I stayed out all night

I haven’t stayed out all night in forever.  In fact, I can’t recall the last time I stayed out all night.  This says a lot about my social life. I like to have fun, but I get really tired by the end of the day and just want to crash.  As soon as my head hits the pillow, I am out.

As I was making my List of 50 Things to Do Before I Turn 50, I thought it would be a great idea to add “Stay out all night.”  I’m not sure why I added this to the List. Maybe I wanted to pretend I was young again.  I envisioned doing something amazing and memorable. Well, as each month came and went, I began to think I wouldn’t get to cross this one off my List. But then December arrived, and the perfect opportunity presented itself.

“To stay awake all night adds a day to your life” — Frank Herbert

Devising a plan

I’ve been a Frequent Flyer with Delta since 1989.  However, the highest medallion level I’ve ever achieved is Silver status. Admittedly, I don’t travel a lot, but I’ve always wanted to enjoy the perks that the other medallion levels have.  So, in December, when I learned I was only 2,000 miles away from Gold Medallion status, I knew I had to do something about it.  The problem was, the year was almost up.  I only had a few weeks until the deadline for accruing mileage for the next status.

I began looking on Google Flights to see what flight I could take for the cheapest amount of money.  After 15 minutes of searching, I found it—a round-trip flight to New York City for less than $150 (including taxes).  The only problem?  I would have to return to Salt Lake City the same day. And, the flight would be a red eye to New York.

Anyone who knows me also knows how practical I am.  I hate to waste time, gas, food, or money.  This flight seemed to be a waste of time AND money (even though it was only a $150 ticket).  Could I really pull the trigger just to get to Gold medallion status on Delta?

Turns out, I could.  In a burst of spontaneity, I booked the flight to New York. I was actually going to travel 1,989 miles and back in less than 24 hours.

Forgetting my pillow

When the day of my flight arrived, I was so excited about flying without any luggage that I forgot to pack the most essential travel item—my inflatable Klymit pillow. I didn’t even realize this until I had boarded, and the plane was taking off.  In my backpack, I had packed my laptop, a contact case, solution, toothbrush, etc.  However, I had failed to plan for the sleeping part of the flight, and the overnight layover I would have in the JFK Airport.

I can sleep pretty much anywhere—as long as I have a pillow.  If I don’t have a pillow, I’m hopeless. As much as I’d hoped this time would be different, I arrived to JFK tired and a little grumpy.  No matter.  This was nothing that a little food couldn’t fix.  After getting off the plane, I headed to the restroom and then made my way through the terminal to find a restaurant.

Funny thing about traveling after midnight is that the airport restaurants don’t stay open all night. Since I’m not normally a frequent traveler (and even less during COVID), I had no idea that my food options would be so limited.  After walking for what felt like ages, I finally saw a line of people ahead of me.  Was there actually an open restaurant?

McDonalds to the rescue

Thank goodness for McDonalds.  While I stood in line, it suddenly dawned on me that this might be the only chance I’d have to accomplish #22 on my List “Stay out all night.”   Yes, indeed, I would be staying out all night in the JFK Airport.

With my McDonald’s chicken nuggets in hand, I made my way back through the terminal to find a place to sit.  As I walked, I could see a handful of other weary travelers sprawled out along the carpet or resting up against walls.

Walking past them, I resolved that I would embrace the idea of “Staying out all night.” Since the airport was mostly empty and quiet, there were many areas where I could set up home base.

As I sat there in the terminal, I decided to get some work done. However, I was so tired that I soon found my head bobbing up and down as I tried to fight off sleep.

Mission accomplished

I don’t know how much work I got done that night, but I was relieved when others started to trickle into the terminal.  I began to pack my laptop back into my backpack and prepared to board the flight to return home.

1,989 miles later, I was back in Utah and proud of myself.  I had stayed out all night AND achieved Gold Medallion status on Delta.  Since it’s now been a few months, you might be wondering if it was worth it.  Well, I’ve flown five times since and been upgraded to Comfort Plus (nicer seating) every time.  I also love hearing the gate attendant recognize me for my gold medallion status and thank me as I board the plane.  Staying out all night was totally worth it.