Posted by admin in 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!)
I have not been on a plane since I went to Arizona about 8 years ago, but even then I was getting looks. It happens everywhere though, buses, trains, restaurants.
Funny story though, when we were in Boston we were taking the Subways to get around the city. Each time we got on, the trains were always pretty packed and we were standing each time. We finally got to sit down on one of the days, so I was sitting across from my brother and dad and taking up a seat and a half
This little old lady got on the train and sat right next to me, even though there were a lot of open seats. A few stops later (at this point the train was pretty packed) two rather cute girls got on and stood right in front of my brother and dad. Later on we had a good laugh, my dad and bro got the cute girls and I got the little old lady 
So at least little old ladies don’t mind our size is what I guess I’m getting at, there are always those that are going to look at us. Those are usually the same people who stare at handicap people or old people having trouble though. I just let em look.
I know the feeling. Hope your flight to England is ok.