Well, it was time for what has become my bi-annual (Spring and Fall) trip to NC to visit my son. We confirmed a range of dates that would work for him, and I initially started the planning thinking it would be fun to take the Capitol Limited from TOL-WAS and then take one of the possibilities out of there to either Raleigh, Cary, or Durham, all of which have excellent connecting GoTriangle and city bus service to a variety of destinations. The fares on the Cap were high, though, on the dates I checked, and the flights out of DTW were actually favorable for the same dates, so I could use my flight benefits and get there for nothing. The original plan was to leave on Friday evening and stay for a long weekend. But home circumstances being what they were, I wasn't able to leave Friday. Then, also not able to leave Saturday. I kept nervously checking flights and train fares, the situation stayed consistent with flight options being open, and the last minute trains expensive. Normally, Saturday flights are much better for using space available benefits, traditionally I avoid Sundays like the plague. This particular Sunday morning there were several options open out of DTW. (Provided one left on the earliest flights). I had decided to connect in PHL, destination being Raleigh, RDU airport. However, the connection out of PHL was not as favorable. Plus, the long layover time made it less appealing. So I listed for Charlotte (CLT), noting the CLT-RDU connections were also mostly full. CLT is a great option for its Amtrak connections, though, and I was arriving early enough at CLT that I could book the Piedmont to Durham. This does require about an hour of bus travel once you get to CLT, with a free transfer downtown, after doing this the first time it was not intimidating at all. And if you are 62 or over it is half fare! While I do recommend looking at the CATS website (Charlotte Area Transit) it is easier to navigate the system by riding it, in my opinion. Just be sure to allow time. For the Piedmont booking, a couple dollars more gives you the option to cancel without penalty (before departure time). Sunday must be a busy day for the NC services, there was only one seat left on the early afternoon train at time of booking, with trains mostly sold out until the evening departure. Plan in place, packed my bag Saturday night, set my alarm for 4 am and relished the 4 hours of sleep. Woke up in the dark and the Uber driver was there early. Got to DTW, boarded the flight to CLT and slept most of the way, in a window seat with an empty middle. It is less than 2 hours from gate to gate.
Upon arrival, CLT was super busy, granted it was a Sunday but it struck me how everything appeared to be at capacity; concessions, bathrooms, gate seating areas, hallways and walkways. It's still a very pleasant airport to fly in and out of. CLT makes great use of window space and the sunlight streaming in is always enjoyed by this Michigander. I found my way to the gate for the flight to RDU and got out my laptop. There were still seats available, so I went on the Amtrak app and cancelled the Piedmont. Very short flight later and I was in RDU, catching the airport shuttle.
Next: The trip back, which did not involve planes!
Upon arrival, CLT was super busy, granted it was a Sunday but it struck me how everything appeared to be at capacity; concessions, bathrooms, gate seating areas, hallways and walkways. It's still a very pleasant airport to fly in and out of. CLT makes great use of window space and the sunlight streaming in is always enjoyed by this Michigander. I found my way to the gate for the flight to RDU and got out my laptop. There were still seats available, so I went on the Amtrak app and cancelled the Piedmont. Very short flight later and I was in RDU, catching the airport shuttle.
Next: The trip back, which did not involve planes!