SQLBits 2023 - Going Home
Post Conference, Hotel Three and the Flight Home
Checkout & Back to Manchester
This is when it starts to hit home that SQLBits is over for another year.
After a few issues when traveling home on the Saturday, I now stay over on the Saturday night and start my return Sunday.
That’s not just because I’ve now got a 6,000 miles journey.
Doing final checks, everything is packed, including all the new t-shirts and other swag collected, remembering to leave anything not essential, I do have a weight limit for my return flight.
Maybe you car/train/bus had a space limit, not everyone can carry a bean bag home.
In 2023, post checkout I shared a taxi to the train station, for my onward journey back to Manchester and my flight home.
Yes, another Train transfer, and no less stressful or empty.
I think I hit a busy period, as arriving in Manchester, the train was full.
Instead of a nice long and pleasant intercity train journey, the one’s you see on TV. I need to squeeze into a seat with my case for a few hours.
This is something that can be easier to deal with on a Sunday, too many post (soccer) match supports traveling home or party goers heading out on a Saturday.
Manchester (Airport) Hotel No. 3
As my flight leaves in the morning, I’ve missed out on a Sunday flight, so another hotel before I can check-in for my flight.
Ok, in the modern connected world, I’ve completed my online check-in and selected my seat already.
To help manage my stress and any issues getting to the Airport, my hotel in next to the Terminal I’m flying from, so just a road to cross and no late taxi / bad traffic to worry about.
Something people don’t alway make time for when flying, is getting to the Airport & all the checks.
The check-in queue can be a 20-30 minute wait and the same again for security and immigration.
Then you need to be at the gate 20 minutes before take off
Some Airlines recommend arriving 2 hours before departure, I aim for 3 hours or when the check-in will open, you may have an hour’s wait before you can get to the gate.
Flying Home
Ok, I paid a little extra for an upgraded seat and with my frequent flier status have Lounge access anyway.
The priority security was a pleasant extra, which reduces a possible 20-30 minute queue at security, to a few minutes.
Business or Leisure, it’s the little extras like priority security and even a public lounge that can make getting through the airport a little easier.
I did check the paid options before traveling, just Manchester Airport website would only let me booking going from & returning to Manchester, not the other way around.
I managed to book a direct flight, due to routing 13 hours onboard and I’m home, well nearly.
While early 2023 Hong Kong Airport was still feeling the affect of low traveler numbers post covid, the flow from Aircraft to Immigration is smooth, with train and moving walkways.
Having an resident card, Immigration is an automated gate and never more than a couple of people (if anyone) queuing.
Going Home Summary
While the fun, stress and noise of the conference is over, it’s not the end of stress.
Depending on where you are returning to, there are many challenges left and planning ahead for an extra night, overnight stops or just a few luxury extras can help.
Yes, my return travel was 6,000 miles, though even when in the UK and it was 500 miles, I still had issues and more stress returning as I had going.
Even for SQL Relay / SQL Saturday events, or just a User Group, there is always something to cause stress when traveling.
For some people that may be too much and stop then getting involved, so next time to ask a colleague to go with you, spare a thought and think about how you can really help them to join in.
Or check if there’s a meet-up or other online option that may be better for them, though the real learning at SQLBits is the networking.