As a college student flying back and forth from home to college, I have recently begun to dread flying. I have also noticed the many people that are just as anxious and aggravated as me during the flying process. Have you ever woken up the day of your flight with anxiety blooming in your chest because you are not looking forward to those long a** lines and frequent delays that could possibly make you miss your connecting flight? Even the people who do not mind flying have experienced some of the awful events that happen when preparing to fly or flying in general.
As a young child, flying was an adventure- my second word was actually “aero-plane”. I loved the feeling of flying, as a small child- I felt like a bird soaring through the clouds and almost as if I was invisible. I don’t remember if it was the fact that I could curl myself up into the small seats and fall fast asleep or if it was being pushed back into my seats during the take off process that I felt like I was going 1000 miles/hr. that made me enjoy the process so much. However, as I have gotten older and heard more about airplane crashes and terrorist attacks, flying has become a whole lot scarier. I no longer feel the excitement and joy while flying, but rather anxiety and dread when boarding the plane. On top of that, the whole process in-between packing for the flight and landing at your destination doesn’t make the experience any better.
1. Packing is a nightmare.
Whether you are packing for a trip that will last a week or a month, all of us have definitely over-packed at some point. For some reason we all believe that we need 20 outfits just in case by some slim chance we happen to wear them all. I can say that I have definitely been at the point of sitting on my bag just to get it to close.
2. Traffic, traffic and more traffic.
Why is it that on the way to the airport we just happen to hit the worst traffic known to man?? It is as if the universe is against you and just really really wants you to miss your flight.
3. PLEASE DON’T LOSE MY BAG!!
Checking our bags is probably the biggest fear some of us have. Let's be honest, although 99 percent of the time bags find their way back to their owner, we all have that anxiety that we are part of that one percent. I swear every time I hand my bag over, I cry a little bit.
4. Security Lines.
The security line is almost as long as a single line for a ride at Disneyland, just not as fun. Yes I would 100 percent be rather safe than sorry but really people, how long does it take to take your shoes off? By the time I get to the end of the security line, I feel like I have aged 50 years.
5. Pick Your Poison.
The food court is just as bad as the food on the plane so take your pick. The main options at airports are McDonalds, Burger King, Pinkberry and Chick-fil-A. Although we would all love to indulge into these five star fast food restaurants, is it too much to ask for something a little healthier?
6. Boarding the plane is a survival of the fittest.
Getting in line to board the plane is like a sprint. Everyone is pushing and shoving to get in line first. Once you’re on the plane it doesn’t get any better. You feel rushed trying to get to your seat. Once you are comfortable and out of the way, there is always that person/people that take forever to get to their seat and have to go to the restroom before we take off. Also, getting off the plane isn’t an easy feat either.
7. Stop interrupting my movie!
We have all been watching that incredible movie that we all get into when one of the flight attendants or captain gets on the speaker to make a 10 minute announcement about the weather or how high we are. There are also those moments when they make 3 announcements in a row and you swear you’re about to quit life if they don’t knock it off.
8. Turbulence makes you think you’re going down.
Don’t lie, every time turbulence begins everyone’s heart drops a little with the plane. We have definitely all had our little "Bridesmaids" moments.
9. Awful passengers.
Whether it is the baby crying, the snorer who is so loud you can’t hear yourself think, or the sleeper who tries to rest their head on your shoulder, we have all experienced a bad passenger. The worst part about having to sit next to someone is when you have to pee but you do not want to bother them if they are doing work or sleeping. Do you hold it or do you burst when you cannot wait any longer? Decisions, decisions.
10. Unpacking never happens.
Finally you get home and you are able to relax with family or catch up with friends. You realize you have to unpack your suitcase but for now it seems fine to let it be. However, soon enough you realize a week has passed and you are still living out of it.
