DC Part 2: Running on #SouthwestHeart

When I arrived at the airport everything was running smoothly. We checked in our bags and went through the security check with no problem. All the staff seemed to be positive so that set the mood.We then boarded the plane and the flight attendant gave thorough instructions which was helpful, especially if it was someone’s first time flying. They were enthusiastic about their job, which made me excited about flying with Southwest Airlines. They even handed out complimentary snacks and beverages. The staff often came around asking if we needed anything which showed me that they cared about their guest.

While flying, I was able to see many beautiful sites like: the clouds, sunset, cities,and stars. I was also able to sleep peacefully which is a plus. I look forward to flying back with Southwest Airlines again.

-Chynna

We Love Southwest

I had a fun travel day with EOYDC. I started my day arriving to EOYDC late and I had to rush and put my bag in the trunk, from there we took the EOYDC van over to the  Oakland Airport. I was very excited to go with my friends to Washington D.C., I have never traveled with any of my friends before, only family. Checking in and going through the security system took a very long time. This wasn’t my first time flying so I was used to it anyway, but it is always very slow. I was also surprised that there wasn’t many people in the airport today. One thing that I don’t like about traveling is being on a airplane for so long but the experience is so nice. I am very glad that I attended pathway to college , Ms Regina and Ms. Talia always offer great benefits & experiences I’m glad they chose me to come on this D.C. college tour. I’m so ready for everything Ms. Regina has in store! I also want to thank Southwest Airlines for showing us how kind & caring they are and also giving us this wonderful opportunity to travel.

 -Dominique 

Today we arrived in D.C. We first went to the EOYDC at 10:30 am. Ms. Talia drove us to Oakland International Airport. The Southwest employees were very helpful and had great customer service. The flight was great. We did have to stop in Kansas City, but we didn’t need to get off the plane. We then flew to the D.C. Airport. We got confused on where to go for the shuttle. We then went to the hotel to drop off our bags. After that we went to the Shake Shack for dinner. The Warriors game was on and I was surprised the game was on in the east coast. Then we went back to the Hotel and got our rooms keys.

-Donald

It was a nice morning with a pleasant breeze in Oakland as I made my descent to EOYDC. I arrived first at EOYDC at 9:40 am. I did a little prep reading before the other members arrived. I was very excited and thankful to be returning to D.C. for the second time sponsored by Southwest Airlines. As the other members of the group arrived I helped pack the bags into the Van with Donald and Jeramiah. Once we were all packed and seated into the van, Ms.Talia drove us to the Oakland Airport, and our Journey began. While we were checking in our bags we were moving quickly by the Southwest employees great service. Once we were completely finished with the security check, Ms. Regina treated us with some Starbucks. My seat was 28B, but Southwest doesn’t have assigned seats. I think that is good for the customers to feel more comfortable and have a  better flying experience. The flight attendants had a smile on both their flights. I also caught remarks before the flights saying, “no whining during the flight.” I had a chuckle about that. The flight was nice and smooth from Oakland to Kansas City. I appreciated how the flight attendants gave us roughly 5-1o minutes worth of stretching before they started boarding the plane. The flight was also pleasant with the same great service by the staff. We gathered all our luggage and headed outside to find a shuttle. Ms. Regina and Dominique took the initiative and found a shuttle for the group. The Marriott’s front desk staff was gracious enough to hold our luggage for us and we rushed down the street to the Shake Shack before they closed so we could get some dinner. The burger and fries were really good. Ms.regina informed us of the agenda for tomorrow and then we returned to the hotel to receive our room keys. I’m mostly excited to go inside the White House for the first time. I have been outside the gates but never Inside.

-Willie

I arrived at EOYDC at approximately 10:20 am. I got out of the car, kissed my mother goodbye and made my way into the building. Mostly everyone was there, so we did a quick check in, made sure we went to the bathrooms, and headed out to the EOYDC Van. Donald, Willie, and myself helped load up the Van. Ms.Talia took all 8 students and Ms. Regina to the Airport and we arrived around 10:50 am. We went through the check in, the security gate ( where we had to take off our jackets, shoes, and valuables) and finally went to gate 26. We chose one of the greatest airlines to fly, Southwest Airlines. We boarded around 11:50 am. My seat was B31 but Southwest let’s you choose any seat you want. I chose one of the best seats in the house, the Window Seat. When we took off and were at our altitude, I went to the internet and watched some shows until I fell asleep. Our first stop was in Kansas City, but we did not have to get off. We had a couple of minutes to relax and stretch. Our final Stop was in Washington D.C. It was raining when we got here but it wasn’t anything heavy. When we got off the plane we went to the restrooms, retrieved our bags at baggage claim 2A, and went to go find a shuttle. Ms. Regina and Dominique helped us find a Shuttle to take us to the Hotel. We dropped off our bags in the hotel and went to the Shake Shack across the street to go eat. We got our bags and our rooms keys. That’s when we went to our rooms and began to wind down and prepare for the next day.

-Jeramiah