Yes, but this really isn't as big a deal as some people have made it sound. Seriously, I would never have noticed that it was longer than the standard "seatbelts on" phase without being told.

Yeah. It's more an objection to the whole "if you get out of your seat you will be arrested" threat than any real inconvenience.

Eeeee! Ticket booked! Time requested off work! Eeeeee!

Must book hotel room.

Chiming in too late, but for future reference --

is it more convenient to fly into Dulles, or National?

National is more convenient for ground transportation to the F2F site. But if you're any kind of nervous flyer, the noise abatement procedures at National (especially flying out of) will give you the heebie jeebies -- it's like a roller coaster with no handle bars. But also a beautiful view of the Mall, if you're on the correct side of the plane. Dulles has much smoother takeoffs and landings, but your view will be the VA countryside and suburbia.

((Orange County, CA - beach) - palmtrees = Fairfax County, VA)

Getting around within Dulles takes a little getting used to. You have to take a shuttle from check-in to your gate for most flights.

And brenda is correct -- I live near Dulles and have volunteered ground transport.

But if you're any kind of nervous flyer, the noise abatement procedures at National (especially flying out of) will give you the heebie jeebies -- it's like a roller coaster with no handle bars.

FTR, I hate flying, and have never noticed the takeoffs out of National being any worse than anywhere else. This thread is the only place I've ever seen anyone mention it.

Husband and I fly in and out of National when we visit his people. It's never been a problem.

I don't really play darts, I just love the scorekeeping in the pro game.

Oh, man, when I was in London in January, the big darts competition was on TV like every night, and it was mesmerizing. I have no idea. I had to watch until I figured out the scoring, and then I had to watch because the guy in the final had the biggest arms I'd ever seen.

Jessica, I went through a fear-of-flying period triggered by flying from New Orleans to Atlanta through a thunderstorm. Every time I flew out of National, I'd fear the plane was crashing when it was just leveling off after the steep takeoff. So, may have been just me.

I should probably make my plans more concrete over the next weeks or so.

I know I had plans for a place to stay every night, but they were sort of vague and amorphous. Except for the fact that I think I was staying in the same place SA was staying each night, which is of teh cool.

Except for the fact that I think I was staying in the same place SA was staying each night, which is of teh cool.

We're staying (as far as I know) with meara Thursday & Friday, and Lee on Saturday.

Thanks, SA.

No problem, doll. I find it kind of amusing, like it should be "Sean and SA" on the little listy thing.