Homeward Bound

Even before I flew home from Chicago, I’d received a survey in my inbox from United asking me about my incoming flight from Washington. One of the questions went something like this: Do you still get excited when you fly? I immediately went to hit the no button but then paused. I wouldn’t describe feeling “excited,” but almost no matter where I go I do feel energized. I get on the airplane looking forward to an adventure, meeting new people or reuniting with old friends.

I wouldn’t say that standing in long lines, dealing with delays or waiting in the rain for the shuttle bus excites me, but flying also isn’t boring. I don’t mind the lines because it offers time to people watch, delays offer me an opportunity to find an airport shoe-shine to get my paddock boots gleaming, and sometimes I’ll get a fun rental car, like a Prius, when the shuttle finally deposits me at Hertz.

All and all, I’d describe my airline travels as positive. And there’s nothing like having two or three hours of uninterrupted time to read a good book. After all, on most of my flights I’m back in the economy section, and there’s simply not room for me to get out my laptop and work. At least that’s my excuse, and I’m sticking with it!