Last week, I returned from a visit with my 93-year-old mother. The trip involved a two and a half hour flight, and a four and a half, to five hour drive.

There and back again.

During this trip, I made several observations, which I would like to share with you. While this list is certainly not definitive, it is what struck me.

1. Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Airport suggested arrival times are listed on the TSA website. You will do yourself a favor by not being rushed to get to your departure gate. Especially if, like me, you have fibromyalgia, or some other health concern.
2. Have your boarding pass and identification in hand as you approach the TSA agent.
3. Make sure all your liquids are in 3 oz, or less, bottles, and fit inside a clear, 1 quart plastic zip-type bag.
4. Wear shoes you can easily slip off before going through the x-ray machine.
5. Empty your pockets of everything before going through security.
6. Have your laptop computer, and other electronic devices, easily accessible so they can be placed in a plastic bin on the x-ray conveyor belt.

These suggestions will speed up the time it takes you to get on the other side of security.

Now to the plane ride.

The seats have gotten smaller. Truly. With that said, it does not give you the right to put my arm rest up, sit diagonally in your seat, and encroach into my seat because your fanny won’t fit into your assigned space. Do you know how uncomfortable it is to have your posterior pressed against my thigh the entire trip? Very. That also does not give you the right to hang over the arm rest, into my area.

As far as the overhead bins go, if you see someone struggling with their luggage, be patient. Assist them, if you can. They will be grateful. Trust me on this.

If there is a parent near you with young children, don’t treat them as if they are a bane on society. And for goodness sake, don’t roll your eyes at them when they sit near you. Compliment the weary parents if their children are well behaved. If the children are not, well…

Realize babies’ ears pop during landing, just like yours do, only babies don’t have a clue what’s going on, so, yeah, they scream. It won’t last forever.

The flight attendants, for the most part, are trying their best to make your flight enjoyable. Give them a break.

What suggestions, or observations, can you share about your air travel adventures?

I wish you well.

Sandy

Please subscribe to receive posts every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Thanks!