Yesterday afternoon, the HH dropped me off at the bus depot in Portland.
I was going to take the little hopper flight to Boston but the closest flight was just after sunset and the idea of flying in a teeny tiny plane at night sort of freaked me out so I decided to take an airport shuttle/coach bus instead.
And it all worked out fine. There weren’t a lot of people on the bus, the driver was funny and it was an uneventful trip. Which is totally what you want, right?
The wait at the airport wasn’t too bad either. I think it was only something like 2 hours from when the bus pulled up to the curb to boarding my flight.
I just worked on a rug hooking project while I waited and hoped I wouldn’t be seated next to someone odd or someone who was going to ask me a 100 million questions and want to talk the whole flight.
But I totally lucked out and had the row to myself.
These days when I fly, I like to be comfortable. And I’m willing to pay for it. The way I see it, if all I have to do is hook an extra pillow or small rug to pay for a better seat… I’m in.
I’d like to think I’m pretty frugal with most things, but there are just some things in life I’ll happily splurge on… and traveling in comfort is one of them.
There were 3 options for my overnight flight:
- Economy {or the sardine section as I like to call it}
- Premium Economy {bigger seats, more legroom, real food}
- Business {lay flat bed, real food}
*Premium Economy and Business class also come with extra bag allowances and faster check in.
I went with premium economy and had a nice meal with real plates and silverware and even got to watch Downton Abbey A New Era while I ate. Dinner and a movie at 30,000 feet. I loved it.
After the movie I dozed off for a few hours.
And was then served a little breakfast sandwich and a cup of orange juice before we landed in London.
Which by the way has some of the best airport bathrooms on the planet. The stalls are not only roomy, but the doors are actually full length and they don’t have that annoying one inch wide opening on both sides of the doors like we do in the US.
After a two hour layover I boarded my next flight and sat down. The sardine section was the only option for this flight.
I sat upright in my seat and my knees actually touched the magazine thingamajig. And I’m not even a large/tall person. I lucked out again though because I was the only one in my row and so I could at least stretch out. Well, sideways anyway.
Being packed in like sardines is EXACTLY why so many people flip out on airplanes. That and because people just seem to freak out in general more it seems like these days.
There was a bit of a wait to get off the ground…
But when we did… Everyone got a 41 calorie snack. 😉
Well, that’s about it for today. The next leg of my journey doesn’t start for another 4 hours, so I think I’ll just sit here in this quiet corner of the airport and get some more hooking in.
Keep Calm and Carry On,
~ Mavis
Shari Harniss says
Good on you, Mavis, for splurging on extra leg room and all! It’s your hard earned money, spend it as you wish. Frugal doesn’t mean self flagellation.
Our time is short, and our patience with crazy is even shorter! Enjoy, my girl, enjoy!!
Lisa says
I have solo traveled many times and it is so fun! I totally agree with the upgrades for long flights, totally worth it. And little inconveniences (layovers, sardine packing) go much better when you’re not worried about your travel mate(s). Looks amazing so far, can’t wait to see where you end up!
Kath says
Oh, the suspense of waiting to find out your destination!
Lesley says
SAME!
Katie says
Same here! My initial guess of Iceland is wrong, so now I just wait impatiently 🙂
Cindy Goller says
I’m really curious to know what your final destination is, as well!
Tracey says
A belated Bon Voyage! I hope there’s WiFi at your final destination and you’ll give us a few minutes each day to vacation vicariously with you. Thanks so much for sharing!
Kirsten says
I am thinking the 3 weeks might include sheep/wool and perhaps an adult education class as well?
Have fun!
Peg says
I much prefer solo travel! Good for you for splurging, air travel is stressful enough anymore that you might as well pay extra to enjoy it. Frugal-to me-means choosing where to scrimp and where to spend.
Janice says
I totally agree with your whole statement!
Brianna says
You have got to love the legroom on an airplane. My hubby has never flown anything but First Class because he honestly cannot fit in a regular seat (long legged and 6’8”) and my kids are following after him. We went to FL in November with the hubby in his first class seat and the kids and in back and my 6’4” 13yo was struggling to get comfortable the whole time. He fit last year! Our family plane trips just got a lot more expensive, but at least he will be fed better!
I really feel the spaces have gotten smaller over the years because I use to fit comfortably (5’9”) and now I am squashed and bumping the seat ahead of me and if they put their seat back then I have to spend my legs to accommodate. I have no idea what a comfortable adult size should be for airline seats, but it has to be less than average height (5’9” male, 5’4” female).
Enjoy your trip and adventure. I am looking forward to reading all about it over the next few weeks as you share.
Dianne says
Hi Mavis,
This is like reading a suspense novel and waiting to get to the next chapter. Pins and needles. I hope you have a travel notebook with you.
I only wish the best on your journey, Mavis. ENJOY every single moment!
Dianne
Sue says
So we know she flew through London, and I’m guessing she’s headed for Scotland? What do you think folks? Sue
Pj says
This is awesome… I haven’t traveled outside the country since Covid, so thrilled to live vicariously through you!
Linda Sand says
Poldark country? a.k.a Cornwall? Or Ireland with all the woolly things there? I look forward to learning where.
Marcia says
I wondered if the end was going to tell me where you were going, but no. I hate flying, and I DO NOT SLEEP ON PLANES. I’m going to have to travel to Japan for business soon, and I KNOW my company won’t spring for business. But an 11 hour flight…did I mention that I DO NOT SLEEP ON PLANES. Sigh.
Gigi says
I’m headed to Singapore in March. San Fran to Singapore is 17.5 hrs! I’m popping some ibuprofen and hoarding magazines until the flight.
Cheryl says
Have a wonderful time and a safe journey! Thank you for taking us with you. I am enjoying living vicariously (love that word!) thru you!
Louise says
I thought we all deduced Shetland Islands.
Michelle S. says
Oooh, l can’t wait to hear where you’re headed. This reminds of the old radio serials my husband and l like to listen to on Radio Classics. The suspense is killing me!
sandyf says
Travel is magical. I was lucky to have a job that required (ha-I would have paid them) to travel weekly. All over the country-to places you would never usually go to. My “office” was Wash DC, but home was CA. When 911 hit-it was NYC almost weekly. From the week the tragedy to years after for the celebration of rebuilding. The FF travel miles were magic-my family traveled all over the world on them. I loved flying, always had a book and an embroidery kit, layover” who cares? Delay? Bring it on! I love seeing your adventures-and want to travel again by myself. I am waiting to watch your itinerary to see if it is one I can follow! Cheers and enjoy every moment
Beth C. says
My dad had a motto…scrimp on necessities, splurge on luxuries. Sounds like you motto, too. Have fun!