The six-week winter break is almost here! That means, in a few days, after all my finals, I'll be getting on a plane and going back to my home country. That is, after the long haul flight... This trip home marks the 16th time having been on this flight. At this point, I find it to be a pretty repetitive process, so much so, that I have had the same twenty thoughts on the procedure.

1. Why do they TSA check everyone at once, instead of doing security at the gate?

With flights going all over the world, departing at different times, there could be someone terribly late standing behind you in the line.

2. Airplane/Airport calories don’t count.

It’s not my fault I’ll be stagnant, suspended in the air with no ability to move. It’s also not my fault airport food is mostly junky. It may be my fault that I stray to those isle, though.

3. I hope this flight isn’t delayed by weather

Flying out of Chicago during the winter can already be tricky enough, often subject to delays with the weather being so unpredictable and tumultuous. Delayed, or even canceled flights are enough of a nuisance, but when one is adding transfer to the equation, it gets even riskier. To combat this, I often fly west, to a warmer climate.

4. Window vs. Isle seat: An evaluation

While window seats can be the aesthetic choice, if you’re trying to sleep and windows have to be open (like during take-off/landing), it can be a hassle, despite the extra support. An isle seat is preferable because you can walk around without nuancing people…that being said, you’ll have to move when anyone else is trying to walk around.

5. Making a mental list of which movies you’ll watch to fill the flight time

I am physically incapable of falling asleep on planes. This is pretty inconvenient because I fly for such long stretches, so I combat that by watching twenty hours worth of movies.

6. At least there will be “free” food!

Trying not to think about how the food won’t be worth the fraction of the included cost on the plane ticket.

7. None of these movies are that great. Why doesn’t Netflix start an airline? It’ll help them get out of debt…

*Puts one on to literally pass time.* *Continues to be upset about lack of free wifi on plane*

8. Where is the food?

I eat on my own schedule, and it didn’t occur to me, again, to purchase or pack snacks while I wait for the airline to serve me. Now I have to make a conscious effort to not think about snacks…

9. Why am I emotionally reacting to this movie?

Have you ever noticed that, for some reason, media is so much more of an emotional experience when you’re on a plane? Perhaps it’s the lack of distractions/internet to sever your attention. Perhaps it’s the fact that I can’t talk about what I’m watching with anyone, as the person next to me is fortunate enough to actually be asleep. Oh wait, it’s probably because I haven’t slept. Maybe that’s why I’m tearing up at Tangled, of all movies.

10. Compulsively checks remaining flight time, after twenty minutes of not looking at it.

What do you mean we’re only 20 minutes closer to the destination?!

11. I’m kind of disappointed in the food.

The portion size is fine, but I’m not a huge fan of airplane food overall. But remembering how hungry I am, I eat it all the same.

12. Okay, I’m fed and satisfied. Maybe I can sleep now?

Positive thinking is the first step to accomplishing any action, after all.

13. Why…cant…I…sleep….

*Eventually gives up and puts on another movie or TV show*

14. So…sleepy…

Well not really, but maybe I’ll just pass out, extremely uncomfortably, due to tiredness.

15. Why did the lights come on?!

I was finally asleep

16. So...How long was I out?

Did I miss a meal? Do I have to wait for the next one?! Maybe I was better off not sleeping at all! Oh wait, it’s only been 30 minutes. The same movie is still playing…

17. Oh good, the person next to me is finally awake.

Now I don’t feel so bad, asking them to move so I can actually stretch for the first time in what should not be a healthy amount of time for humans to stay still.

18. Landing announcement! Finally!

Never been happier to put a seatbelt on, or put my seat in an upright position.

19. Look how pretty the city lights look.

*Tries to add to my snap story, before forgetting about the lack of wifi*

20. I’m home! Finally! Time to sleep.

….But wait. JETLAG.