And even more amazing?  From the time we deplaned until the time we re-checked our bags to AVL was less than 15 minutes.  Kid you not.  We have this Global Entry mobile app that allows you to tell immigration when you’ve arrived at the airport, take a picture of yourself (literally while we were walking off the plane), then breeze right through passport control. We didn’t even have to stop for the Global Entry machines – which was a good thing because 2 of the Stevies were there and they messed up the machines.  We just walked up to the CBP guy, flashed our phones, he looked up and said, “Oh, you have a code. Ok, have a good day.”  Done.  Seriously fast.  And then, the bags? We figured we’d wait forever. Nope. There within minutes – and within minutes we were through security and onto the train for our next concourse.  (OK, so security was sort of a breeze – TSA pre-check wasn’t open, so we had to take everything out of our bags, and when I walked through the scanner, the TSA lady just yelled at me and said, “Go back, you have to go back.”  Huh? Why?  I had to take my shoes off!  Well, no one told me – coz we never have to do that now with Pre-check, and this lady was mean and gruff and just not personable at all.  So there, there’s my rant. But we still made it through in record time, even with the scrooge shoe lady.)

We hit the lounge for some coffee and to stay out of the general hub bub of post-Christmas travel, then made our way to our gate in a super crowded concourse building.  Eek. We were too early to even line up to board, so we decided to stretch our legs and walk the concourse. Double Eek. It is crazy and crowded and we’re masking up!  The Stevies were all getting sick on the tour (yes, we masked on the bus) and now? With all these bodies in here. Oh no.  Masks it is. And on the plane too.  You can’t be too careful nowadays.

Our last segment goes off without a hitch, smooth flight, beautiful mountain scenery out the window. We’re right on time, except the luggage is not.  That stupid airport.  Talk about over-development.  Three flights came in at the same time and the claim area was crazy crowded, it took almost 30 minutes for our bags to come out. I mean come on – this is the teeniest airport in the world and so poorly run and operated – because they are so overwhelmed with more and more tourists and flights and….ok…another rant done.

We did get our bags, Lisa was right there waiting for us (very smartly with a book that kept her occupied during the bag delay) and we were back home, settling in before 1pm.  Talk about crazy – 36 hours ago we were looking for the Big 5 in South Africa!  Now we are home, sorting out our loot……and of course planning for our next big adventure….coming soon to a blog post here.