My next American trip is less than 48 hours away. I am super excited and actually have a night near Heathrow Airport to be able to be in Terminal Three and through security for the 08:10 departure to Dallas.

Accompanied by my daughter for what has become an annual adventure since she was at Summer Camp and I would fly out and meet her for a holiday. We will be using MPC ESTA for the first time and keeping our fingers crossed that the line will be shorter so that we can get to Terminal A in plenty of time for the connecting flight to Austin. Arrival into Dallas should be 12:15 and the flight to Austin is at 15:00. I have checked and American Airlines have many later flights to Austin in case of a delay or many international flights arriving at the same time.

As UK citizens entry to the States is at the first arrival airport and you have to collect your luggage and then return it for it to be sent to the connecting flight. You have to pass through security again and then you can take the transit train between Terminals D and A.

After picking up our rental car we have about a 30 minute drive to the city of Round Rock north of Austin. We are based there for most of our 10 night stay using it as a ‘hub and spoke’ to explore.

We were in Austin two years ago and joined hundreds of other bat watchers on Congress Bridge as the thousands of bats left the comfort of being under the bridge to go and feed. We didn’t see anything, it was just too dark. We are hoping that because we are there a little earlier in the year that we might be luckier this time.

After researching where to park in Austin either in the nearby park or across the bridge in South Congress that it would be less traumatic if we take advantage of the Park & Ride near Lakeline and commute into Austin on the light rail and for only $7 for the day. Apparently the parking charges in and around South Congress to prevent cars being parked all day the charges are high and only valid for short periods.

My adventure continues later in the holiday when I fly to Albuquerque NM via Salt Lake City UT which will be States 48 and 49 crossed off the list. I stay in Albuquerque over night and then fly to Houston to meet up with my daughter again. We will be over-nighting in Houston before returning to Austin for our last night.

All Apps are loaded in advance and I suspect that checking in at American Airlines is self service. Something changes every time we travel as technology advances. I am not sure if all the changes benefit the travelling public but it is all about getting as much ‘Bang for your Buck’ for your share holders.