After months and months of looking forward to the trip, I’m finally leaving for the BlogHer conference super early on Wednesday morning. However, although I LOVE traveling, I can’t really say I’m looking forward to the 7 ½ hours of plane travel (2 flights with a quick layover).
In the hopes that by writing about them, they won’t come true… here are my top 8 worries, in no particular order:
1. Sitting next to someone who will not stop talking.
2. Sitting next to someone who is super STINKY.
3. Sitting next to someone who squishes over their seat onto mine. Wings optional.
4. The airlines losing my luggage during my layover, resulting in me having to wear the same outfit for 5 days.
5. Starving to death within the 7 ½ hours. {Yeah, I know I wouldn’t do well on Naked and Afraid}
6. Missing my connecting flight.
7. That my kindle battery dies or for some reason I can’t use it to read or watch movies and I have NOTHING TO DO!
8. That moment in time where the plane lands and EVERYONE stands up and just stands there stuck until I start getting claustrophobic and want to shove them all out of the way and RUN off the plane for fresh air.
So, with those worries in mind, here is how I’m trying to prepare:
I can’t really do much about who I sit next to… other than this, of course.
I am super concerned about losing my luggage though – which is why I’m planning to pack everything in a carry-on sized suitcase for the trip out to California. My plan is to check my suitcase on the way back and use a BlogHer provided tote bag as my carry-on to get home (with any swag that wouldn’t fit in my suitcase). My ‘worst case scenario’ plan is to stop by the nearby Ross to buy an additional suitcase if I can’t get everything to fit.
I’m pretty sure airlines don’t serve food anymore, so I’m going to pack myself some snacks for the trip. The 3 hour time change works to my advantage on the flight out, so I’ll be arriving in California right around lunchtime.
And we all know #8 is going to happen, no matter what.
I downloaded a few books for my Kindle, so that they are all ready for me to read without needing wi-fi access. I’d also like to be able to watch a movie or two. My Netflix subscription needs wi-fi access to use it, so I think I’m going to try and download a couple movies off Amazon.
Have you guys ever downloaded a movie onto your Kindle before? Is it relatively easy? Here is a list of their new releases, do you have any recommendations? Also, if you’d like to share… tell me about your BEST or WORST flying story in the comments?
PS, if you are a blogger heading to BlogHer you may want to check out this post by Sara on lots of fun stuff to do in the area: BlogHer: Welcome to Silicon Valley
Plane worries? THESE are my plane worries. http://www.thegingerwarrior.com/anyone-flying-stateside-summer/ A little bit different to yours. Lol! I too arrive in San Jose around lunchtime after a direct but still very long flight from the UK. Let’s be jet-lagged and grumpy together! See you there, Joules!
The Ginger Warrior 🙂
P.S. Which hotel are you staying in? I’m in the Fairmont.
I’m at the Fairmont too! And I’m hopping over now to check out your worries, UK girl… =)
I have flown a bit in the last 8 months (Costa Rica, Hawaii, Vegas, Portland, New Jersey) and I sympathize!
1. I put in earphones, sometimes I don’t even turn them on but it makes it quieter and hopefully gives off the don’t talk to me vibe. (although occasionally we meet someone cool!)
2. I carry a buff (just like on survivor! they’re really awesome) but a scarf will work too, spritz it with your favorite perfume and toss in your bag, wrap around face if necessary during the flight.
4. I have completely stopped checking luggage. I have trekked so much in carry on that I think I’m really mastering the art of squishing (is there a career for that?). Also, rolling your clothes is better than folding.
5. On my trip home from Hawaii, I got 5 trail mix packs just by being nice to the flight attendant and asking. I bring snacks now, my new fave are the plantain chips from Trader Joes. They won’t mess with you for bringing food so just do it! (unless it’s soup!)
7. Have you seen these? They’re like magic and my husband is a bit obsessed! (I can get you a recommendation on which one to buy if you want!) http://www.amazon.com/Vinsic-Tulip-3200mAh-External-Battery/dp/B00KEGYXV2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1405957837&sr=8-3&keywords=external+tablet+charger
8. I always *try* to get the exit row the closest to the front of the plane. There’s extra room to stand and stretch plus you’re not waiting as long as the people in the back.
As for entertainment…. have you read Outlander yet? That’s always a good one. I looked at the Amazon link and I haven’t seen a lot of the new movies but I heard The Other Women is really good and I noticed they have Vertigo – not exactly the most exciting but it does take place in the bay area! I didn’t notice if they have Safety Not Guaranteed but that’s one of my recent faves!
My worst flying story involves missing our connection due to weather (it was sunny!) after security confiscated my toothpaste and sitting in O’Hare in the middle of winter with 2 grumpy parents, my impatient handicapped brother, and a grandfather who wanders off and disappears – for over 8 hours. That was the last family vacation we took.
Awesome tips, thank you! It does help a bit that the airline that I”m flying already assigned my seats (and yes, I tried to get as close to the front as possible) so I won’t be fighting to pick a “good” seat.
So far in my ‘bring to BlogHer’ pile I have pretzels with chocolate chips, chocolate twizzlers and jelly bellys. So I’m totally 12 and I’m going to have a stomach ache…
Sara is 100% RIGHT. Outlander is where it’s AT, Joules!
Download some meditation apps or podcasts. I find them very helpful when flying. It really works to keep me calm.
Good tip, thanks! =)
I am always worried about sitting next to, in front of, beside the COUGHER.
You know the COUGHER.
Of course, I have been the COUGHER for the past month.
But I am a polite cougher.
Have fun.
I am jealous.
A little.
Ok a lot.
OH YES, I know the cougher quite well. I have also employed tactics of the cougher when someone gets too far into my space. {insert evil laugh here}
I’m going to MISS YOU!!!!
I COMPLETELY relate to your #8. It makes me claustrophobic, too, and I can’t stand it. However, it’s worth it because it’s a part of getting somewhere you want to go! Please, oh please, say “nonononono” as people walk by you while boarding! I hope you have a great time! 🙂