So, I'm heading north to celebrate my Pop's birthday. Should I tell them how old, Ray Ray? Nah. We'll keep them guessing.

While planning the trip, I got the bright idea to audition SkyBus, a relatively new discount airline that flies directly between St. Augustine, Fla. (2.5 hrs south of Savannah) and Columbus, Ohio (where everyone in Savannah/Hilton Head, SC came from).

After purchasing the somewhat inexpensive plane tickets, both my wise hubby and world traveling mother (seriously, she's been everywhere) pointed out that I could have spent the same amount of money on a more expensive ticket (probably on a larger plane) that I spent in gas driving to St. Augustine.

But nevermind that. Back to me being a brave pioneer. I followed Mapquest's accurate, simple driving directions (the address was not on Google!) to...let's call it "the airport." These are deliberately placed quotes. Not quotes for the sake of quotes, but truly warranted punctuation. I grew anxious when I drove past the first aircraft, a helicopter the size of the peddle cabs that carry tourists around Savannah's historic district. "Eh. It's fine. No biggie," I said to myself.

I was immediately amused and thankful for the many, many Skybus signs directing me where to park. I parked (small open lot, no garage), then walked to what seemed to be "the main building" of "the airport." I was greeted by three ladies from Ohio (my destination) who were playing cards on a bench (one bench) outside "the airport." I looked around, still looking for the real airport, then asked, "so...where did you check in?" The lady kinda grinned at me like, "isn't she cute?" then informed me that the ticket counter opened at 1 p.m. I had already checked in and paid for my checked bag (a Skybus policy that saves money on the price of the ticket for those who don't check bags) online so I only needed to give them the bag. I had arrived two hours early for my flight...thinking I was going to be flying out of an airport, not a building smaller than the one in which I work. It's OK, though, because they have FREE WIFI, y'all. Ahem....HINT HINT, Savannah INTERNATIONAL Airport.

So far, Skybus gets an A. I will let you know how that grade changes after I board the aircraft that likely lives up to its name.