When we discussed skydiving in every state, we knew that it would be a financial investment. Since we live in Virginia, we'd have to take flights to much of the country.  Over the last year and a half, my thoughts about flying have evolved.  I started planning longer driving trips so we could avoid putting out $$$ for plane tickets.  When you have a weather contingent activity, buying airline tickets is a gamble.  But if we wanted to get to Alaska, it is a necessary evil.

Before I looked for airline tickets, I did research about the weather in Alaska, Oregon & Washington State.  I needed to make sure our visit was during a time period that would have good weather. I spent days pricing out various routes.  I would get all the way to the "Confirm" button and bail out.  It's so hard to commit to spending the money for the plane tickets with the uncertainty of the weather AND it's possible the cost of the tickets could go down.  Of course, it's also possible that the prices for the tickets could go up.

Once I had selected a few acceptable routes, I asked Matt for his opinion.  If we left from IAD, we could go direct to Seattle on the way out. However, on the trip back, we'd be leaving from Alaska and there wouldn't be a direct flight and we'd have to drive home from IAD.  If we left from RIC, we'd have to change planes to get to Seattle, but when we got back to the area, we'd be close to our house, but it was more expensive.  Matt told me that he trusted me and said I should do whatever I think would be best.  After I presented the pros and cons, we made the decision to leave from RIC.

Later that evening, I pulled up the information for the flights I wanted to book and the prices were higher.  UGH!  I felt like I was starting all over again.  I had so many different tabs open that I couldn't even read what they were!  Once I found alternative flights that were almost the same price as my original set of tickets, I still hesitated when it came time to click "Confirm".  I had Matt come down stairs to see what I had found. Again, he said he trusted  my judgment - but it is so much money!  I took a deep breath and did it. I clicked "Confirm."  

I had to make a promise to myself.  From here on out, I will not look to see if the airfare changed.  I won't compare other routes or check the prices because it's done.  I can't go back now!  I just have to be excited that we have tickets to travel to Alaska!  Woo hoo!