I like to read and there is no better way to pass the time on a plane than reading a good book.  Last Christmas, my family bought me an IPAD and one of the first things I downloaded was the Kindle App.  Since then, I carry the IPAD on all flights and usually have at least one book I am reading on there.  There is a book I have been reading with a Men’s group I am part of that isn’t available on Kindle.  So I have been carrying around a paperback for a few weeks.  Before I continue on, I have to preface this by saying I have a bad on habit on planes.  Yes, I know, its hard to believe but I do.  My bad habit, I stick things in the seat back pocket in front of me.  I always stick a newspaper in there, the IPAD, my cell phone and whatever else might be in my hand that I might want to access during the flight.  My wife has ridiculed me for years for doing this.  She tells me that pocket is not for my personal items and I am bound to forget something.  Plus, think of the germs.   Well, last night it happened.  That paperback I have been carrying for 2 weeks is LONG GONE.  In the words of my loving supporting wife, “You fool!  It was bound to happen!”  Thank you dear for the support. 

There have been countless times I have found stuff in those pockets and I think, “What kind of person leaves stuff in here?”  Now I know what kind of person, me.  I haven’t felt so irresponsible for some time.  How could I do this?  I think about all the flights I have been on over the last few years and I have never left anything on a plane before.  I suppose it is a blessing that is was a $20 book and not something more valuable to teach me this lesson but still, I feel silly.

This flight had distraction written all over it.  A delay because of weather before takeoff, a delay once I landed because another plane was at our gate and I had a short connection that was getting shorter.  I started reading once we finally took off.  I had a bit of headache so I put the book in the pocket and closed my eyes in attempt to relax.  When I my headache passed, I took in the view of NYC while landing at Newark airport.  I did not put other things in the pocket.  This time, I only put the book.  This was part of the problem.  By only the putting the book, it was more easy to forget and I was distracted by the other things going on.  I realized it as soon as I got on the next plane and reached into my back pack looking for it.  My initial thought to myself was, OH POOH!  Have I done the unthinkable?  I could already hear my wife in my head.  I won't live this one down for a while.

Here is my advice travelers, or should I say my wife’s advice, do not put things in the pocket in front of you.  Its that simple.  The chances of finding a forgotten item on a plane are slim to none.  There is the occasional success story but they are rare. 

Travel safe!

Carry ON

I know I have ranted about this before but because of this mornings experience, I feel it's worth mentioning again because people are not getting the hints.  You can only bring 2 things on the plane!  Ladies and some Guys, your purse is considered 1 of those 2 items, no matter how big or small.  Therefore, you can not bring your computer bag and roller bag with your purse.  I watched a woman argue with the flight attendant for more than 10 minutes this morning on this topic causing the plane to leave late.

Speaking of carry on's, folks, don't try to roll your bag down the aisle of the plane.  Pick it up and carry it.  The room for error is very small and the likelihood of you whacking someone in the knee is very high.  Plus, you look really silly when your bag catches the arm rest and throws you backwards.

Regional Jets are the new normal in flying.  Airlines are using them more and more because of efficiency and to limit supply of seats.  Therefore, your carry on that could easily hold a baby elephant will not fit in the overhead.  Check it and save yourself the embarrassment.



It's getting cold out which means everyone will be wearing coats again when traveling.  DO NOT PUT YOUR COAT IN THE OVERHEAD.  They take up to much space.  Hold it, put in the seat in front of you or here is a concept, leave it on.  It's kind of like my shoe argument, if it's that uncomfortable, don't wear it.

On a separate note, don't drink heavily in airport bars or take lots of medication before flying.  It doesn't end well for anyone.  I sat beside this lady on a recent flight. 

She was out cold for the majority of the  2+ hour flight and when she was awake, she was incoherent and made a fool of herself on more than one occasion.  She could hardly stand, speak and her bowel movements were out of control.  This was to the displeasure of myself and the people sitting beside us.  Take care of yourself before and during flights.

More to come soon!