200 Days Since I Was On a Plane - I MISS Work Travel
200 Days. That is how long it has been since I was on an airplane. This is the longest I have been in one place in my entire adult life. I was thinking about what I miss from my road warrior time, even during the actual transit part.
Airports
I got to know the TSA agents at my local airports, and their patience is admirable. I wouldn’t last a week.
My wife ignoring that I was eating greasy breakfast sandwiches across the globe
The BBQ at the Atlanta Airport
The shoe shine folks at Denver – best shine ever.
The short lines at John Wayne – efficiency and friendliness
The easy exit at San Jose, or a pint of Guinness at the Brit when delayed
The accents at La Guardia – feels like a Scorsese movie to this transplanted Okie living in California.
Cheesesteaks at Philly
Hot dogs (NO KETCHUP) at Midway
Nobody judges you for a drink at 5:30 AM
Uber drivers
The music - I always told them to keep on whatever they had. Russian Hip Hop, Jamaican Punk – bring it!
The cars - often nicer than mine. Uber’s rules make my fleet unacceptable.
The random commentary going through town
The stories - just ask about their favorite rides.
The snacks, drinks, or other extras
The guys working the gig on their way home or to work.
The folks from different nations, working the American dream.
The moms & dads pulling a shift before picking up their kid from school or sports. Learning about someone’s family.
The ones who were nice when I fell asleep in seconds. Sorry about the snoring.
The ones who got quiet when I had to take call.
My core airline: Southwest
The attitude of the flight crew
The hilarious safety briefings. I have flown during some of the sessions with crew that have had their routines go a bit viral – love them.
The plastic cups of cocktails, including carefully balancing the passing of the drink down the row. You learn to really trust and look out for each other.
The quick naps I took on the flights. Again, sorry about the snoring.
The flight attendant who jumped in on my Zoom call while everyone was still boarding. I wish I had grabbed a screen shot.
The other passengers - I've met such a wide variety of folks, heard some of the best stories, and we have comforted each other when things were going well.
The ease of switching flights when things change (since they always do)
Yelling out "yee haw" when heavy turbulence hits. It’s a thing of mine.
The drink coupons. I never use the full set, and more than once I have “bought drinks” for fellow passengers.
The LUV – it is real, not just a marketing slogan. Every time I have to switch carriers due to a destination, I regret it.
I look forward to seeing y’all back in the skies.
