I love most things about travel except the act of traveling.
The experience gets a lot nicer when I can relax in the airline lounges or when I get upgraded to the front of the plane while people in coach class walk past me and wonder if I'm someone important. But, aside from that, there isn't much joy in being stuffed into a tiny seat and served microwave dinners.
I usually try to book non-US carriers because I consider them to be a step up from any domestic airlines. I'll admit that there isn't a major difference in terms of economy-class comfort, but the entertainment and food options are undeniably better. I also keep dreaming that someday, I will be important enough to fly like this guy:
For my trip to Chennai, I decided to go with British Airways. At least I would be assured of some sexy accents and a personal entertainment system.
I rarely watch movies when I'm at home because I can't get myself to sit still for two hours, so I enjoy having the chance to catch up on some flicks while I fly. As someone who never sleeps on a plane, I can usually watch multiple movies and tv shows on a transatlantic flight. My favorite film on my first flight to London was Side Effects, which had a fun little twist in the middle. My least favorite was The Bling Ring, which was just plain stupid.
My connection in London gave me a nice workout after I lost track of time in the lounge and looked up to see my flight marked: GATE CLOSING. I literally ran through the terminal like a fool. When I got to the gate, my heart was pounding and there were at least a few minutes before the gate actually closed. Geez, way to give me a heart attack, BA!
I arrived in Chennai at 3:30 the next morning and stood in the immigration line for almost an hour. When I approached the desk, the agent looked at my entire form and asked: "What is the phone number of your hotel?" I told him I have no idea. His response: "Didn't you ask your friend?"
I gave him a puzzled look: "Which friend?? I'm traveling alone. And, even if I did have a friend on the flight, how would he know the phone number for my hotel?" At that moment, I looked past the desk to find a giant sign advertising my hotel. It was almost comically ironic. I asked for my form back, walked over to the sign, and copied down the phone number so he can call me, maybe.
Next stop was baggage claim and I waited for what seemed like another hour for my suitcase to arrive. It was one of the last ones and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous that it had gotten lost.
While I waited, I noticed this gem of a sign:
Of all the things one could sneak into India, are maps with incorrect external boundaries really one of only two prohibited items??? By the way, I'm sure everyone has already violated the first thing on the list.
I picked up my bag and wheeled it past the border control agent - no questions asked. With another 20-hour journey in the books, my next task would be adjusting to the 9.5-hour time change.
The experience gets a lot nicer when I can relax in the airline lounges or when I get upgraded to the front of the plane while people in coach class walk past me and wonder if I'm someone important. But, aside from that, there isn't much joy in being stuffed into a tiny seat and served microwave dinners.
I usually try to book non-US carriers because I consider them to be a step up from any domestic airlines. I'll admit that there isn't a major difference in terms of economy-class comfort, but the entertainment and food options are undeniably better. I also keep dreaming that someday, I will be important enough to fly like this guy:
 |
| Etihad first class cabin |
For my trip to Chennai, I decided to go with British Airways. At least I would be assured of some sexy accents and a personal entertainment system.
I rarely watch movies when I'm at home because I can't get myself to sit still for two hours, so I enjoy having the chance to catch up on some flicks while I fly. As someone who never sleeps on a plane, I can usually watch multiple movies and tv shows on a transatlantic flight. My favorite film on my first flight to London was Side Effects, which had a fun little twist in the middle. My least favorite was The Bling Ring, which was just plain stupid.
My connection in London gave me a nice workout after I lost track of time in the lounge and looked up to see my flight marked: GATE CLOSING. I literally ran through the terminal like a fool. When I got to the gate, my heart was pounding and there were at least a few minutes before the gate actually closed. Geez, way to give me a heart attack, BA!
I arrived in Chennai at 3:30 the next morning and stood in the immigration line for almost an hour. When I approached the desk, the agent looked at my entire form and asked: "What is the phone number of your hotel?" I told him I have no idea. His response: "Didn't you ask your friend?"
I gave him a puzzled look: "Which friend?? I'm traveling alone. And, even if I did have a friend on the flight, how would he know the phone number for my hotel?" At that moment, I looked past the desk to find a giant sign advertising my hotel. It was almost comically ironic. I asked for my form back, walked over to the sign, and copied down the phone number so he can call me, maybe.
Next stop was baggage claim and I waited for what seemed like another hour for my suitcase to arrive. It was one of the last ones and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous that it had gotten lost.
While I waited, I noticed this gem of a sign:
 |
| Make sure your external boundaries are accurate before entering India! |
Of all the things one could sneak into India, are maps with incorrect external boundaries really one of only two prohibited items??? By the way, I'm sure everyone has already violated the first thing on the list.
I picked up my bag and wheeled it past the border control agent - no questions asked. With another 20-hour journey in the books, my next task would be adjusting to the 9.5-hour time change.
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