Egad! A Friday near a major city, with a border crossing!

Normally, Meredith and I fly out on a Saturday, but it was much, much cheaper to fly on a Friday this time, so I took the day off. But I was quite anxious about crossing into Canada, and then having to drive from Buffalo to Toronto along what may be the most populous section of Canada, right around 5:00 on a Friday evening.

We are going to Belgium, but flying from Toronto to Paris because to fly to Brussels would have been $400-500 more than flying to Paris. Adding to the unusual nature of the flight was that our flight was scheduled to leave at 11:45 pm. At least we could sleep in at home. So of course I was up at 6:30 and Mer was up at 8:30. So much for hoping to sleep in.

The Toronto airport is about five hours away, so I figured eight hours with a lunch stop and border crossing and traffic. We ate lunch at home, so that saved time, but I was worried about Friday traffic. Add in the three hours of recommended time for international flights, and I thought we should allow eleven hours. Rounding the time, I determined we could leave at 1:00, which we managed.

Canadian border at 4:30, and we got through in ten minutes. Ah ha! Traffic galore on the Canadian side! I am wise! It cleared up after a couple of miles – it was due to construction. Somehow, passing city after city of a half-million, we sailed along, getting to the airport at 6:30, even with a snack stop.

Ah! But the airport loomed! Who knew what lengthy lines awaited us there?!  As it turned out, we got to the ticketing gate and were told we were too early, and could come back in ten minutes, which we did. They then sent us over to the business class check-in because that check-in was not busy. Security was a small wait, but not too bad. In the end, we were at the gate at 7:30, just six and a half hours after leaving our house. We were at the gate three hours before boarding. Ooops.

Supper in the airport is a fine way to spend time, especially when you are not rushed. I could not convince Meredith that I should spend time getting a massage. I guess she was stressed over the time crunch to board our flight.