Airplanes – I hate em’.  I hate the feeling I get as the plane takes off.  I hate the smell.  I hate the fact that the seatbelts are too small and I have to ask for an extender.   I hate the fact that the person in front of me always leans their seat back.  I hate the food they serve (except for the twisted pretzels, those were good) But one of the things I hate the most is…

The Walk of Shame! – It’s exactly like it sounds.  When I get on the plane (especially being one of the last to board) I have to make the walk to my seat in complete shame.  Everyone is already seated and watching as I maneuver my way past every seat while carrying my bag.  It’s a difficult maneuver, as I’m 6’5 and some of the smaller planes seem to be exactly that height… so I’m not only trying to keep from rubbing my butt & groin on people’s shoulders as a turn sideways – I also have to duck and dodge the open luggage carriers above.  I feel like a football player doing some type of running drill. 

• One of the craziest things is as I walk towards everyone facing me is, I’m able to see people’s reactions.   
• Some make a quick double-check to ensure that the seat next to them is already taken.
• Some try not to look, as though I don’t see them peeking over their “flight safety guides”
• Some just blatantly stare with mouth wide open.
• Some hush their child who yells out “Mommy, look at that guy – he’s HUGE!”
• Some feel the need to make sure their friend can also enjoy in my misery.

But, just about everyone is hoping that I’m not going to sit next to them!  I wish I could see people’s reactions as I pass them… I imagine there are many relieved faces and “Thanks Gods” 

I made a little picture to give you an idea…

Once I finally reach my assigned seat & unlucky passenger I always feel the need to apologize for what is about to happen. (Inside I really just want to say, “bet you wish you would have bought a 1st class ticket ”) But instead I just apologize and take my seat (and some of theirs). 
And once I’m seated the experience is just beginning!

(I’m flying to England this Friday, so I will write after that about my experiences once I get to my seat!)