After our lunch stop and tasting at Etude, it was time to head back to San Francisco. Our flight wasn’t scheduled to take off until 11 pm, but we were excited to check out the Centurion Lounge at SFO.
In fact, we decided to return our stroller early- and spend our last couple of hours in the lounge.
The decision to do so was partially because we didn’t want to be dragging two EXHAUSTED kiddos through TSA screening, especially when we were stressed about getting through in time… but also because we thought the lounge would be a nice way to wind down before our red-eye.
Cloud of Goods were wonderful once again- contacting us approximately 24 hours before the return to coordinate the exchange, but also being willing to make changes up to a few hours before the scheduled exchange, to accommodate our shifting plans.
A representative met us at the same rental car counter where we had picked up the stroller, and we were off. Back onto the airtram, on our way to the terminal.
Security was also pretty easy, with the kids behaving amazingly well. The lounge wasn’t far from the entry point, so we headed straight there.
We were so very impressed. The kids and I made a beeline to the play room- and found it empty. TT Dad found a table nearby and set up his computer, hoping to get some work done. In addition to toys for all ages/ability levels, there was a TV playing Disney Jr, and a couple of video game systems available for use.
The kids jumped right in, exploring the toys, books, and puzzles, while TTDad went to check out the food and beverage offerings. The food was tasty and plentiful, as were the drinks. We took turns watching the kids and eating… We even tried to make a plate for the kids, but they weren’t all that interested in eating.
As the evening went on, we were joined by another family, with a little boy just a little younger than the duo. The room was so spacious that the kids barely even noticed each other. It was getting closer to our boarding time, so we took turns getting the kids into their pajamas, and filling up our water bottles, and before we knew it, it was time to leave the comfort of the lounge, and make our way towards the gate. What a shock to the system. From the quiet, calm, and comfortable setting of the Lounge, to the chaos of a gate- we appreciated the lounge at a whole new level.
We spoke with the gate agent, and found that we would be allowed to board before everyone else, to give us time to install our car seats before the masses poured in.
There are pros and cons to boarding early.
On an airline like Southwest, boarding early gives you a better chance of getting seats together, at the very least. We were not flying Southwest, so that wasn’t a concern this time, but it was still really nice to get on and get all settled before people were crawling all over. We also had first pick of overhead compartments.
On the other hand- boarding early with 2 year olds isn’t really all that fun- to put it lightly. Boarding early with overtired, cranky 2 year olds? Ugh. I don’t even have the words to describe the horror.
I may be exaggerating a little- but we also hit some unexpected snags in the process.
You see, we boarded first, then watched everyone else pile in. So far, so good. Once everyone was in their seats, seat belts on, and ready to go, we sat. We sat, and we sat, and we sat. In total, we sat on the plane for approximately an hour before an announcement was made.
One hour. I don’t recommend sitting on a stationary plane for an hour with two toddlers. I just don’t. You’ll have to trust me on this one.
Finally, the announcement came- there were some mechanical difficulties.
That’s not exactly what you want to hear before a cross-country flight.
Turns out it was just the flight attendant’s oxygen mask. It wasn’t even broken, it just wouldn’t stay up in the compartment.
They tried super glue- no go. They tried it again. No luck. I think they finally employed duct tape and we were cleared for take off.
Of course, after sitting for over an hour, the kids were a mess, but they fell asleep pretty quickly- mid-cry even.
Sadly, it didn’t last the entire flight, again. I was up passing Color Wonder markers and paper to them within a few hours. I did the best I could to keep them as quiet as I could, but I’m sure we were the cause of more than one unsatisfied customer.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so glad to feel the bump of that landing gear on the runway. It felt amazing.
But I was exhausted.
Too bad we weren’t headed home. We had actually booked another stay- starting that evening. We were headed to Montauk, on Long Island.
Here we go, again!