Packing Your Patience Pants

I’ve talked before about “packing your patience pants”… so much so that people now reference this with me. (i.e. “We were stuck for 4 hours, but luckily I packed my patience pants.”)

I’ve also asked if people have a specific travel outfit. My uniform has become some version of this… comfy, stretchy palazzo pants, a breathable short sleeve shirt, a mask (in my pocket), a pair of Rothy’s or Tieks, and some pashmina or shawl to keep me warm on the plane.

Travel has been back for quite some time, but the lack of airport staffing, pilot shortages, extra demand for fewer flights coupled with regular weather, and travel shitshowery means that things aren’t going to be smooth sailing for a while.

• Plan on delays.

• Pack accordingly in your carry-on, with an extra change of clothes, definitely underwear, snacks, and all necessary chargers.

• Download your airline app on your phone. Often delays, new alternatives flight options, and flight updates can be found quickest here. And when a flight is canceled or delayed, often time is of the essence.

• Make a plan with your travel companions ahead of time. If your flight is canceled, will you split up seats if it means getting out on the same day? Will you take a bump? Will you promise not to fight with each other?

• Buy Travel Insurance. It’s not just in case you cancel your trip, but also helps cover additional expenses when your flight is delayed or you have unexpected delays. You don’t want the change in your plans to mean that you will have a huge change in your trip budget.

• And for the love of all the is good…. Be nice to the airline employees, gate agents, front desk workers, and hotel employees that showed up for work. Often times they are not the ones that caused the issue affecting your travel and putting bad travel karma out there isn’t going to make your trip smoother!

And above all, call your travel agent for help… or so I can find you a private jet!