Today I flew to Key West with my touring bicycle, a Kona Sutra, and stuff needed to begin the ride north.  Here’s a picture of me at the airport with my carry-on “luggage.” Yes, TSA does allow bike helmets and cleated bike shoes through security!

My flight was delayed so American Airlines gave me the last seat on an earlier flight to Miami, my connecting city.  My checked bag would follow on the delayed flight. I instinctively knew that my checked bag wouldn’t arrive in Key West when I did.

My flight to Key West left on time.  An Airtag showed that my bike had arrived in Miami but wasn’t loaded on my plane. C’est la vie!

The view of the Florida Keys from the air was awesome. Here’s a picture of one of the many bridges in the Overseas Highway:

When I arrived at Key West Airport, I dutifully went to baggage claim hoping that my bike somehow made it to Key West.  The baggage claim area was severely overcrowded.  My bike wasn’t anywhere to be seen. I found a less congested area and filled out the online delayed baggage form.

Afterwards, I went back to baggage claim and found an American Airlines employee at the baggage counter.  I explained my situation to Tracy, who was most helpful. She gave me a forecasted time when my bike would arrive and committed to having it delivered to my hotel soon afterwards.

My original plan was to assemble my bike at the airport and ride to the hotel.  No plan survives first contact!  So Lyft to the hotel it is! I took this picture to illustrate my frustration of not yet knowing what condition my bike would be when it arrived:

I made it to the hotel, ate dinner, and patiently awaited a call from the baggage delivery company. The airline tracking site indicated that the bike could arrive at the hotel as late as after 10 pm–oh my! But just after 6 pm, I received a call from Judy saying that she had my bike and was on her way.

When Judy arrived, she readily noted the glee on my face.  She mentioned that most people complain to her about baggage delays even though she doesn’t work for the airlines. Judy, a Marine veteran, told me that the airline had called her to deliver my bike first.  After opening up the bike case and quickly checking the bike, I thanked her profusely and tipped her well.

I rushed off to my room to get ready for the next day’s mission.  I found a TSA inspection card in my bike case.  Here’s the assembled bike in my room:

Here’s an inspiring picture from my hotel room.  I took it as a good sign:

Even with logistical challenges, my Day Zero successes were enabled by three terrific women: the American agent who didn’t have to switch me to an earlier flight to Miami, and Tracy and Judy who went out of their way to support this disabled veteran by getting me my bike earlier than expected.