We recently attempted to fly on an American Airlines Eagle, which is a small regional flight. A couple of snow storms and acts of kindness later, I had plenty of time to consider what I wish we had packed in our personal item bags rather than carry-on or checked luggage.
Protein & Fruit
This is a tradition of ours to keep our moods in check and sugar levels at bay. We also meet a lot of friendly people when we hand out beef sticks during long delays on the runway. Pistachios, cheese, whole fruit, and beef jerky are common snacks in our go-bag. Last but not least, stock up on water. You can never have enough H20.
Necessities
2. Bring one light change of clothes and toiletries. You just never know where your flight will get stranded when a snow storms tramples the country.
Entertainment or DistractionsBattery Power!
While we spent a total of 5.5 hours (2 attempts) on the runway, in a plane that didn’t have outlets in the seats, we were so thankful for the kindness of our neighbors. (And so this blog was inspired...) On the first attempt to depart, our chargers were in the carry-on, which was stowed below the plane as the overheads weren’t large enough on the plane. And the extra battery pack was in the checked bag. Luckily, a friendly passenger shared their cord so I could charge phones from my laptop. Next time, I’m bringing battery packs and cords.
Smiles & Patience
The act of traveling is often a game of rolling with the punches, with the reward being at your final-destination. If you’re currently traveling and need an idea of how to spread kindness, here are some that I observed even while travelers were exhausted; who can blame them when initial boarding to final wheels-up time was 7.5 hours.
• Someone helped me lift my carry-on from the valet-cart while my hands were full. Simple but it mattered.
• The flight attendants made friendly conversation with guests. Polite and calm, which kept an even-keeled mood on the plane. It mattered. • Someone (my hubby!) handed out snacks and talked about how they were locally-made from our area. “Hungry” and “waiting” should never be in the same sentence when confined in an airplane. • As I mentioned before, a guest shared charging device. If you hear someone could use something, that you have, and it doesn’t cost you anything (or much) to share; why not? We’re all on the same journey. • Allergies are the worst when you’re trapped on a plane. Another passenger recently gave me a travel pack of soft Kleenex. Wow that made a big difference in my life. • Again, the flight crew elevated spirits by handing out snacks time and time again. Fun fact I learned: American Airlines now trains their employees to find opportunities to “elevate the customer experience”. Good thing because a single bag of pretzels wouldn’t have held us over that long. Thank God for Hummus. What do you suggest?
You can never be over-prepared. What are your carry-on must-haves? Don't hesitate to share your thoughts, travel bugs. We are all on this journey through life together.
Your friend, Kay-Tee Olds
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Author
Archives
February 2020
Categories
All
|