Monday Musings- The Joys of Flying: My Travel Outfit
Happy Monday, ladies. We are off like a herd of turtles on our trip to Portugal. I always start a trip full of excitement, but the process gradually wears me down.
Airline travel is really beginning to lose its charm for me. In fact, I’m not sure it has held much for the last 20+ years. I still enjoy planning my outfit and dressing nicely to travel. But with flight delays, missed connections, long waits, and the lousy food at the airports, I end up looking like something the cat dragged in when I finally arrive at my destination. And when did airlines start blasting loud, obnoxious music throughout the cabin before takeoff and once you touch down? It’s beyond annoying to have to listen to someone else’s idea of music while you’re trying to schlep your exhausted self off the plane. Rant over…
The first plane was so cold I ended up digging this cashmere wrap out of my bag, and my husband wore his coat the entire flight to Boston. They label this a scarf, but it’s 30″x 82″, which I consider a wrap size. The new N95 masks I ordered were so claustrophobic I was glad I’d brought a few of my navy KN95 masks.
Day two of the flight marathon, I wore a whole lot of neutrals. I find them calming, and I knew I would need soothing before the trip was over. These are the Athleta Endless pants I mentioned in my private newsletter yesterday. They’re the only unwrinkled thing I’m wearing. 🤣 The knit shirt is as soft as a comfy pair of jammies, so I bought it in two colors.
A word about my carry-ons…yes, the blue one fits easily into the overhead compartment, and the beige one fits perfectly under the seat in front of me. Away makes great bags, and I’m thrilled with how well these work. They both have these Air Tags in them, so I can track them if I need to. I also discovered these new bags that actually follow you through the airport! There are quite a few brands making these, so hopefully, the price will go down soon.
They’ve just called our flight, so I’m off to cram myself into a center seat that the airline switched me to when they canceled our original flight. Fun times, ladies…but I have my knitting, so I should be fine!
I’m with you, Jennifer. There is absolutely nothing fun or exciting about air travel these days. I love to be in a different place but hate the getting to and from. It almost, almost makes me want to just stay home. When you arrive in Portugal, check into your hotel, freshen up and start exploring, you’ll get your second wind and feel wonderful.
We are excited!!
Safe travels Jennifer!
Portugal is on our bucket list. You always look so nice, thanks for your inspiration.
Godspeed!
Thank you Mary Ann
Ditto for looking neat whilst traveling. Question will be in Brittany, Normandy & Paris in late May early June next yr. Planning on navy & black pants with Blue (various hues) Black and white tops. Sound good? Suggestions
Yes! I brought lots of navy and black. I love the low contrast of them together.
When my husband and I travel we try to book a trans-Atlantic cruise on a Cunard ship, rather than flying. Then when we get to our destination we have acclimated to the time and are not tired out from a long cramped flight. Instead we have enjoyed our time traveling. Of course you still have to get on a short flight to a European destination.
Your travel wear choices are really good looking. Also your hair looks very nice. I know you’ve been struggling with it. I have my eye on a pair of the pants. Are you wearing a regular size or petite?
Keep your eyes on the prize of a fantastic stay in Portugal. You’ll have a great time!
We have friends who do that too. It sounds so smart! Thanks for reminding me. We well have to try it. I’m wearing the regular length.
I’m with you on flying, Soo over it! I’ll go just about anywhere if we can drive. I like to plan a nice outfit to fly in but I usually see people in our airports with sweats and pajamas on. I think maybe everything is getting too casual nowadays. Enjoy your trip and safe travels.
I did see some pajamas too! I’m just always surprised.
I have found the most wonderful masks! Happy masks is the name of the company. They have the same protection as the KN 95, but are comfortable, cute, and hand washable so you can use them over and over. Their customer service is outstanding and I can’t say enough good things about this company and their product! Nancy.
I’m going to check them out! Thanks Nancy
Jennifer,
Like you, I always try to look nice while being comfortable when on a long flight. Lately, I see people boarding the plane who look like they just got out of bed. Good to see you wearing a mask, we came home from Europe with Covid.
We’re seeing more people wearing masks than last time we flew
I think flying affected all of us after 9/11, never been the same. We have to fly to UK if we want to see our only granddaughter and daughter. The flight is a straight flight of about 10 hours from Dallas. We used to go to Atlanta first then on to UK, but that always went bad .
I can’t sleep on planes so I am a zombie when I arrive there. I get up constantly on the plane, because my sciatica from the seats gets pretty uncomfortable.
I hope you have a restful, happy, safe time there in Portugal.
I can’t sleep on planes either
Oh boy do I hate the center seat! We do anything to avoid them, usually booking two aisle seats so we sit across an aisle from each other for shorter trips. Longer trips I wouldn’t do that. It’s awful when they cancel and rebook a seat like that. We just took two flights, ending in Boston. Altogether, the day was get up at 3:30 AM, fly, connect, fly, rent car, drive to destination. We were exhausted after that 13 hour day. Getting older does not make it easier!
This was a grueling day. It’s absolutely harder because we’re older
Enjoy your trip! I agree about flying. It used to be fun and exciting, and now it’s a necessary evil to be endured to get to your destination.
Wishing you a better second leg, Jennifer! You’ll soon be at your destination.
Thanks Paulette
Happy times ahead in Portugal. We just returned from two wonderful weeks in Newfoundland. Yes, I’ve seen Come From Away twice. Despite knowing I wasoing since Christmas, I decided to go ake my hubby’s advice and take between 7 to 10 outfits to nstead of whatI had wanted to take. Just one dress then, a lit of comfy pants and about three pair of pajamas. That turned out alright as I was able to wash a few pair of underwear and a couple of pants when we were at a three day stay.I had asimple carryon sports bag the neighbour had given us and ut was adequate and I had bought a huge purse in the spring as it carrried my oills and a book and lipsticks etc. One regret I had if I hadthe chance to do overwas to purchasea carry-on with wheels as hefting both bags took a lot from this old gal hlHave fun in Portugal. It is on our bucket list too!
Wheels are mandatory for me! Good for you!
Oh boy… I get you. It’s getting where I don’t wish to do long flights anymore. The whole experience is draining. I’m over it. Having said that I look forward to your posts about this trip. Happy trails.
I feel the same way about flying and we only go on 3 hour flights! Just a three hour flight turns into an all day ordeal! We fly from Florida to Boston. The problem with renting a car in Boston and driving north (about 25 miles on highway) is it takes as long as 3 hours to get to our hotel as it does to just fly there! Big Sigh! we have decided to fly first class from now on. I am tired of being stuck in the middle seat cause hubby likes the window! Have a great trip!
I think you’re wise. We don’t fly often so may resort to that from now on.
Jennifer, sending prayers for safe travel and patience. I ❤️ your small waist bag. So many choices of color and use! Enjoy Portugal!
Thanks
Your neutral outfit looks very classy and it sounds like everything you have on is very comfortable. Hope you have a wonderful time once all that travel is behind you!
Travel is a luxury so the ranting?
I’m certainly fortunate to be able to travel and thankful for that but it’s often a stressful, exhausting, and disappointing luxury.
I don’t blame Jennifer for her little ‘rant’ (although I hesitate to cal it that). Airline travel these days can be a right slog; over crowded planes full of poorly dressed, badly behaved passengers. Slop, passing as food served in cardboard boxes, surly flight attendants, lost luggage, delayed flights. Luxury is a business (or even better, a first class suite with Emirates or Singapore airlines) class seat with its lay flat bed, french champagne, decent food (which can be ordered ahead of time), helpful flight attendants – generally a much nicer experience. Good on Jennifer for her honest assessment of airline travel circa 2023
You nailed it perfectly! The “dinner” was in a box, mysterious looking and as it turns out, not edible. Thank goodness for protein bars. I remember meals with cloth napkins!
Oh, I so hate flying these days! Enjoy your trip once you get there, Jennifer. Looking forward to seeing all your vacation outfits.
Two days? What happened?
It’s definitely more difficult traveling… too bad.
I wear layers to stay warm, I take a packable down jacket, that works for me.
Hopefully your vacation in Portugal is fantastic!
Apparently a pilot called in sick and it threw off their schedule. And everyone else on those flights.
We just did the same thing only Italy. Just can’t express how much I hate the overseas travel experience…just the to and from part. I wish I could just drug myself up and be carried on and off the stupid plane! But…once you’re there and after a nice shower….the fun is ON! Enjoy Portugal….one of my favorite places we’ve been! The people are so kind and dignified, the coastline is unmatched and, if you like wine….you’re in heaven!
lol, me too
Oh, do I feel your pain. As a former airline employee who used to be so excited to take the next trip, what has happened to our industry? Deregulation was the beginning of the end of any kind of comfort starting in 1978, it devolved from there. I just grin, bear it, and know that once I get to my destination, I will love it!
@Denise: I too once worked for the Airline Industry (Canadian Pacific) and regardless the carrier or itinerary; Customer Service was a priority which IMO the same cannot be said today.
@Jennifer: Wishing you and your hubby a wonderful ‘n safe holiday and that your return trip will go more smoothly. -Brenda-