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!
Have a wonderful time in Portugal. I hope you don’t have a giant man on each side of you on the plane. Because I’m small they just framed me in and said seats available to change. I haven’t flown in a decade. I always would get sick! Not worth it. We drove to visit family for years. Now they drive to visit us. You outfit looks very comfortable and stylish.
There use to be a Canadian airline called Wardair back in the 70’s. We use to fly from Toronto to Florida for a break from the winter. You would be served a full 3 course meal on china and silver plated silver ware. This would also include a glass or 2 of wine. And that also included white linen napkins. Toronto to Florida is only a 3 hour flight! Oh, those were the days.
Those were the days! I remember service like that too. In coach.
I hate flying now. It used to be fun and exciting. The food on my last two international flights was inedible. I vote yay on the Air Tags, but be warned they aren’t foolproof. The airline managed to lose my travel wheelchair on a flight from London to LAX. The Air Tag says it’s in their baggage department (still, after two months) but telling them that has fallen on deaf ears. On the bright side, they did spring for a brand new replacement, newer model even, so I have a chair again. My old, trusty chair languishes somewhere in the bowels of LAX, and no one cares. (Well, at least the Air Tag is there and active.)
Wow! No wonder baggage departments are a disaster. It was easier for them to just replace your wheelchair than go find it. Sign of the times I guess.
Happy travels.
I would love for you to post your clothing combinations and items in your suitcase and travel bag. I always try to pack light and end up bringing too much! I’m in England at the moment, but the weather has not be very cooperative. Hurricane Lee has caused many rainy, windy, and unpleasant days in the Lake District. But, Carry on and always carry an umbrella!
Thanks. Porto is a favorite city! Hope your weather is sunny and warm!
I fear I packed for colder weather than we will be having. I may have to shop! I’ll put a list together.
Have a fabulous time in Portugal. I was there about 5 years ago and absolutely loved every minute of it! And found out, while in Porto, that I love port wine! Don’t miss Nazare if you can fit it in. It was absolutely mind boggling to see the world’s largest waves in person. And make sure to have lots of the Pasteis De Nata pastries while there. Yum! Loved the food there as well. I would go back in a heartbeat but like you I would like to be Samantha on Bewitched and just twitch my nose to get there. Used to love air travel but those days are over!!
Thanks for those tips! Checking now to see if we can get up to Nazare. I know these breads and pastries will do me in 🥰
Jennifer,
Yes, yes and yes.
Kudos to you ( and the fellow readers) for your accurate assessments of airline travel these days. It is SO tiresome and something we must endure to get to our destination. It is unfortunate that the airlines in the US have gotten so pitiful.
You can ask the flight attendant to raise the temperature in the cabin. Nobody…or nearly nobody…asks them so they seldom have reason to not comply. The few times I did this, they raised it. On overnight overseas flights, I use a sleeping pill on an empty stomach to get me to sleep right at take-off time. I find that even 5 hours of solid sleep is enough to make the remaining flight time tolerable. And do use the video system when offered. I find that watching movies makes the time pass quickly. For domestic travel always ask about the first class fare. There are a surprising number of flights where it is only modestly higher than coach. Domestic first class is no longer a luxury experience but it is better. This week I flew LAX to SFO one way for $138 first class.
WOW! You got an amazing price. I do watch the movies to help pass the time. That and my knitting helps to keep me entertained.
Many of my siblings fly. I have not flown for over 20 yrs. The reason being due to a health issue. I have gone places just have traveled by other means. I know that flying used to be one where you thought of it as special. But from what my husband and siblings have stated –it is more like you are packed in. One brother lives in Europe so coming back to the US is always and adventure. This is the same thing that another sibling who lives in Australia states.
I count myself lucky because I have to rely on myself–usually driving–to get where I want to go. Ok when I did go to Europe I took a boat–as I was on a trip with my father then and that was how he wanted to travel. This was 18 yrs ago. My husband flew over and had to take three flights to get to meet up with us. What an introduction for him to Europe.
Have a wonderful trip! Love Sue Grafton, she’ll help u get thru center seat 🙁 Yr neutral travel outfit looks comfortable & classy (but I’ll stick w/black & navy, always seem to spill something on the way); no problem having the waist bag *and* carry-on + pers’l bag? I like that!
I love black with navy too. I packed a lot of it.
Hope you have/or have had a great flight to Portugal. I’m a little late! Love your all neutral outfit. Can’t go wrong with neutrals. Also, love your wrap. It can definetly be a hassel getting somewhere. Sometimes I wish I could just wiggle my nose!! Have a Great Time!
I’ve often thought about how easy it would be to just wiggle my nose, like in Bewitched, and be there.
It will all be worth it!
Portugal will make you so happy you made the effort!
So glad that you make us all realize how important it is to look “put together “ when you travel. I think you are treated better when you show you care. Looking forward to your posts from Portugal 🇵🇹
I like to think we are treated better when when we take the time to dress nicely. I know that I feel better and hope the airline staff feel appreciated for all their hard work.
Great travel outfit! We’re leaving next week for Rome and then our 11 night cruise. Traveling from Denver to JFK to Rome is gonna be a long day but I’ve done my research on how to survive long flights, so I’m hoping for smooth travels. Can’t wait to see your Portugal posts!
Have a fabulous trip!!
I had to laugh at this as I am a flight attendant. It is tough traveling these days- full flights, delays, weather, etc. As airline staff, we know it’s rough! And then the boarding music!! I always turn it on as lowest as it will go. Hope the trip to Portugal is worth it!!
Thanks Kathy. I appreciate you! That music is bizarre 🤣
Enjoy your trip! I am looking for new luggage for an April trip to Europe, and have been looking at the Away bags. Would be very interested in knowing more about what you think, and if the standard size carry-on bag that you are showing was compatible with European airline requirements.
I have the big carryon and love it! I also own the smaller Monos which would be better for European airlines regulations. They both roll like a dream. Luggage has come a long way since I bought my dinosaur Hartmanns
I always preboard flights, and I’m never questioned. If possible fly business class it’s a life changer, worth the miles or$ for a long flight. United also has a middle class with roomier seats that are like a recliner. My flights were cold too. I always wear the Juliette coatigan and have a pashmina in my tote.
I love that Juliet coatigan! Perfect for travel. I agree business class makes a big difference. Coach is tough.
How clever of you to realize wearing neutrals would have a calming effect on you for your second travel day. I’m tucking away that thought to use in challenging circumstances. I think our discomfort in traveling increases with aging – a real challenge to stay positive in spite of noise, discomfort and the inevitable surprise changes thrown our way. Airports are great places for people watching, though, aren’t they? I always appreciate seeing people who dress well for travel. Enjoy Portugal
I agree Ruth. It’s much harder than when we were younger.
My husband and I have been flying often (for pleasure trips) for the past 25+ years. We both agree that it has become an unpleasant and stressful experience rather than the exciting route to an adventure it used to be. My husband says the flying experience has now become what he imagined a greyhound bus trip to be like!
Lol, your husband is hilarious. Things have sure changed.
If ever again I travel by plane with checked luggage, I will take old clothing in an old suitcase. It’s a pain to shop for new clothing upon arrival, and there’s no guarantee that I would find my size, but an extra outfit, underwear, socks and sleepwear will be in my carry-on. I will allow an extra day at a major centre upon arrival. Strange times!
My hand held always holds a change of clothes, (2 tops, one bottom) medicines and toiletries. I could survive a long time on that.
I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous, relaxing time once you reach your destination. Enjoy!
Your travel outfit is perfect and I love the scarf/wrap.
I just finished reading “X” and now I’m selecting re-reading my favourites from her series. Too bad she passed away before she wrote “Z”.
Her writing is great!! So excited.
We read all the Aphabet series audiobooks on long car trips a few years back. Whenever Kinsey was in a dangerous spot we always said, “if only she had her mobile phone!”
I do so dread flights. Just keep your eye on the prize! Portugal! Wow! Hope to make it there someday. And you look marvelous! Enjoy!
Thank you Susan.
Just have to say, I was lucky enough to go on a 10-day trip to England with my daughter this summer. There were no problems on the 11-hour nonstop flights out of San Francisco and home from Heathrow on United. For the first time in my life, I splurged on premium economy and it was worth every penny. I was able to sleep using the sleep mask recommended by Jennifer. I used my face mask on the flights, but did come home with COVID caught while in England, so continue to take the same care when you travel as when at home.
I’m so sorry you got COVID! It seems to be everywhere again.