Travel on Turkey Day

It was definitely a strange feeling getting on a plane again today. I haven’t been on a plane in almost a month, and I have to tell you it has been wonderful. I have been able to have a consistent schedule going to the gym, actually able to get groceries for more than 4 days at a time, and get to spend time with friends both new and old. But this was personal travel, I flew out to see my parents for the big Turkey weekend. It will be a number of extended family members in what should prove to be both entertaining and eventful. I am sure there will be many more stories as the weekend continues.

The airports were surprisingly organized and calm. Yes they were absolutely packed for the holidays. You had your share of toddlers not really toddling around, but baby running under seats, under departure/arrival screens and almost running onto jet ways. They were followed closely by parents of varying ages all with the shared physical attributes of bags under their eyes and a tired weight on their shoulders. But also a proud and forgiving smile at all the rocus caused by their respective charges. You had business travels rushing back to be home for the holidays. Many sporting holiday attire, trying to get into the mood, while putting on a brave face after traveling for an indeterminate amount of time. Christmas music is being piped throughout the airport, trying to keep passengers calm as delays and cancellations put a strain on everyone’s patience. The music is drowned by the limitless cell phone conversations being held down to a dull roar as people try to be heard over the security announcements and boarding information.

Every flight is sold out without a single seat being available for the occasional employee desperate to get somewhere on a ride. Flight attendants pleading over the speakers trying to convince people to quickly take their seats to enable flights already delayed to leave as quickly as possible. Yet everyone seems just a little more patient, a little more forgiving no matter what the problem, after all it is the holiday season.

I wish anyone and everyone traveling in the next 48 hours the best of luck. May your flights all be on-time, your flight attendants attractive and kind, and your seats by the window away from the smelly old guy. Be a little patient with those slower than you , they might have been on duty for 20+ hours. For all of you not traveling, Live it up, someday it will be you too!

More as this T-day holiday continues.