I AM going to sneak a lighter or two in my carryon; I KNOW I'm going to want a cig during my Detroit layover.

You don't have to sneak--lighters are permitted. How long of a layover? DTW is smoke-free. You will actually have to exit the building to grab a smoke, and then come back in through security. I think Kansas City flights are on the larger planes so your gate will be in Terminal A. The Allentown flight is most definitely on a regional jet, so you'll depart from Terminal B. Depending on which gate you come in, it could take 30 minutes to get to your connecting flight in the B terminal. Boarding time is usually 35 minutes prior to scheduled departure time, and they can give away your seat if you're not on board 15 minutes prior to departure. A layover of an hour or less probably won't be enough time to have a cigarette. You can only enter/exit DTW through Terminal A. B has no exits or security checkpoints.

(I've probably transited through DTW hundreds of times in the past 10 years. I know that airport as well the ones in DC.)

Nilly, much peace, love and strength to you and your families. My condolences on the loss of your father-in-law, and much ~ma to your dad.

And I'm going for the trifecta as I catch up:

msbelle, you most emphatically do not suck. I'm sorry about the job situation, and I hope you find a position that treats you better soon.

msbelle, you do NOT suck.

Cass's right, you know. You are fabulous. And I'm still extremely mad at your ASSHAT bosses.

And OK, I'm in awe of Maria's airport fu! I, um, can pick someone up from LAX like whoa, but other than that every airport feels like new every time I go there.

Nilly, many good thoughts.

On touch, so brief with words.

Ensconced on brother's couch. Youngest is sleeping (maybe) downstairs on the uncomfy fold out.

MeetIng up with lisah was awesome ! Highly recommend .

Parents ( and kids) were so happy to see me. Mom kept hugging me. That might've been the beer.

I was SO on a plane to Bama. "roll tide" was shouted out by the Attendants when we landed. And echoed by the passengers. Won't even talk about the loud native talkers...

I know my way around ORD, DTW, ATL, RIC, SFO, and PHX pretty well. Saying I know my way around tiny airports like AZO and BUR kind of feels like cheating.

I'm fluent in PDX and SAN. I can fake SFO pretty well. PHX was easy but frustrating last time I was there. I think I know it but I still resent it.

Oddly, last time I landed at PDX we were farther down in the terminal than I actually realized the terminal went. I blame flying with a migraine but my seatmates were talking to me as we walked to baggage and I sort of thought we might never get there or see anything familiar. Then it all went fuzzy, resolved and I suddenly knew exactly where we were. Seriously, there were banks of chairs that I'd never seen. And then the heavens parted and I saw the signs for Good Dog, Bad Dog and Powells. I was home.

y'all are such good cheerleaders. I don't think I suck, I think it sucks.

also, I am doing home redecorating via GIMP, may never sleep.

Oh, the situation absolutely sucks.

So long as you are very clear that you, msbelle, do NOT suck.

I know my way around ORD, DTW, ATL, RIC, SFO, and PHX pretty well.

In addition to DTW, and DCA, BWI and IAD, I'm fluent in ORD, ATL, JFK, EWR, MSP, MEM, LAS, CDG, FCO, MXP and SUF (though SUF is little more than two runways and enough tarmac to park 2 planes). I can passably get around in PHX, DEN, CLT, MCO, SFO, SJC, SLC, SAT, AUS, and LAX.

I don't think I suck, I think it sucks.

Just keep reminding yourself of this. In fact, I need to remind myself of this.

Sleep is for the weak. Or those unafflicted with insomnia.