Adventures In Flying For The First Time In 20 Years

OK, I don't get out much, so a trip that requires flying, is a big deal for me.

Last weekend, I extended my weekend to four days to visit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and visit places around Memphis, Tennessee.

It's been almost 20 years since I last flew in an airplane. My round trip flight included five airports and two layovers. I spend a lot of time in airports waiting for each flight, but it gave me time to find the terminal and explore each airport.

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Being that it had been a long time since I last flew, I wasn't sure what to expect. I took to the internet and read up on the do's and don'ts of airline travel. Empty your pockets, take off your jacket, belt and shoes, show any liquids and electronic devices.

It's interesting the difference of scanning equipment each airport has. At the Memphis airport, I had to step into a body scanning machine that rotates around you. That was interesting. Even though going through security requires many steps, it wasn't a bad experience, and I got through quickly and on my way the terminal.

Two of my flights were slightly delayed. One for high winds and one for de-icing. Both good calls in my opinion. One of my flights was only about a third full, so I got to move to a row with no other passengers. All the other flights were completely full.

I loved observing some passengers trying their best to cram overstuffed carry on bags into the overhead bins. On my last flight heading home, I decided to check my carry on (which was no added expense) so I didn't have to lug it on the plane and try to find an open overhead bin to stuff it into.

Now that I'm aware of what  today's flying experience is, it's not as bad as I thought it might be. Not quite the same as 20 years ago, but I do feel much safer.