crap load of tickets this year (15 frequent flier tickets in all, between both AA and United).

Because we switched loyalty and credit cards to United a year and a half ago, we've lost status on American Airlines. Brian travels quite a bit, and the one good thing about that is that he racks up those frequent flier miles in a way we could never to do if he was always at home. He has premier status, and I have premier associate on United. He gets to board first, and we don't pay for a normal amount of baggage. We lost status on our Thursday flight, though, and are only checking one bag. For all 4 of us. Since airlines were finally able to pass their long-tried baggage charge (I've heard they are thrilled), we are only checking one bag and taking carry-ons for the rest. Should be fun. The weight restrictions confine us to using our medium sized suitcase, since packing the large suitcase with our clothes alone makes it over 50 pounds. Really, airlines. If you're going to charge us per bag, up the weight restrictions. You aren't winning any fans this year. And it's not like we're taking an inordinate amount of stuff! Good thing that the kids are getting past all that baby gear that we use to have to take on flights.

So, now I'm doing laundry. Even though I'm packing the least amount of stuff that I've ever packed to travel since having kids, I somehow feel compelled to do all the laundry. Must have it all clean to pick out those 5 things I'm taking. Plus the 5 things for the kids. Plus Brian's 5 things, which are bigger than my 5 things. My parents have the wondrous invention know as a washing machine, so we're set. I know we'll be fine with less, but the hassle of having to pick and choose so carefully is not what I need right now. My tickets were also free (although they come at the price of flying with only one airline for so long), which also makes the sorting and packing worth it. Sort of.