Last Updated on May 20, 2015 by Chef Mireille
Fondly, I remember vacations of my youth. My parents would pay hard earned money for plane tickets. In exchange, we received flights with sober and capable pilots a la Captain Sully of last year’s Hudson River landing. I remember resting comfortably with soft pillows and warm blankets, especially in long flights to Europe. We were given a choice between different options of warm meals. These are now fairytales of the past. Depending on the length of your flight and the airline, you now have to pay for everything from a cold sandwich to now pillow and blanket sets. Jet Blue and US Airways started the pillow and blanket sets back in ’08 and ’09 respectively and now American Airlines has followed. Currently this charge is for domestic flights only, but I think it is just a matter of time before they start charging this necessity on international flights also.
Cabin temperatures have to remain cool, I imagine to keep all the computers, etc. cool. I am not a pilot or a mechanic, but I am sure there is a reason for their cool temperatures. It is impossible to last more than about 2 hours on a flight, without needing a blanket. Sometimes, they are FREEZING. There have been times when I have been sitting in my seat under my warm blanket and have procrastinated going to the bathroom, only because I did not want to venture out into the cold cabin without my blanket for cover.
Flying has almost become more trouble than it’s worth. I say ALMOST because learning new cultures and seeing far lands is a passion I could NEVER give up, but the headache to get there is so frustrating. Necessary increased security measures – can’t even carry a bottle of water on the plane. Just pray I don’t choke before the flight attendant comes by with the beverage cart.
Due to the cost of baggage, some airlines now charging for even the first bag, many people try to squeeze all their necessities into on board luggage so they don’t need to check anything. Now they are going to have to try to squeeze a blanket also, unless they want to spend $8 on a pillow and blanket set. Granted, it is a one time charge as it is yours to keep and re-use, but that is just more stuff to add to your Packing List.
When you travel, check your airline’s website for all extra charges or call them and ask about:
- Pillows and Blankets
- Food
- Checked Luggage
I am just waiting to see what they will charge for next – bathroom use – nothing, unfortunately, would surprise me at this point!!!
Chef Mireille
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