flying
I flew for the first time when I was 18 years old.
Actually, that was my second time, as I flew once when I was three, but for all intents and purposes, 18 was my first time. This was in the 1980s when flying was still seen as somewhat glamorous and rare for the average person.
Right after high school graduation, my best friends and I drove from Virginia to South Carolina for Beach Week. I had a scheduling conflict and couldn’t stay the entire time, so my parents paid the vast sum of around $150 for me to fly home early.
I was so excited and in awe of being able to fly. I packed a special outfit just for that flight and still remember what I wore: a classic navy blue fitted crew neck sweater, a white and navy long pleated skirt, white pumps, and pantyhose. (Hey, it was 1987.) I felt so adult and so worldly.
I didn’t fly again until after college and I didn’t fly out of the country until I was 27. Since then, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve flown, but it’s in the hundreds.
Of course, flying has changed a lot over the decades. It’s certainly not glamorous for the average traveler. And in the aftermath of 9/11, just the whole process of getting onto the plane has become complicated and, at times, degrading.
While most travelers no longer dress up to travel, myself included, I do consider my outfit carefully. I want to be comfortable, yes, but I also want to look somewhat presentable. Forget the pantyhose, high heels, and skirt — the odds are that I’m going to wear comfortable trousers, a simple shirt, and slip-on shoes. Usually all in black, in order to hide my inevitable spills.
Back in 1987 I over-packed and had to check my large suitcase. This continued through the 90s, 00s, and into the early 10s. For about a decade now, I’ve gone the opposite extreme and take just a small carry-on with me onto the plane.
Back in 1987, I’m sure we were served a meal on that short flight. Nowadays, however, meals are not guaranteed, so I pack snacks and lots of water.
But one thing that has not changed is how excited and grateful I am to fly. I am still delighted to get on an airplane and jet off somewhere. And I am always, always thankful to have the opportunity to travel. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve flown, I still consider it a privilege to be able to travel and I don’t take my good fortune for granted.
What are your thoughts about flying? Do you enjoy it? Do you just grit your teeth and endure?
Oh I love flying and traveling. Like you, I have a planned outfit for when we travel that's comfortable. I also have a small suitcase but I check it in because of the toiletries I bring with me. I also consider myself very fortunate to be able to fly and travel as much as I do.
I first flew with my brother when we were 12 and 13, respectively. Our parents put us on a plane in Seattle, we changed (?) planes in Denver, and landed in Albuquerque where our grandparents picked us up for a week long visit. As exciting as that was, I've flown multiple times since then but I do not love it. Flying for me is a lot like riding a rollercoaster (thanks to motion sickness).