Flight Chronicles: A Story and Tips for Flying

Gate 32 to Home

An announcement blared through the terminal: “Proceed to Gate 11 immediately!” Suddenly, the crowd surged like it was do-or-die, like the plane would take off without them.

I dragged my heavy luggage up the stairs, feeling it tear at my shoulder. Ugh, why do I always pack too much? I’d tried stuffing everything into my checked bag, but nope. I had to carry some inside. Now, I’m slumped on the floor, gasping for air, every muscle aching. Travel with heavy bags really sucks.

But hey, a little distraction caught my eye. A hunk. Yep, a seriously yummy one. Our eyes met… or maybe I was just dreaming. Too bad he was already claimed by a clingy girlfriend. Damn, taken! I laughed at myself for the momentary fantasy.

On Board

Flight delayed by an hour and fifteen minutes. Exhausted and starving, I watched time tick slowly. Waiting for food felt like a test of patience. Finally, the stewardess served chicken with rice, okra, and cashew nuts. It wasn’t gourmet, but my tummy threw a little party.

A movie played. Ploning. I’d seen it before on a pirated, grainy DVD, so I wasn’t exactly glued to the screen, especially with no eyeglasses and the tiny monitor. Not in the mood for movies anyway.

Seatmate Stories

I snagged aisle seat 30H, perfect for my frequent bathroom trips. My seatmate? A friendly engineer from Aramco, a fellow Batangueño. We chatted about everything, from the global economic crisis to the hefty 30% US tax on income. A shocking bite from one’s paycheck. Glad I'm out of the US.

Two nuggets stuck with me from our conversation: spend wisely (pay yourself first, they say), and have a baby, husband or no husband, because parenthood brings a unique kind of focus and joy. Thought-provoking advice from a stranger 30,000 feet above the ground.

He’s now snoring loudly next to me. Quite the contrast to our deep talk.

Sleep Interrupted

Waiting for my hot tea, I almost drifted off, picturing myself as a “princess in the sky.” But suddenly, a call came for any nurse or doctor. A passenger had a health issue. The cabin crew whisked a nurse away. I stayed half-asleep, unsure of what unfolded next.

Sleep eluded me after that. Tossing and turning in my cramped seat, I gave up trying.

Almost Home

With 20 minutes to touchdown, excitement buzzed quietly around. Faces lit up, and queues formed at the tiny airplane toilets. I changed into lighter clothes, bracing myself for the heat awaiting outside.

Some passengers ignored crew warnings and switched on their phones early. Seriously, people need to listen!

Am I excited? Not really. Unlike others frantically packing their overhead bins, I just want this journey to end safely. I crave a proper bed and deep sleep.

Finally, touching down on Philippine soil feels like relief itself. I’m home and ready to embrace the fun ahead.

Travel Tips for Surviving Long Flights and Airport Chaos

·       Pack smart and light. Carry-on bags should hold essentials and stay manageable to avoid the back pain I suffered. Leave bulky stuff in checked luggage whenever possible.

·       Choose your seat wisely. I prefer aisle seats for easy bathroom access. A must if you’re like me and can’t resist frequent loo trips.

·       Bring entertainment. Download movies, books, or crossword puzzles so you’re not stuck with questionable in-flight movies.

·       Stay hydrated but manage intake. Drink water, but not too much if you want to reduce bathroom trips.

·       Move often. Stretch or walk the aisle to avoid stiffness and improve circulation.

·       Chat with your seatmate. You never know when a random conversation turns into a life lesson or new friendship.

·       Prepare for delays. Pack snacks, patience, and a positive attitude for inevitable waiting times.

·       Respect flight crew instructions. It’s not just rules. It’s about safety for you and everyone on board.

·       Get some rest. Use a neck pillow, eye mask, or noise-canceling headphones to help you sleep better.