Well, the Panthers have made it as far as O’Hare Airport in Chicago and are now awaiting departure to Rome. The traveling group left plenty early from campus and got to the airport in time to help the Alitalia staff set up the rope lines and signage for check-in.
The early arrival did benefit the tallest members of the group. Exit row seats were assigned - before the check-in was officially open - to the “really tall guys” the agents noticed hovering around the counter. That being said, somehow we wound up not being the first in line when actual check-in started.
We also had the chance to make friends with a few of the other especially-early arrivals, giving us a few extra tips on what to look for and enjoy in Italy. When you travel in a big, obvious group like we do, it is easy to make a lot of friends along the way.
Waiting in an airport with a large group usually means settling in to a food court, and that's exactly what the team did after check-in. At O'Hare's International Terminal, there's just a few choices and all pre-security, so it gave a few a chance for that last-chance McDonald's stop. Others went with the slightly more eclectic options like Chicago-style hot dogs or deli sandwiches.
The flight to Rome is slated for over nine hours, with a planned-for 8:05 a.m. Italy time arrival. For most of the players this will be their first trip overseas, and thus their first flight of this length. Hopefully they are ready for it, as well as the full day of touring on Monday after only sporadic midair sleep. The group is certainly plenty excited, and judging by the baggage in tow everyone followed instructions and packed wisely.
I am hopeful of getting an update online after we get through customs and get on the bus at the airport, but that will be only if technology works as planned. But, whenever that technology does get settled in, we’ll have regular updates in a variety of ways throughout the trip. Stay tuned.
