We take the subway/airtrain to JFK. We leave at 8:30 for an 11:22 flight; that'll give us plenty of time.
All previous times I've flown to the Cape this summer I have miraculously been randomly chosen for one of those expedited check-ins.
Alexander and I see the long snaking check-in line, but we are directed to the line with no one in it. The line where you don't have to remove your shoes or take out your laptop. The line that everyone wants to be in. The line that takes you through security in about three minutes. It's our lucky day.
We show our tickets. "I'm sorry, but sir, you'll need to go back to that line (pointing to the mess of a line with hundreds in it). You weren't randomly chosen for the quick check-in." Even though it's supposed to be random, I think the computer somehow knows I'm an older white woman and Alexander is not. I tell Alexander I'll meet him at the gate. We still have plenty of time.
Alexander then waits in the very long line for about a half hour. He gets to the front and the ticket agent asks, "Is Exst your name?"
"Huh? No, my name is Alexander."
"I'm sorry sir, you'll have to go to that machine over there and print out your ticket."
Alexander does that, and I can only imagine how frustrated he is. He puts in all the right information only to discover that no one with his name is listed on the flight. He calls me and he's not happy. He raises his voice. "Sweetheart, an airport is not the place to throw a fit," I remind him. He calms down.
Alexander goes back to the ticket agent and tells him his name is not showing up and explains that his mother bought these tickets online.
"Sir, does your mother own a cello?"
"No," Alexander answers having no idea why he's been asked about a cello.
"Is your mother a large woman?"
"No."
"Well sir, that is usually why someone will purchase an Extra Seat." Or why the ticket reads EXST and not Alexander.
They sort it out. My son just makes the flight. Next time I'll pay more attention to the name on the ticket.
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