Summer Flying: Tips for Infrequent Flyers

It is the best of times, it is the worst of times: Summer. Flying. 

During the summer months, people tend to go on vacation more. In response to this trend, airlines have more available flights and they often sell tickets at cheaper rates. 

Additionally, more of my coworkers go on vacations as well, leaving their trips to Junior Reserves like me so I end up working my hiney off (while wearing a wool uniform) during the hottest months of the year. The good news is that I get to make more money. The bad news is that I AM VERY TIRED. 

Seriously, Summer Flying has me waking up at 2am for flights some days, 6pm other days, and criss crossing time zones like it's my job. 

But wait. It's literally my job. 

"More people, more problems" is never truer than during June, July, and August, when the temperatures rise and so do the number of people on our aircraft who have no idea how to handle riding on a plane. Couple that with the inevitable summer storms that wreak havoc on base operations for many major airlines, and you've got yourself a perfect storm. (heh)

Summer flyers tend to be less experienced with air travel- maybe you only fly a couple of times a year for that big vacation, and THIS IS IT. 

There's absolutely nothing wrong with that! Thank you for buying a plane ticket and helping to keep me employed! I'm really glad you're here. 

HOWEVER. 

There are a few basic things that you can do to maintain your sanity AND help your flight crews love you as you go on your summertime adventures, and luckily for you I'm sharing those tips with you today. 

Five Tips for Infrequent Travelers:

1. Plan for things to go wrong. 

Your flight will get delayed and cause you to miss your connection. There will be no outlets on the plane.  The lines will be long at security, getting food, or for the bathroom. 

One of the worst parts of air travel is that NOTHING is within your control - except how well you prepare for the inevitable. 

Get to the airport at least two hours before your flight.
Carry snacks with you.
Pack whatever items you might need for a surprise overnight in your personal item. Try to avoid checking a bag.
Bring an external battery like this one: iJoy Portable Charger Ultra-Slim 10000mAh Power 10K Power Bank (Green).

I understand how frustrating it is to get trapped or stranded in an airport due to circumstances beyond your control- it has happened to me many many times.
I get how enraging it is to miss out on things at your destination that you were supposed to be participating in.
But please, keep your cool and be polite to the airline employees. 99% of the time what has happened to you is out of their control too. We WANT you to get to your destination. Please be polite and calm, and remember that everyone you're dealing with is just a human being.




2. DO NOT ask your Flight Attendant "What do you have?"

There is a menu in the setback pocket in front of you.
Or just order what you would always order on the ground.
Or order what you really should anyway: water, no ice.
(Or wine. I'm for it.)
Say please when you make your request.
Say thank you when it's handed to you.
It's that simple.





3. DO NOT ask your Flight Attendant for a blanket!

Airplanes are air-conditioned on the ground and it is COLD when we get up to 30,000 feet in the air.
Don't wear a tank top and shorts and then ask me for something to help you stay warm.
No matter the season, dress in layers to fly. I never ever ever fly in shorts or a short skirt because I know I will freeze and practically get hypothermia. Don't dress for the five minute walk from the car to security, dress for the airplane you're going to spend six hours on. Pro tip: keep a handy cotton scarf like this one with you whenever you travel:

4. Download the app for the airline you're flying.

Seriously you guys, the airline I work for has the most useful app.
You can track your bags, monitor gate changes and flight delays, and even pull up maps of various airport terminals so you can figure out how to get from gate A22 to gate F19. It's even free to use with our in flight wifi.
This way you can avoid asking your flight attendants questions like "Am I going to make my connection?" to which our answer (or at least the truthful answer) is ALWAYS "I don't know."
We aren't psychic. We aren't omnipotent. 
Use the app to check you inbound arrival time and the departure time of your connection. Technology is good.

5. Please don't use the bathroom while the seat belt sign is on.

Guys, following lighted and posted signs on an aircraft is literally the law. Additionally, if the seatbelt sign is on it's probably because we've just taken off, we're expecting turbulence, or we're about to land. In all of those circumstances it is REALLY DANGEROUS for you to be out of your seat. 
Go to the bathroom in the terminal before the flight. Use the lavatory when the sign is off, even if it's not a pressing issue.
Don't get out of your seat when the plane is taxiing on the ground. If we're about to take off, you could cost us our place in line for takeoff. If we've just landed you could get seriously injured if we hit a bump or stop suddenly. Just the other day we had almost reached the gate and the pilots had to suddenly hit the brakes hard. All the passengers who had undone their seatbelts smacked their heads on the seat in front of them and felt very foolish.
And on that note, if you see flight attendants sitting in their jumpseats you should most definitely be sitting in your seat.

Let's all fly smart this summer! 

A Weekend in Ireland

Two years ago, when I first started my job as a Flight Attendant, the very first trip I was assigned to work was Dublin. 

When Scheduling called me, I was asleep. When I heard the word "Dublin" I asked "Like....Dublin, Ohio?" confused, because as far as I knew Dublin, Ohio doesn't have an airport and I also couldn't fathom getting sent to IRELAND for my first work trip. 

I had a great crew and had a lovely time. It was a phenomenal first trip, especially as I'd never  been to Ireland before. 

This weekend I returned to the country with my lovely partner in tow, and we had a wonderful time!

We left Philly on Thursday night, landed at Shannon airport on Friday morning, rented a car and drove straight to the Cliffs of Moher. 

After spending a few hours at the Cliffs, we continued on to Galway, where we stayed with a very generous friend of Martin's who also happens to be an Archaeologist there.

(SO COOL, right?!?!?)

Friday night and Saturday we were shown around Galway by an expert tour guide/ archaeologist, and on Sunday we got up bright and early to head back to Shannon for our flight home. 

It was definitely a whirlwind adventure, and I wouldn't recommend it for less experienced travelers, but Martin and I are old pros so it suited us just fine. 

A few observations and a list of things I learned on this visit:

1. Flying in and out of Shannon was SUPER simple. DO IT.

Shannon is a much smaller airport in a much smaller city than Dublin. If you're adventuring on your own rather than with a tour group, that can make your life a LOT easier. Customs lines are shorter when you arrive and when you leave.

2. Renting a car was straightforward, and driving on the "wrong" side of the road was fairly easy.

Let me be clear, Martin did all of the driving because the car had a manual transmission and I can't drive stick shift, no matter which side of the road we're supposed to be on. 

 The hardest part was how NARROW the roads were. 

It was worth it to be able to set our own schedule and not have to rely on busses to get everywhere we needed to go. It was also less expensive than buying bus tickets for two adults everywhere.

3. Americans were EVERYWHERE.

There are SO many cultural connections between the United States and Ireland that this shouldn't be surprising, but WOW. So. Many. Americans.

4. Everyone was SO NICE.

Seriously, from the car rental people to the bar tenders to the random strangers we befriended at pubs, everyone was so friendly and pleasant through the trip. 

5. Ireland is super obsessed with JFK.

There were tributes to President Kennedy everywhere we went. In the airport, in the Claddagh Museum, on street corners, in Galway Cathedral. EVERYWHERE. 

Now, I have a working knowledge of the relevant history here, but I was still surprised by the degree to which Ireland showed the love for "their" US President. As a New Englander and as a Democrat, it kind of felt like running into an old friend every time we'd stumble across a tribute to him.

6. Everyone has a cousin or five on the East Coast, and everyone loves Boston.

Usually when I travel, no one has any idea where Vermont is. In Ireland, most locals we met had a working knowledge of the geography of the East Coast AND they'd visited Boston. 

Everybody we met there just loves Bean Town. 

7. The food was AMAZING. 

Everything I ate was delicious. I had amazing fish chowder and then the best gin flavored ice cream. The end.

Contemplating the delicious Fish Chowder I had just eaten.

8. Ireland is the most castleated country in the world.

Ireland has more castles than anywhere else. Our resident archaeologist pal taught us that this is because land inheritance worked slightly differently in Ireland than in other countries with castles. *coughUKcough*

Ruined castles are so gorgeous.

9. Everything was SO FREAKING SCENIC.

It was beautiful. It was adorable. It was charming. It was majestic. 

We couldn't get over how lovely everything was.

10. Ireland is FUN. 

Altogether, we just had so much FUN in Ireland. Everything combined to make our trip a blast, and we just had the BEST weekend. 

Special shoutout to tour guide extraordinaire Jay Hall for his expertise and hosting! All of his roommates and friends made us feel so welcome. Thanks Jay!

When he's not participating in archaeological digs, Jay has been working in an antique book warehouse. We got to visit that too and I almost lost my mind. 

ARE YOU SEEING ALL THESE INTERESTING BOOKS?!?

BUT SERIOUSLY.

Sometimes your boyfriend GIFs you walking home from the pub in the rain. 

Turbulent Health Ahead

When I worked retail in college, I didn't have paid sick time. 

If you were so deathly sick the you had to call out, you still needed to make sure that your shift was covered.

When I worked in an office, I did have paid sick time- sometimes. 

But even then, I wouldn't call out sick unless I was actively incapacitated or a danger to the people around me. 

I'm not a wimp. I could handle it. 

As a Flight Attendant, calling out sick is completely different. 

Now, working through some illnesses just isn't an option.  

Last year, I had to call out sick because I had laryngitis. I felt fine, I just had no voice.

Well guess what? Flight Attendants literally aren't allowed to work if they can't be heard- we need to be able to yell in case we have to evacuate an aircraft in an emergency. 

I'm currently out sick with a sinus/bronchial infection. 

I can't go to work with this because my ears won't pop, and if my ears can't adjust to pressure changes on the ground I could very well burst an eardrum at 30,000 feet.

I've burst both my eardrums in the past. I do not recommend it. 

So here I am, grounded by an illness that I would have worked through in any other job.

Forced to drink tea, take lots of medications, and hope that I'll be able to fly by next week because I really love my job. I want to go to work. 

I do have paid sick time, which is a huge reason I can stay in this job long term. 

Being a Flight Attendant can be a physically grueling job. 

The constant travel takes a toll on your body, as does hauling bags, dragging 300lb carts around, hiking miles in high heels, and sleeping irregular hours. 

Not to mention emergencies, hard landings, and turbulence- flying this much is hard on your body. 

Since starting this job, I've had friends who have had to be out sick because they've sprained their ankle, inhaled toxic fumes, fractured a rib, fractured a spine, and more. 

I've burned my hands and arms, strained muscles, and had more blisters and broken nails than I can count. It can get pretty ugly. 

If you're a new hire out there, here's some really important advice: prioritize your health. 

Ask any senior mama and they'll tell you how important it is to focus on staying healthy. 

Use hand sanitizer. Sleep instead of going out for drinks (sometimes). Wear the comfortable shoes once in a while. Sit down and strap in when it gets bumpy. 

For the love of all that is good, drink as much water as you can.

If you're a member of the flying public, have a little understanding for just how physically brutal our jobs can be.

Right now it seems like the media and the internet are conspiring with some of the worst parts of our society to make doing our jobs harder than ever before.

Have a little empathy for us when you're flying.

Better yet, give us the respect we deserve. 

Being a Flight Attendant seems very glamorous, but the reality is that it is physically and emotionally taxing. 

I love my job. It is the perfect job for who I am. I am so proud of the work I do everyday. 

I also go to work every single day ready to handle the worst case possible. 

The scenario you try not to think about when you're getting on a plane is something I've thought about a thousand times, and I'm prepared to handle it. 

Flight Attendants are trained and prepared to risk our lives to save yours. 

All we're asking for is a little respect. 

F(l)ight Club

By now, if you are a fluent user of the internet, you have surely heard about the latest viral controversy plaguing beleaguered United Airlines. 

Everyone is talking about this poor guy who was dragged off of his flight and the horrible treatment he received. 

Look, I wasn't there when it happened.

I do not work for United.

But here's my take on the drama.

1. Oh lordy, was this situation BUNGLED. 

From allowing the passengers to board when they KNEW there would be four who needed to be displaced for crew repositioning, to the airline's response on social media, to the ongoing PR handling, this whole thing is a cascading hot mess. 

Based on what I've read about this situation, it sounds like there were four seats on that oversold flight that were needed to get a crew to Louisville to work- deadheaders, as we call them in the airline industry. The company probably needed them to get to work in order to avoid canceling or further delaying other flights. Those four passengers were asked to give up their seats to save hundreds of others from being stranded on a week when literally THOUSANDS of passengers have been trapped in airports all over the country. As far as I can tell, these weren't joyriding non-revs, these were deadheading working crew members.

Sometimes deadheads are planned, but sometimes they're unplanned or a prior delay can complicate things. This is normal. I have been in situations where passengers on an oversold flight have been bumped for me or for another crew member. If you miss a flight, it's a problem. If a crew member misses a flight it can be a complete DISASTER for hundreds or thousands of people. 

However, the situation should have been dealt with at the gate. 

No passengers should have boarded that aircraft when they still needed to solve the crew seating issue. I am absolutely baffled as to how or why that happened. 

2. You aren't actually entitled to that exact seat on that exact flight.

As much as you're going to hate this, an airline is completely within the contract they signed with you to bump you from a flight whenever they need to. When you buy a ticket, you commit to a Contract of Carriage. You can find United's here.  

You don't own a seat on that plane.

3. This was horrendously bad customer service.

There's just no way around this one. Horrible service was provided to the man who was removed, as well as to the rest of the passengers who were on that flight. 

People deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity.

That obviously didn't happen here.

That said....

4. When you're traveling, you need to be a reasonable adult. 

Travelers of the world, you need to have some perspective.
Every single person on that plane had an important reason for trying to get to Louisville yesterday. Maybe it was for a college visit. A funeral. Going home from Spring Break. A big meeting.

Every single person on every single airplane has an important reason to be there.

As terrible as I feel for the passenger who was injured, he absolutely needed to follow the instructions he was given, no matter how upset they made him. 

Travel (and life, for that matter) doesn't always go according to your plan. 

It's frustrating. It's maddening. It's enraging. It's not FAIR. 

But you still have to follow the rules and you still have to be a reasonable adult. 

You don't get to yell and scream and kick because you have to do something you don't want to. 

You comply and then get the company to give you a $1200 travel voucher. Or file a complaint with the Department of Transportation. Rant about it on Twitter

You do whatever you need to do to work through it, but you can't break the rules because you're mad.

Be responsible and handle yourself. Period.

5. This is having a big impact. 

My passengers actually paid attention to my safety demo this morning. 

I'm not sure if they were worried I was going to kick them off or if they just really liked my life vest, but I did have an unusually attentive crowd on my flight today. 

United's stock has plummeted in the midst of this PR nightmare. Social media seems more focused on this than real news and that's depressing.

I'm also extremely amused by the number of people who are suddenly experts on Airline Procedures... something tells me they probably have some even diagram overlap with the group of people who say things to me like "I fly all the time! I bet I fly more than you."
You don't, sir. You don't. 

So that's my take on the whole thing.
I'll be very interested to see how all of this plays out, but in the meantime, please be kind to the many many faultless United employees who are just trying to do their jobs. I have friends who fly for them, and it's not fair to disparage them or their employer over one viral story. 

Two Years Later

On February 23, 2015 I started Flight Attendant Training. 

In the last two years, a LOT has happened. 

So many new experiences, adventures, and people have been a part of the past 24 months... Sometimes it's a little overwhelming to think about how much has changed since I walked through the doors of the training center. 

76 Domestic Layovers

7 International Layovers

5 new states (for a total of 41)

This is the morning of the very first day of training. I was nervous, sad, and I had absolutely no idea how phenomenally my life was about to change. 

When you practice together on fake airplanes you end up bonded for life.

With my friend Andre before we left for our initial operating experience! We were hired together on the same day. 

Right before we jumped into a pool to practice saving some lives.

Roommate Kate! 

Two years later at recurrent training: everything changes, everything stays the same. 💖

Yesterday was the most exciting/scary day on the job so far, and I am so grateful for the changes that have taken place in my life because of it.

Thanks stars. 

Packing List: Winter Weekend in London

London is one of my absolute favorite cities in the world. 

When I was growing up we lived there for a few years and my love affair with that glorious city has never ended.

When traveling, my wardrobe goal is always to blend in as much as possible without being pretentious. As an American choosing travel clothes for Europe, stick to classic styles and practical pieces that will keep you comfortable, but most importantly not sloppy. One of my pet peeves is Americans dressing badly and making the rest of us look bad when they travel abroad.

Recently, quite a few of my American friends (all of whom dress very appropriately, for the record) have been heading across the pond for visits and it's inspired me to create this packing list of things I would wear and bring for a quick visit to jolly old London town. If you're getting ready to travel to London, this one is for you.

Barbour Classic Beadnell Jacket • Barbour •

I lived in the UK and was raised in New England. Those facts are all too clear in my love of most things Barbour. This jacket is a classic investment piece that will last you for decades if you treat it right. It will also give you the practical waterproof protection with room for warm layers that you'll want while exploring the city. December in London (or any winter month) is going to be chilly and damp. Be prepared. Another great jacket option is a classic trench coat like this one. 

Women's Westport Chelsea Boots • L.L. Bean •

These practical leather booties will take you anywhere you need to go and keep your feet dry and cute. You'll probably want to spend quite a bit of time exploring London on walking tours. Sightseeing in London can be overwhelming and the last thing you want is to get blisters or be uncomfortable.

Dainty sparklers pearl studs • Kate Spade •

These earrings are slightly retro and perfect for everything. I'm just in love with them. 

Dainty sparklers pearl pendant • Kate Spade •

A simple necklace for every day. 

Double L Mixed-Cable Sweater, Crewneck • L.L. Bean •

Layers, layers, layers. Cozy sweaters are key. 

Signature Cashmere Boatneck Sweater • L.L. Bean •

Everyone should have at least one cashmere sweater in their wardrobe. I love that this one has a neckline that's a little bit different. 

Classic button-down shirt • J.Crew Factory •

Because this is what I live in. Wearing a button down will very rarely leave you feeling out of place when you're somewhere with a strong business culture.

Perfect Crew-Neck Tee • Old Navy •

These t-shirts from Old Navy are seriously my favorite layering tees ever. They're inexpensive, they fit beautifully, and so far mine have held up for years. They are the perfect base layer.

Perfect Fitted Tee • Old Navy •

You'll want to have some layering shirts with varying sleeve lengths to stay comfortable. These are the best layering tees. 

Levi's 721® High Rise Skinny Jeans in Eminence • Levi's •

The thing I love about high rise denim is that they don't slide down to expose things you don't want exposed, and they can conceal a variety of sins. Specifically they'll be able to conceal any amount of delicious curry you want to eat during your adventures. 

Women's Spanx Faux Leather Leggings •

These just look so hip while not being ridiculous.

Crewneck Sweater Dress • Banana Republic •

Warm. Comfortable. Dress. Yes please.
Sweater dresses make great travel dresses because they tend to not wrinkle as easily due to their thicker fabrics.

Cable Sweater Dress • Banana Republic •

A simple flattering dress is one of the biggest assets you can have in your travel wardrobe. Different colors and styles will give you great travel outfit options. 

Cozy rib-trim sweater dress • Gap •

Seriously, one can never have too many sweater dresses in the winter. 

Marisa Dress • Boden •

This is a great option if you're planning on going out to a more upscale dinner or meeting while you're in town. It's professional enough that you could wear it into a boardroom but elegant enough that it wouldn't be out of place at a party.

Bubblestream Collar • BaubleBar •

Party necklace! Wear it to your event or pair it with one of those sweater dresses to jazz up your every day look. 

Chinese Laundry Exclusive - Z-Happy Hour • Chinese Laundry •

For attending that party- these have a thicker heel that is perfect for navigating cobblestone streets after dark. No one wants to fly home on a sprained ankle. 

Additional items to consider:

A cashmere scarf. 

Tights. Lots of tights. 

A cross body bag that converts into a clutch.

A small reusable water bottle.

Heeled booties.

Cotton leggings. 

Holiday Travel: Carryon Edition

Well everyone, we survived Thanksgiving. 

The Wednesday before Turkey Day is the highest traffic travel day of the year. Airports are packed with people, the roads look like folks are fleeing an incoming asteroid, and we're all bracing for the moments when our families will inevitably frustrate us (*cough*political conversations*cough*).

I was on call in base this year, as I likely will be for the next decade or so of my life, and though I was sad not to be with my immediate family members I was able to have a delightful Thanksgiving week with visits from friends, a dinner with Martin's family, and a Friendsgiving. Besides, my family already celebrated Thanksgiving back in October. It's one of the perks of our dual citizen status. 

I didn't get called to fly in the days leading up to the holiday so I was able to do something I love: cook for people and impress them with my unexpected culinary skillz. 

I'm just going to be real with you- I'm a pretty good cook.

 After learning the basics from my very talented mother and both of my grandmothers (one is  a published cook book author and the other is Julia Child's cousin) I've spent my adult years honing my kitchen skills with varying amounts of success, and this summer I really hit my stride. Preparing multiple meals a day for 6-25 people who were *paying* for meals is a whole level of pressure that I'm really really really relieved that I thrived under. 

My mom owns and runs two Bed and Breakfasts and a catering company in Vermont, but while she was out of commission after her stroke I took over the kitchen operations for the most part. It was exciting. 

You can check out the B&Bs here and here. 

While cooking my favorite Green Bean Casserole (I make it fancy, guys) I decided it's about time I add a cooking element to what I post here...so get excited. It's coming your way soon. 

In the meantime, I want to have a semi-serious conversation about carryon bags during the holiday season. 

While I was working BOS-PHL flights yesterday it was clear that all the college kiddos were heading back to school. I swear half of the plane was doing homework and/or carrying a combo of the VB duffel and a Northface Backpack. 

Ladies, for the love of all that is merry and jolly, PLEASE STOP WITH THE VERA BRADLEY DUFFEL BAGS WHILE FLYING.

Look, they're fine when you're driving somewhere, but trust me when I say that you are going to deeply regret your bag choice about ten minutes into walking around the airport with it. 

Personally, VB patterns have never been my favorite, but I do own some cute duffel style weekender bags which I adore.

This baby from Kate Spade is similar to the one I bought years ago, and this delightful monogrammed option is one that I love using all summer for trips to the beach. 

THEY ARE NOT GOOD TO FLY WITH. 

They're adorable bags, I get it. 

But once they're full of stuff they are FAR too heavy to schlep around the airport comfortably.  

You're going to end up overheated as you awkwardly try to gallop through the airport to catch your next flight, trapped under the weight of a duffel bag that is way too awkward to justify how cute it looks in your snapstory about heading home for the holidays. 

Learn from my past mistakes and my professional airline experience. 

Add this brilliant wheeled carryon bag to your Christmas list right now and thank me later when you're using it to fly home after the December Holidays.

This is easily the BEST carryon bag I've ever worked with. It's designed in such a smart and practical way. I'm in love with it. 

While you're at it, if you MUST carry a backpack, make it this one. You'll be able to haul your books to class and when you enter the real world you'll have a bag you can slide over the telescoping handle of your wheeled suitcase for easy airport sprinting. 

Again, really really smart design. I can't get over how perfect it is for ease of use while traveling. 

Personally, I think a tote bag is a far more attractive choice for your travels.
Longchamp is always a good idea, but it's best to make sure that your second bag has a way of securely attaching to the telescoping handle of your rolling bag. It is SO MUCH easier.

Why not invest in a really GOOD bag like this one that I've been coveting?

Ah Tumi, how I love thee.

Making smart bag choices now will save you a lot of time, energy, and stress while you're en route to your holiday destination.
Have fun!

What an Autumn

The election is over and the dust is starting to settle, at least in Vermont. Nationally it still feels like so much is uncertain and frankly pretty scary.

I didn't win this time. While I'm sad, I'm really ok. I feel so lucky to have received such amazing support from so many people and at the end of the day, sometimes what really matters is that you tried.

Failing is rarely ever failure.

 

Right now, I'm trying to get some sleep. I'm looking forward to spending more time with friends, more time with Martin and his family, and more time traveling. Generally just more time doing things that are fun, like my real job as a Flight Attendant and blogging.

 

Once I've rested a bit, I'm going to get back up and fight. I'll continue to fight hard for equality. For kindness. For optimism. For the values that truly make America great.

I am so proud of this nation we love and I know that we are stronger together.

 

We can do this.

Things I'm Coveting: My Birthday Wish List

My birthday (i.e. the BEST DAY OF THE YEAR) is in nine days. I've been so focused on campaigning, flying, and organizing the I actually forgot it was so close until Martin reminded me last night. 

I'm not hard to shop for... as long as you have excellent taste and buying experience for Monelle. 

For everyone else, here are a few things that would make excellent birthday gifts this year, in plenty of time to order them for June 24th arrival. You're welcome. 

TOMS 'Election Charms' Wedge Sandal (Women) • Toms • $78.95

I legitimately don't know if these are a "want" or a "need". I'm pretty sure I need at least five pairs of these to get me through future elections too. 

Kate Spade New York 'metro' Leather Strap Watch, 34mm • Kate Spade • $195

Y'all know I love working international flights. I figure this baby will draw some Crew Scheduling karma my way so that I'll end up in Europe more frequently. 

GiGi New York Personalized Pebbled Leather iPhone 6 Case & Wallet • GiGi New York • $123

A beautiful and practical gift. I've been coveting this case for about 18 months now. 

Kate Spade New York Stefy "Let's Fly Away" Suede Skate Sneaker, Navy • Kate Spade • $198

HOW PERFECT ARE THESE???

Jetset Candy Jfk Necklace Charm • $98

I'm in love with Jetset Candy. This is the JFK charm, but ideally mine would be PHL or one of their other adorable destination charms. They have this USA Passport stamp one that is adorable. 

Disaster Designs Ltd. Girl Meets Voyage Travel Wallet • $44.99

I'm not usually this whimsical, but this travel wallet has SO much organization at such a great price. 

GiGi New York Parker Pebbled Leather Satchel • GiGi New York • $568

I'm turning 26. It's time for a really adult investment handbag (that can be monogrammed).

HERMÈS Un Jardin sur le Toit - Eau de toilette • Hermes • $99–137

This smells like fresh French elegance. #goals

Jet Set Expressions Necklace • Juicy Couture • $29.99

Easy and fun. 

Things I'm Coveting Today: 3.28.2016

Apple Watch Sport 38mm Silver Aluminum Case with Apricot Sport Band • Apple • $299

 I'm not really a "watch person" but since I'm required to wear one for work I figure I might as well make it one that tracks my steps and shows me my text messages in addition to telling the time. It IS 2016 after all. I've been considering making the switch to the Apple Watch for a long time now and now that my company recently announced we're all going to be getting raises next month...maybe the time to make the big purchase is coming?

Round Signet Ring - Size 7 • BaubleBar • $88

I have been pining for a signet ring for years now. It's so simple, classic, and perfectly personalized. This one would do quite nicely for me, thanks very much. 

Emma Drops • BaubleBar • $34

How perfect are these for spring?! I love having one or two really pretty and bold pieces that I can pop on with any boring outfit as a little way of saying "look how fun I can be!"

Gold Mary Links Bracelet • BaubleBar • $32

Classic and perfect. The end. 

Sonix 'Pineapple' iPhone 6 & 6s Case • $35

I'm allergic to pineapples but I actually love them, so instead of consuming them (no pina coladas for this girl, womp womp) I wear them and decorate with them. 

Sole Society 'Mason' Faux Leather Weekend Bag • Sole Society • $79.95

Rumor has it that the bottom compartment of this bag can fit THREE pairs of shoes, so basically I need to get my hands on it and test that out. 

I Flew! I Flew!

The last few months have been pretty slow flying for me here on reserve...like....reeeeeally slow.

On the one hand, it's been good to be able to focus on a few other things I've been working on and to get a lot of cross stitching done. 

BUT. Crew Scheduling FINALLY called me for a trip last week! 

I had layovers in Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and Phoenix and I just had the BEST time. 

In LA I was able to spend time with my Aunt Anna, Uncle Scott, and my cousins Sarah and Tommy. I hadn't seen these guys in about two years and it had been nearly 14 years since I'd visited them at their house in California. 

My Aunt Anna is also my Godmother and it's always been a fun Bright Family thing that we look extremely similar.

Meanwhile, I look just the slightest bit related to my not-so-little-anymore cousins. Sarah is a senior with SO many accomplishments and Tommy is a sophomore who is very talented in his own right and carrying on the Weber dynasty at their high school. I'm super proud to be related to them. 

It was so hard to say goodbye! 

The next day I ended up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where the weather was lovely. I took a nice long walk to the War Memorial and enjoyed the view of Lake Michigan.

When we got to Phoenix I immediately changed at the hotel and hiked about two miles to my favorite BBQ restaurant, Little Miss BBQ. I waited in line for two hours and it was completely worth it. That brisket and those jalepeno cheddar grits...mmmm. 

That night I worked the red eye back to Philly and landed around 6am. 

All in all, a very satisfying four days in the air!

Flight Attendant Work Packing List

Today I'm heading to the airport to sit "On Premises Reserve". Some airlines call it "sitting hot" or the "hot seat" but we just call in OPR at my base. Regardless of what it's called, the concept is the same. You go to the airport, bags packed and uniform on, to wait for Crew Scheduling to call you and tell you to RUN to Gate A45 to go work a flight to anywhere in the world. 

Normally we have to have a minimum of two hours notice before we work a flight, but when you're sitting OPR it can be as little as ten minutes. 

Sometimes when they call I feel a lot like Amy Pond.

The thing that annoys me the most about OPR is that you just have absolutely NO idea where you're going. None. 

So what do you pack for a 3-4 day trip with no set destination? 

My Work Packing List

Uniform dress

Uniform sweater

Uniform skirt

Two uniform tops

Uniform scarf

Six pairs of hose (they shred like Tony Hawk)

Three pairs of black tights

Work heels

In-flight shoes

T-shirt

Workout shorts

Sneakers

Socks

Sports bra

Black leggings

Black dress

Jeans

Button down shirt 

Long Sleeved T-Shirt

Toiletries kit

Makeup Bag

Scarf

Sleep Mask

Flip Flops

Pearl Earrings 

(I never bring "real" jewelry with me when I fly)

Vermont Necklace

Pearl Necklace

Shopping Tote

Additional Weather Dependent Items

Work appropriate boots

Light raincoat

Bathing suit

Riding Boots

Sandals

These essentials should get the job done, no matter where they send me, and no matter what kind of social event I end up participating in (unless it's black tie, but a surprise gala hasn't happened to me yet).