Why Do We Rush Off of Planes?

Your flight just landed and you're taxing to the gate. Finally, the captain turns off the fasten seat belt sign and in half a second everyone on the plane is standing in the aisle, jammed in like sardines trying to get their carry on luggage out of the overhead bins. The flight crew has not even opened the door yet; What is this? The entire flight process has been this practiced dance of line after line where you wait your turn.  Then all of a sudden you have landed and it is a shameless free for all to get out of there. I don't know when I first observed this phenomenon but since noticing it, I can't seem to let it go.

Some of the people on your flight have about 15 minutes to make their connection. I think they should be allowed to get off of the flight first. You may have been in this situation yourself before and maybe you have even missed a connecting flight completely. You know it is not something you want to inflict upon your worst enemy! So, let's let these people get off first and get a running start to their next gate! They still may not make it but at least we gave them a fighting chance!

Some of your fellow travelers are returning home from some epic journey that is impossible to even fathom.  Perhaps they received the unfortunate call last night that a loved one is deathly ill. Maybe they are military members returning from down-range. Whatever the nature may be of their dire situation,  they should go next!

Then there are the screaming, restless children  - get them out of there!!  Mom is probably traveling with so much stuff that she had to spread it out amongst several overhead bins. It's going to take her a  moment to get it all gathered as she wrangles her herd of rambunctious children. Give them some space. Mom is ready to get home, kids are ready to get off of the plane and all other passengers are ready to be out of earshot of those little punks angels. It's a win/win situation to let them disembark next.

Then the majority of us, the people who are in no particular rush other than the fact that we would appreciate more than 2 square feet of personal space,  maybe then we should get off of the plane.

I believe this rushed debarkation has something to do with "group think"( that psychological phenomenon where people do what everyone else is doing simply because it is what everyone else is doing)! It is mindless following and we are all culprits.   We all stand up hastily after landing because that's what everyone else is doing so surely that's what we should do too.

I vote we reverse the tide! When one or two people calmly stay seated on the plane and wait, more and more people start following suit. Let's be the change we wish to see in the world people! If you don't have to be out of there in a hurry, hold on a minute! I'm not saying stay around all day;  everyone wants out of there and I'm sure the flight crew wants us gone too, but we should all slow down and be mindful of the situations going on around us!

My Carry-On Travel Essentials

I was never a girl scout but I do pride myself on always being prepared. When it comes to airplane travel, I have a well rehearsed routine for packing my carry-on bag. Too much in your carry-on is a burden. Underpacking your carry-on can lead to spending unnecessary money in one of the airport shops because you either forgot something or you did not bring along enough stuff to keep you occupied.

This is my tried and true carry-on packing list:

Health and Beauty: 

• Lip Balm/Chapstick
• Moisturizer
• Makeup Basics (foundation, blush, mascara)
• Facial Wipes
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Glasses/Contacts

*Keep it simple. Unless I am traveling for business purposes I generally board the flight with next to no make up on. The dry, recirculated air does strange things to make up and skin. Just before landing, I take a trip to the restroom with my pouch full of beauty items. I brush my teeth, pop in my contacts, use one of the facial wipes to freshen up, reapply moisturizer then put on light makeup so I can face the day in a new city and not look like an ogre. Remember to pack all of these items in a large zip-lock bag in your carry on. They will make you take them out to go through security and it saves everyone time if you are prepared.

Entertainment: 

• High Quality Headphones/Earbuds
• Great Playlist(s)
• A Good Book
• 2 Snacks: One Salty and One Sweet 

*TSA now allows small electronic devices inflight so you can take along your iPod, iPad, Kindle or other device of your choice. Download some new tunes to check out inflight but also make a playlist of old favorites. I prefer slower relaxing music while in transit - it helps me stay calm and makes it easier to read and nap. Make sure your headphones or earbuds are comfortable and noise canceling if possible. You may have to drown out the sounds of a crying baby 2 rows back or a snoring passenger just beside you not to mention the constant announcements from the flight crew. A good book is just obvious. I allow one gossip magazine of the US weekly persuasion from time to time as well, but when push comes to shove, it's a waste of space.

 Now let's talk snacks. You will most likely get hungry during your flight, you will be trapped and locked into whatever package of "savory or sweet" inflight treats you are offered. Put a handful of almonds and a box of raisins (or whatever you like) in your bag and you will be prepared if the hunger monster stops by for a visit (If you're traveling internationally remember, no agricultural products).

3+ hour or international flight add-ons:

• Passport
• Sleep Mask
• Leggings
• Comfy Socks
• Change of Undergarments

*Long-haul flights require a few extra amenities be packed. Try a sleep mask. People either love them or hate them. If you are not in either camp yet, give one a try because they make a world of difference!

Leggings and comfy socks are for mid flight. Either wear them onto the flight or change into them once you are in the air. You better believe you are going to want them when you are ready to get as comfortable as a 757 will allow at 30,000 feet.

The change of undergarments is just in case you wind up trapped in an airport due to a missed connection or if your luggage is lost. These are not situations you want to find yourself in unprepared! 

   

Additional Travel Tips: 

• BYOB: Those airplane bottles/minis they sell do have a purpose. While mixed drinks inflight can cost anywhere from $8 to $15 there is another way to enjoy an adult beverage and keep from breaking the bank. Ask the flight attendant for a soda (which is already included with the cost of your airline ticket), drop in your own libations and voila - you're a jetsetting, party girl on a budget! #balleronabudget Have a safe, fun flight & drink responsibly! 
• If you are traveling internationally be advised that in the US you are allowed 4oz of liquid and most travel bottles are made this size. In Europe, you are only allowed 100mL of liquid which is less than 4oz (3.38oz to be exact). This is a big pain in the rear. I had my 4oz travel bottle of contact solution confiscated once when traveling home from Europe.  And the bottle being already used and half empty will not suffice, I already tried that.
• Check out the amenities at the airports you will be passing through online before you travel. You will find hidden gems at each airport if you do your research in advance. I had the most amazing pancakes at a Wolfgang Puck restaurant in London Heathrow airport once. In Munich, I found a lounge area called NapCabs. It is a public sleeping area with charging stations for your electronic items and comfy chairs. You never know what you might find, so check in advance to see if there is something you should not miss. 

Safe Travels and Bon Voyage!!