Having almost 19 years of flying experience, I consider myself a traveling expert. Being able to say I have visited over five different countries and several different cities within the United States is pretty great. I would not be able to experience the jet life if it weren't for having a mother that has the travel bug on top of being a flight attendant. Because she works for the airlines, flying standby is how I am able to fly so much! For my family, flying standby means taking unplanned and spontaneous trips which always turn out to be the most fun! Here are 15 things I have learned from flying on standby pretty much all my life:

1. You have mileage plus status

Let's face it, you probably have more miles than the mileage plus people by now...

2. Pack for all four seasons

You learn how to always pack “a little bit of everything” when it comes to choosing outfits like bringing a bathing suit, a winter jacket, and a light sweater...

3. Flexibility is KEY

You learn how to become a more flexible person!

4. Patience, my friends, patience

You have learned how to be patient...like getting on a flight three flights later kind of patience.

5. New York, San Fransisco, LA?

You think it’s "normal" to visit a random city just for the day or weekend.

6. How do you buy an airline ticket?

You want to have a heart attack when it comes down to the “having to buy a ticket” option

7. Did you misconnect? No worries, I will gladly take your seat

Having to explain what “standby” means to people (you literally just bank on there being empty seats or people misconnecting lol).

8. Book your 5 p.m. flight at 2 p.m... No problem!

You are used to booking your flight reservations the day of if not a couple hours before.

9. 1. Cancun 2. Puerto Vallarta 3. Cabo

You have a couple vacation spots in mind In case “the flight is full” to your #1 choice.

10. I should pursue a flight attendant career myself

People are so fascinated that your mom or dad is a flight attendant.

11. I just fly for less...

You are always asked, “So do you fly for free?

12. You choose a flight off the screens

When people ask where you are going for the holidays and you always respond “I’m not sure yet, we’ll decide when we are at the airport.”

13. THANK YOU

You feel so fortunate to be able to travel often and love every second of it! Thank you, Mom!

Although flying on standby can be stressful at times, it is always an adventure. Whether you get on your first flight or are stuck at the airport for four days straight trying to get back home, you would not want to travel any other way!