When we bought our tickets we didn't realize how much things have changed since 2001 in America and how much patience, efford and strength one needs in order to get there without permanent damage of one nerve sells.
In order to get to San Diego we were suppose to fly via London and Washington.
When I have to travel I go as early as recommended in the local airport. In Kastrup (Copenhagen airport) it was suggested at least 2 hours before the flight. Well, we were in time and it took us about 5 minutes to check-in. We were so devastated by finding out if one had an opportunity to take a later flight one could earn 300 euroes per person. That was so-so unfortunate.
Anyway, got to London and then all that chaos had started. Numerous check point, shoes off, shoes on, at a certain point when we have asked David to take his belt off, he thought it would be easier to take belt with the pants off in front of all security and whole lot of people. Well, I understand him, good it didn't happen in America.
United Airlines is a story of itself. I knew that Americans try to cut on all the benefits of the airline stuff but that they provide bad service, practically no food (considering the price we have paid for the tickets) and separate children from there parents (David got seat on row 10, Morten on row 13 and me on row 20!) was too much. Personally I would definitely pay more but will use an European carrier next time.
Do not fly via Washington. Even if you have lots of time, strength and that is the closest airport of your future destination. I have been in America quite many times, but I have never in my live been treated like an animal. It is chaos withoug rules and regulations. After spending about an hour in a room without airconditions standing in a line to get throw imigration, one has to find one luggage, which is all over the place, go to the next line, twice as long, scan one luggage, recheck it, go thow security again, and only then you can have an opportunity to see where your flight is. Nothing garantees that you will make it in time. I would say that about 90% of people do not make it to their connections.
We made it but got 3 separate seats (2 in economy plus and 1 in economy). United stuff and the crew were the most uncooperative I have ever met in my life. After standing on a runway for 2 hours, cabin crew dicided to serve some water to passengers and finally off we flew to San Diego, 7 hours all together.
It didn't help to complain and honestly we didn't have desire and strength to do so. Our goal was to get to University and to bed, primitive, so what.
For 40 dollars a Russian taxi got us to the place and the next thing we remember were, mattresses were on the floor and off we were to the dreamland.
