Travelogue Tales - The Airplane

The following are musings from over a decade of travels, expressed by self-made toy brick sets.

I've always found airplanes to be interesting in that for the duration of the flight, we put aside all norms of personal space to basically coexist in a very tight place. 

In we go, to our predetermined homes for the next x hours! Take your time climbing the stairs; being extra careful is always a plus and the plane isn't going anywhere so there's no real need to rush.

First and business class are where airlines make the majority of their money and feature the finest, most comfortable settings in the air. 

Premium economy offer more comfortable seats and wider leg rooms, and can be had for a good discount if you book early enough.

And of course, there's the economy class offering the most economical (pun intended) way to get to your destination.

Regardless of the seats, entertainment options are similar across all with only the quality of the headphones being the difference.

It always pays to be nice to the flight crew. An enthusiastic greeting and warm smile go a long way in making someone's day, and can snag you a few goodies (like a cocktail meant for business class) in the process!

Rollers go on the overhead compartment, backpacks under the seat in front of you. Make sure to lock all belongings to prevent instances of theft especially on long haul flights.

Listen to the safety demonstration and buckle up for the duration of the flight! The short lull before takeoff is when I usually squeeze in a 20 minute power nap.

Airline cuisine might not necessarily be the best (and most flavorful) but some airlines have definitely elevated the game; i'm looking at you Asian and Middle Eastern airlines!

Flights are the perfect time to catch-up on movies and tv shows that one may have missed. I personally love going through the documentary selection, as well as reading through the descriptions of available foreign films.

Conversely, flights are also the perfect opportunity to listen to podcasts and even do some self-introspection / journaling. 

Up in front, our business class passengers are certainly having the time of their lives. 

Showcasing the finest selection of alcoholic beverages, three-course meals (minimum), and chairs that recline all the way, the experience is definitely one worth staying awake the whole flight for. Some airlines like Emirates even have a lounge at the back where you can order cocktails and socialize with other passengers.

Another modern marvel of engineering that I'd rather not think too hard about, is the existence of lavatories, where one can pee or poop thousands of feet in the air. 

Best times to go are often right before take-off, during meals while everyone is eating, and in the middle of the night when most passengers are asleep.

Lines can get long, so let's practice courtesy for our fellow passengers by only staying as long as we really need to.

Before leaving the plane, always make sure to check on, around, and under your seat for valuables that may have fallen. Going back inside the plane to look for a missing item is near impossible due to safety protocols.

Let the adventure begin! Make sure you claim the right bag!