Monday Musings – Travel Chronicles – The Lighter Side of Flying During a Pandemic

 

The sky was a mix of light and dark shades of Orange. From 10,000 feet in the air, I sat in the middle seat of the aircraft and gazed past my seatmate to soak in the view. The sunrise was calming, no turbulence in the air, but my ears were doing that popping thing.

The higher we went into the air, the more my ears ached. My grandmother used to say, “Chew a piece of gum or pretend you’re swallowing something. It helps that feeling pass.” I chewed, one stick of gum after another like a chain smoker. I took the gum out of my mouth and did a few rounds of fake swallowing. Grandma’s methods didn’t work this time.

In order to take my mind off the discomfort of my ears and face muscles, I reflected on observations of the flight. The flight attendants did a good job of working together. One person was on the intercom in the background giving instructions while the other two stood in the aisle and demonstrated through hand motions. It was like a form of sign language.

Due to the face that our world is still experiencing pandemic, passengers were told that face masks must be worn at all times during the flight, except to eat or drink. “When your drink is down, your mask is up.” The intercom voice also told us, “Do not remove your mask to place your drink order.”

We learned more sign language as the flight attendant team announced and demonstrated the rules of the flight. “As your flight attendant comes around, hold up 1 finger for Coke, 2 for Diet Coke, 3 for 7-Up, and 4 for water.” Asking for coffee with cream and sugar was a little complicated, so when the attendant came around I held up four fingers.

Sipping my water, I pulled a book from my purse, relaxed my shoulders, and enjoyed the rest of the flight. However, this is not the end of my story. On the flight home, a different team of flight attendants provided instruction for a comfortable and joyful flight.

The flight attendant put a different spin on announcing the safety rules of the flight. He said, “If you are traveling with kids, or with someone acting like a kid…put your oxygen mask on first, then assist them.”

The next instruction announced was, “If our flight should happen to turn into a cruise, put the floatation vest around your neck and pull the cord.” Due to the creative antics of the flight attendants, I will always remember the safety rules of the flight.

My entertaining flights had me pondering the questions, does someone write the material for the flight attendants? Is a comedic background on the list of skills, knowledge, and other duties, on the job description? I don’t know the answers to those questions, but I am grateful for the humor. Flying during a pandemic can stir anxiety and apprehensive feelings…Laughter HELPS.

Thank you Southwest Airlines. I was not paid for this mention of Southwest.

When have you found humor during your travels?

 

What does your ideal getaway look like?

Anywhere in Hawaii. Photo courtesy of www.imagestour.blogspot.com.

A writer's retreat. This one is an upcoming retreat (March 2013) in Greenwich, Rhode Island at Whispering Pines. Photo courtesy of www.lyndamullalyhunt.com.  



Myrtle Beach Family Kingdom...anywhere in Myrtle Beach works for me. Photo courtesy www.travel.usnews.com/Myrtle_Beach_SC/Pictures/Family_Kingdom_Amusement_Park_2412/.

Georgia Aquarium - photo courtesy www.destination360.com/north-america/us/georgia/atlanta/georgia-aquarium.

8 Things you should know before your next road trip

We are getting into the season where people begin to make travel plans. Before you take a road trip make sure you know what you’re getting into. As an “expert” (because I took one very long road trip recently), I would like to share a few travel tips with you.

The following tips may help your trip go a little more smoothly:

1.      Take someone with you who likes to drive. If your travel destination is more than 6 hours away it’s good to have a second driver. If another driver is not available, at least try to find another adult as a travel companion. Talking to another adult can help the time pass quickly.

2.      Take someone who can read directions and/or follow the GPS navigation system. If you use a navigation system, be sure the volume is up loud enough for you to hear it. “Laura”, my GPS person told me a couple of times to “turn around when possible.” The volume was so low that I didn’t hear when she told me to “exit right, ahead.”

 

3.      Limit luggage to one small carry on per person…oversize bags subject to a service fee. My mother’s suitcase was so large that I think she had enough clothes to change twice a day. I encouraged her to wear everything that she took. She did a good job honoring my request.

4.      If you’re traveling with kids, practice saying no. If you’re staying at a hotel you might say, “No you can’t stay in the swimming pool until your skin becomes wrinkled.” “No you can’t race your brother down the hotel hallway.”

 

5.      Travel with snacks. Eat your snacks in moderation or you may bring home more than souvenirs. You may bring back a few pounds with you. I’ve lived this one.

6.      Plan to stop frequently to avoid frustration....your frustration and that of your traveling companions.

7.      Be sure you know what type of currency is accepted at the places you will visit. My mom took travelers checks and they were not accepted at many of the places we stopped. People looked at us as though we had fallen through a time machine. When we gave the travelers checks to the waitress at Applebee’s she said, “Oh, I remember these, but I don’t remember how we process them.” The hotel we stayed at didn’t even accept the checks. It’s a good thing we had a back-up plan.

8.      Take someone who prays or pray yourself. If you’re traveling with kids you’ll need this for sure. If you’re traveling by yourself you’ll still need prayer for safe travels.

What are your tips for planning a road trip?