Monday, July 9, 2007

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Written by Jen from Sunny With A Chance of Clouds.


All my bags are packed.

I’m ready to go.

Ah yes, flying. I had forgotten how much I despise it. I used to travel a fair amount in a previous life but since starting this job four years ago, I’ve been able to avoid it like the plague. My two small children and my Hubby’s crazy work schedule were great excuses. But I knew my respite couldn’t last forever and I recently found myself on an overnight trip.

On the day of my trip, I went through my purse and removed all my nail files and nail clippers. Don’t want to lose those! What I DIDN’T know was that I had to have my toiletries in a quart ziplock bag. Not only did I not have small bottles of my toiletries, I didn’t even have a ziplock bag!! Yeah, I know, I was surprised too. That’s alright--Walmart is right on the way. Gotta love Walmart!! A quick run in for trial sized toothpaste, styling gel and hairspray (Of course none of them were my brands) and I was on my way again.

A few things in security had changed since I last flew. All shoes now have to be removed and x-rayed. Pwew!! I’m telling you—that place was rank!!!! The security people must have no sense of smell!!! Thankfully, the line moved quickly!!

Of course, some things about air travel never seem to change. There was bad weather somewhere in the country so all the flights were delayed. We were supposed to leave at 6pm but it was delayed until 6:15….no wait…..6:30……..uhhhmmmm let’s make that 6:45…….Yeah, 7pm, that’s what we meant, yeah. As we finally board the plane, I could see that people with seats in the back had taken up all the overhead compartments in the front. Luckily my bag was small and fit under the seat. Then my seatmate boarded reeking of cheap perfume. I immediately got a headache. Luckily, it was only an hour flight. I turned up the air and stuck my nose in my book until we landed.

How was the return trip? Almost a carbon copy of the other—stinky shoes, bad weather, delays and cheap perfume. Ah but it’s over. I’ve paid my dues and hope to enjoy another long respite from flying.


Jen E is a working Mom who spends her time with her two beautiful children, her hyper pup and her wonderful husband and shares it all at Sunny With A Chance of Clouds.

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4 comments:

Laurie said...

You know, I always look forward to travel - the adventure, the new sights to see, the new foods to try. But I never think about the horribly frustrating airport and plane. I haven't flown since pre-9-11 and I've heard many stories but stinky shoe removal?? That's a new one for me. Ick.

Thanks for the heads-up! teehee

July 9, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Maude Lynn said...

I hate to fly! My last flight was pre-Ziploc bag, but we did have to remove our shoes. Also, all lighters were confiscated.

July 9, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Not From Lapland said...

I am the opposite. I love flying. I love airports (mini shopping centers) I love the flight and little dinky tray with your meal on it, how you can disappear into your own world, read you book or watch a movie without anyone hassling you, bothering you or asking you things apart from whether you want a top-up.

Yeah, love the whole thing.

Flying with a baby...not so much...

July 10, 2007 at 2:34 AM
Anonymous said...

I haven't flown in years and can only imagine the changes. But reading Heather's description above maybe I should fly...alone. :)

July 13, 2007 at 11:19 PM

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