Just Plane Drama

I enjoy flying. I recall the first time I ever flew on an airplane. I was 14 years old and I was accompanied by my two cousins who were a few years younger than me.. We were headed to Los Angeles to spend a month with my aunt, Jane and her husband. We were given silver winged pins to wear on our shirts because we were minors. The flight attendants accompanied us to our connection gates.

That was back in 1988.

So many things have changed about flying since that fateful day on September 11th.

Likewise, MY airline travel has changed drastically because I can no longer fly footloose and fancy free. In fact, flying with small children is anything but loose or free.

Flying with children is akin to a crap shoot.

Each time I fly I am again reminded of a flight from Charleston to Philly. The flight? It was disastrous. I pray that today’s flight will be NOTHING like THAT flight.

Read on.

I was nervous. It was time to board the plane and I found myself outnumbered two-to-one. I took a deep breath and gathered our things. My two boys and I were ready to fly the friendly skies.

We stepped outside. It was a dark, rainy morning and we climbed the eight steps onto the plane. We quickly found our seats, stowed our carry-on bags and fastened our seat belts. It could be a wild ride. As the flight crew went through their water landing / emergency exit demonstration, I leaned my head against the head rest and shut my eyes.

Within minutes the wailing started. It started because he did not want to wear his seatbelt. He did not want to sit in his seat. I almost knew this would happen. Why is it that little boys never want to sit quietly?

Soon, he kicked his wail up a notch.

He was given crackers.

And then cookies.

He was quiet for the better part of twenty seconds and then he started up again. The roar of the jet could barely be heard above the wailing. People began to stare. That stares led to frustration. And then glares. This is EVERY parent’s nightmare on a plane.

This time he was offered a game. He hurled the game to the floor.

He unhooked his seatbelt.

What is it about the seatbelt that makes him act this way? I simply don’t understand. It should be obvious that when we are in a moving anything, he MUST wear a seatbelt.

The wailing continued.

Sweet mercy. I’d rather be anywhere right now. Anywhere other than aboard this aircraft. Please stop crying. Please sit still. Please play with something.

Nothing helped.

The pilot came on the loudspeaker. He could not be heard for all of the ruckus in the cabin. Frustration was setting in. The flight was little more than an hour. How long could this go on?

He was offered juice and finally, he began to wind down.

Could it be that the fit was over?

I closed my eyes.

I exhaled.

And thanked God that my two little boys were sound asleep.

That boy’s mama had her hands full.

The wailing did not bother me, because he was not mine. Both of our flights to New Hampshire were uneventful for me and my two angels.

Thankfully, between the Leapster, Pretzel Goldfish and apple juice my boys were content. A lady who was sitting across the aisle from us remarked how polite and well behaved my two boys were.

I would have to agree with her.

Well, I’m just sayin….

I am thankful that we arrived safely and without incident. Both boys loved flying and are having a great time with their cousins in New Hampshire. I am still praying for our two flights home, but, I will be optimistic and calm.

Oh, and if by chance YOU are the mother of that little boy who was on our plane today, you should totally forget about today’s incident.

I’ll bet that most of the passengers aboard the plane probably forgot about the wailing within minutes of landing… or at least by the time their ears stopped ringing.

Next time, you may want to upgrade your arsenal.

In-flight entertainment is a must. May I suggest a Leapster or other electronic device, goldfish pretzels, marshmallows, poptarts, candy…

And earplugs.

Tagged as: Alex, Motherhood, Stevie