Have you ever been seated on a plane, watching the rest of the folks pile in and searching for room for their carry-on luggage.  They get to their seat and there’s no room immediately next to their seat so the walk further back looking for space and still can’t find anything.  Then they start to look all angry because they can’t find anywhere to put their super carry-on (you know…the bag that just narrowly meets the specs for NOT having to be checked baggage).  And then they start to create backup on the plane because their seat is 5 rows back and they still have their luggage in hand with nowhere to stow it because it can’t even fit under their seat.  Its quite interesting to observe!

Well, if you’re one of the culprits who contributed to this person’s state of distress then you really need to re-evaluate your travel routine.  And you know who you are.  Those overhead compartments are precious real estate and taking advantage of being first on the plane leaves the rest of us out in the cold.   So here are some kindly and neighborly guidelines:

• Everyone has some place to be.  You’re not the only one with plans and a schedule.  So when making your plans allow time to pickup your bags from the baggage claim.  I know there are fees for checked bags these days, but it will relieve pressure when trying to navigate through the airport and the airplane.
• People sometimes think they’re adept travelers because they’ve managed to fix their bags so as to NOT check anything.  That only makes you a good traveler if one bag fits comfortably in the overhead compartment and the other under the seat.  If you consistently have problems with stowing your bags then re-evaluate your packing methods and point of view on checking bags.
• If you’re not checking any bags, then make use of the space UNDER the seat in front of you.  Airlines allow you one personal item and one carry on bag.  People often use one of those super carry-ons and a super laptop bag.  And then they stow BOTH in the overhead compartment.  That’s not very neighborly folks.  Those overhead compartments are meant for one (SMALL) bag per person.  If there’s space left after everyone’s in their seats then feel free to place your second bag up top.
• Realize that your super carry-on may be violating the standards and specs for an acceptable carry-on bag.  Yes…there are rules for what dimensions are passable for a carry-on bag.

Now, if you find yourself the situation of not being able to stow your bags on the plane, there’s no need to get testy.  It happens.  Especially on fully booked flights.  Just find a flight attendant and let them know the situation and they will find space for your bag your check it for you right then.  Which brings me to another point.  You never know when you may HAVE to check your bag.  So you should always put precious items in the bag that you won’t ever have to check.  This includes:

• Laptop
• Medication
• Jewelry

That way, when you find yourself in a situation of having to check your carry-on bag its not as dire of a situation because all the really important stuff is in the bag you keep with you at all times!

Happy Monday!

From My Travels!

In January of 2008 I was fortunate enough to take a fantastic trip to London.  One of my best friends and I planned a 4 day excursion, but I got to thinking…if we’re going to be in London then why not also go to Paris?!  Well, she couldn’t get the extra time off work, but I could.  So when the London part of the trip came to an end, she hopped a plane back to the states and I hopped a train to Paris!
Now, I had only ever been there once before about 7 years prior so its not as though I was familiar with the city.  I don’t even speak French!  So I was concerned about being able to navigate the city, by myself no less!  Before my trip I picked up a phrase book and reviewed what I thought would be some important things to know.

Now, I was told the not being able to speak French thing would not be a problem because most Parisians speak English, but at the same time I felt it would be rude of me to just assume the language barrier would not be a problem.  I figured that I may not be able to speak French, but at least demonstrating some effort would get me more than just a cold shoulder from the locals.  And I think my efforts paid off!

The French tend to get a pretty bad rap for being rude, but I didn’t have a problem (aside from one waitress, but I think that was just her general disposition).  Its my belief that whenever you are traveling to a country where English is not native language, the polite thing to do is to learn phrases that will help you on your travels.  At least know how to ask if they other person speaks English, that way if they don’t they may be able to find someone that does.  Also, for restaurant dining, be able to ask for a table, for the menu, and for the check.  Know what “exit” and “enter” signs are, and how to purchase train & metro tickets.  The things you will most commonly do on your travels are the bits to brush up on so that you won’t feel so much like a fish out of water!

Happy Monday!