That was a lot of time to kill in the airport. We felt it was best to just stay put so there was no rush to get back to the airport at 3:00 AM. I also read that hotels even close to the airport are very expensive.

We found a place to spread out and fell asleep, but that was short-lived. We were rousted out of there and had to go back outside of security. What a pain in the ass. But, we DID have PreCheck so it would be fast to get back inside.

We got to our gate and waited to board. The plane was loaded, pushed back from the gate, and we’re getting ready to taxi away. Then, there was a problem with the plane. More specifically, the ENGINE on the plane. That is kind of an important part.

Luckily, we were on the first flights out and they had an empty plane sitting there that was going out later. They got us off the plane, over to that other plane many gates away, loaded up, and in the air within 90 minutes. Very impressive turnaround and a great save for American Airlines.

We got back to my truck at MCI and loaded up to leave. It has been an amazing adventure but back to reality.

Reality meant that not only when I walked up to the truck the gas lid was open (some asshole wanted to siphon my gas, which I found odd in a paid parking lot). Luckily I have a locking gas cap to stop such assholery.

Reality then meant the truck would not start. I got on the phone to the parking people and they sent a guy over to jump start my truck.

We got back and this trip is in the books!

I will do a trip wrap-up tomorrow with my thoughts and some stats.

I hope you enjoyed this journey. There will be many more coming up, both near and far.

See you tomorrow!

Shawn