Itinerary: DCA-BOS-IAH-SAN-EWR-BOS-DCA. I spent two night at SAN at the Hampton Inn Pacific Highway where I have stayed before and like very much for the location. I used public transit instead of a car rental (costly midweek). I purchased the US rt to Boston and combined it with a bargain fare from Boston to San Diego.
I parked my car at DCA and sailed through security thanks to TSA PRE. The flight to BOS was unremarkable except that I was happy to see the old, familiar approach into Logan. I was a long slog from USAirways to United's terminal but then I need the exercise. The Houston flight was a B739. I was in the first row of economy plus and was very comfortable.
The flight over to SAN was also a UA B739 and was also comfortable and on time.
I called my hotel and they told me the complimentary airport shuttle stops at 10:00p.m. It was 10:05 p.m. I told them I would go out to the highway and hitch a ride. For a fare of $1.10 cents I cheated and rode the bus. Check in was prompt and efficient. I tried to use the biz center desktops and they were all messed up. I did get a good night's sleep.
The next morning I was rudely awakened by a driving rain. I have never seen such weather in Southern California. I thought it might be a super storm like after an at sea earthquake. I knew I was in a strong building so I went back to sleep.
I checked out near noon, walked over to the transit center and purchased a day pass. I rode the rails and the buses until I was hungry. I had an excellent meal at Sips Fusion in North Park. I then rode the bus to Pacific Beach where I parked myself on a convenient bench and soaked up some sun, salt air and the great ocean view.
I got to SAN airport with plenty of time to wait for my flight to EWR. It was full. Standbys were disappointed. Upon approach to EWR I was treated to a great view of lower Manhattan.
I just had time for some coffee before boarding my flight back to Boston. Another long slog back to the USAirways terminal. A long but comfortable wait and a quick trip back to DCA.
I enjoyed this trip and would do it again. But not right away.
