Plane Speaking

3 min read

On an early morning flight from Florida, I sit in somewhat uncomfortably in an aisle seat, trying to balance my laptop on a narrow tray.   I see people all around me waiting for the flight to end, periodically checking their watches or asking the stewards.    I am lucky to have an empty middle seat next to me, which not only creates a little more room and a little more comfort to bear the trip, but also makes a small space between me and a fellow traveller,  buffering the need for conversation.  I am looking to see how to pass the time till we arrive; time that is an interruption to my real life on the ground. 

It wasn’t always like this.   When I was very young, the prospect of flying in a plane to go somewhere was itself a large part of the fun of the trip.  It began with the arrival at an airport; walking through  the doors of the terminal created this tangible sense of being an airline passenger.  The anticipation of standing in a checkout line, seeing the variety of people who were  boarding the same plane.  The efficiency of the airline staff, all wearing smart uniforms that my 6-year old self could only aspire to in dreams.   Getting past security into the wonderful world of duty-free shopping.   The brightly-lit shops and eateries beckoned as if they were happy to have you browse their many wares, at your own leisurely pace that helped use up the waiting time.    And then we actually entered the aircraft and walked past rows of seats and people, to locate the area that was meant to be ours for the next few hours.   

 The wonder of looking out of the window as the plane picked up pace, promising to outrun gravity, as the sudden graceful lift meant that we were airborne.  Never was there the threat of an accident at liftoff, since such statistics would not enter our minds at all.    Soon we peering down at the lands below.  Farms, roads, bullock carts, trains, the outline of ancient forts, a mountain range with tiny grazing herds of goats.  All so pristine, and like playthings. The blueness of the sky and whiteness of the clouds, and the fun of going through a cloud to come out again in the blue.  

Of course, there was the anticipation of airline food.  It was neatly laid out on small plastic trays; some hot, some crunchy, some sweet,  all very delicious to the eager mind. 

And then there was the single choice of movie, in a blurry screen with blurry sound but the mind filling in the rest.    Usually it was some old much-seen film, so the mere recognition of images brought a feeling of pleasure. 

The walk to the bathroom that took one silently past rows of people, each one briefly catching your eye, as you went by.  Time to time there was the smile from a fellow passenger indicating a camaraderie of travelers, together in the same direction briefly.   Can’t say there were any pleasurable memories of the cramped bathroom cabins, with the various smells that reflected both of odor of  the prior occupant and the cologne meant to overcome those odors. 

And then the landing.   You could see the buildings get bigger, getting more definition as we got closer to the ground, and then suddenly you were over the airfield and touching down gracefully with a bump.  The sound of air rushing past and the screech of brakes accompanied the sway of the plane in that momentary feeling of being out of control, until the plane was suddenly in steady amble all the way to the gate.

Finally as passengers poured in the arrivals hall, you would search the faces of the crowd until you saw your relatives waving wildly and grinning, like the best moment of their lives had just happened.  Hugs, jumps, greetings and then leaving the airport building into the bustle of the city.  This part of the trip was over, and the next part was to begin.

Now that air travel is easier, it has gone from being a trip to a commute, from being part of the experience to being something to endure.    Clearly, as travelers, we definitely prefer the lower prices, the timeliness, the efficiency of today’s travel.   Some of the ennui is also having become a seasoned traveller, where the experience loses its newness.   Maybe the natural order of things.

I try to get my kids to see feel the same excitement, but the draw of the entertainment system is too big.  The world around us and the world below us are remote; just a backdrop, not the real show.  

Great, I have managed to write this just in time to arrive at my destination.  Good, time usefully spent !