I’ve decided I’m either a flying snob or Nazi. I can’t decide which one yet, but after traveling countless hours through nearly every major airport in the country and across a few continents air travel has become quite routine. I even have the little spiel the flight attendant’s make at the beginning of each flight memorized.
My husband pointed out today as we were making our way through the airport that I lack emotional intelligence when it comes to flying. Decoded what he’s saying is that when it comes to air travel my compassion goes out the window.
Why? It’s just something I’ve done my whole life. Seriously. I went on my first flight at 6 months and had a passport by my first birthday. Let’s just say I’ve been around the block a time or two.
It’s not new to me anymore. I could probably do it in my sleep, so I lack compassion when people bumble through lines, give evil glares to families with kids, and cut in front of you as you’re waiting to get on the plane.
(Seriously people…they call families with young children at a special time for a reason. If you don’t want to be bothered with kids just wait like the good airline attendant asked you instead of trying to rush past me while I’m folding up my stroller–got it? Thanks.)
Obviously, now of these should be an excuse for me to not be compassionate….I’m working on it. But airports seem to bring out the worst in me.
So all day today as we were flying from Louisville to San Diego (with a pit stop in Phoenix) I kept thinking of all the travel tips I could share. So why not?
Now, please…don’t be offended. Some of these may seem very obvious, but many of these are things I see in people each time I fly.
- Don’t be afraid. Flying is safer than driving in a car. So if you fear your plane is going to come crashing down just remember you’re more likely to die in a car accident than to die in a plane crash.
- Be prepared. Know which airline you’re flying, how much luggage you can check (and for what price), what is considered a carry-on, TSA’s rules for carrying liquids, and where to find gate/departure changes. Oh…and yes, you do have to take your shoes off when going through security and no your carry-on will not fit through the security conveyor belt standing up (saw that one today).
- Listen to the airline attendants. They will tell you when you need to board over the loud speaker. You don’t need to crowd the counter–leave it open for people who are trying to get stand-by flights, gate check tickets for their strollers, or other questions. And please, wait until your section is called before boarding the plane. This is one of the things I love about Southwest is that they are not afraid to tell someone it’s not their turn and to go back and wait. (Can you tell I’m a stickler for following rules?)
- Follow the carry-on rules. Please, please, please. I hate it when I see someone with a carry-on suitcase, purse, and three shopping bags. What do these people not understand about the two-limit rule? Be considerate of other passengers and consolidate or check bags. You’ve only got the space underneath the seat in front of you and a bit of overhead space to share.
- Don’t fear the airport transfer or layover. After traveling both in national and international airports I’m convinced that all airports are pretty much the same. Just follow the signs to the next terminal and be aware that in some of the larger airports (say Dallas/Ft. Worth or Atlanta) you may have to take a tram to get to your next terminal. Prepare yourself by looking in the back of the airline magazine in your seat pocket to see the layout of your arriving airport. You’ll find these for most major airports. If not ask a flight attendant before landing, most are on the same flight rotations and familiar with the airports they fly into. Even international airports are easy…I’ve yet to be in one where the signs aren’t in English.
- Be nice to people traveling with children. I have flown with my son about six times since he was born and each time we get nasty looks from other travelers as if we’re just trying to make their life more difficult by traveling with kids. We already know it’s hard to travel with kids. I mean…we’re the ones carrying the extra bags, juggling slings or strollers with sippy cups, and holding the crying (or overly active) child. We know it’s hard, because we’re the ones doing it. So be kind. Offer a helping hand…and for Pete’s sake leave the evil eyes at home. (Not all people at airports have the “evil eyes” there are plenty of mom’s and grandma’s, businessmen missing their kids, and other parents traveling that are more than willing to give you a hand or at least compassionate eyes that say, “I’ve been there too.”)
Alright…so what do you think? Am I a flying snob? What tips do you have for flying?
Come back tomorrow as I share tips I’ve learned traveling with young children.
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Jessica, I must admit I laughed out loud quite a few times when reading this. I have only flown with Ezekiel once (4 flights total) and I am already familiar with the “evil eyes” and the rushing past me while I fold up the stroller. On the other end of the spectrum, there were some businessmen who talked to me about how they missed their kids back home, and they were very helpful at times. Thanks for this article. I look forward to reading your next one about traveling with young children!
Nice. I still hate flying though. It’s tiring and expensive.