Yesterday on the plane..

I’m sitting by the window, the emergency exit sign looming above my head.  I’ve never been scared of flying, nor is this the first time I’m in the emergency exit row, but for some reason, my eyes keep traveling upwards, darting between the sign, the instructions, and my hands.

But anyway, let’s talk about something other than the fact that I keep staring at the emergency exit door waiting for it to pop open, like the aspects of flying I actually like!

My Top 5 Favorite Parts of Flying

5. The Airport shops

Once you’re past security, the airport is totally your adult playground. Unless you’re in some shitty, rinky-dink airport, most likely you’re surrounded by shops and bars and restaurants and Hudson News, which I can’t ever pass without going into. Yes, it’s always the same overpriced books and magazines and snacks, yes, nothing ever changes, but that’s also the charm of it. It’s just fun to have a certain little airport routine, even if it’s buying overpriced snacks and magazines before you even board.

4. In-flight Magazines

Speaking of buying overpriced magazines, the 4^th best part of flying is definitely the free in-flight magazines. Seriously, these little magazines are chock full of random information about random places, and almost never about the place you’re going to or coming from. I love the mix of travel, food and tips  (and sometimes fashion!) and being able to play Soduku once you’re done perusing the, in today’s case, “American Way.”

3. Free Beverages

As much as people complain about the quality and taste of food on airplanes, to the point that they have done studies on it, free drinks are kind of awesome, no? I mean, most of the time the food on the plane leaves you bloated and gross, but it’s fun to choose a beverage, and if it’s an international flight, bring on the alcohol! Seriously, is there anything better than getting wasted on a plane?

2.  Sitting alone

While sitting alone could suck when you’re in a high school cafeteria, or at a school dance, sitting alone on the plane is magical. When this happens, it really changes your flying experience exponentially. It’s like when you’re little and you’re eating cereal with your siblings and the toy inside happens to fall out into your bowl. Yup, it’s just like that.

1. Getting upgraded.

This one isn’t very easy to swing anymore, but if you happen to get upgraded, it’s seriously the bees knees. Say goodbye to those losers sitting in coach, eating their measly bag of free peanuts while you’re whisked away to the front, so close to the captain you can almost reach out and touch him. Even if you can’t get an upgrade to first class, it never hurts to ask before the flight boards, you may get a better seat. That’s how I got the emergency exit seat with no one next to me, which, although it’s tormenting me, is pretty sweet overall.