Saturday, October 27, 2007

Flying the Not So Friendly Skies

For those of you who have been following the weather, you know that North Carolina has been in a serious drought. I don’t think we’ve received a decent amount of rain in over a year. That was until Wednesday, October 24---the same day I was scheduled to fly out of Raleigh-Durham International and into Kansas City for the Hallmark Bloggers Conference.

It had rained on and off all day. Now don’t get me wrong….having the rain was truly a blessing because I think we were down to about a month’s supply. BUT I was just hoping it could’ve held off just a little longer until after my trip was over. No such luck. It rained so hard that our flight was delayed by nearly an hour. That meant I wouldn’t get into Kansas City until around 9:30EST, which was 8:30 their time.

To make matters worse, I flew out on a little 50-seater plane on an airline known as ExpressJet. OK---maybe I don’t fly much but I have never, ever heard of ExpressJet. JetBlue—yes---ExpressJet---NO! My legs and back were so cramped during the two-and-a-half hour trip, I don’t even know how I was able to make it off the plane without falling over in complete agony.

On the company's website it says, "ExpressJet Airlines seeks to provide the most efficient and reliable regional jet service in all of its markets." I saw no mention of comfort so maybe that means they just haven't figured out yet that baby boomers like to travel in comfort.

OK---I know someone reading this is wondering why I’m complaining when this was an all-expenses paid trip compliments of Hallmark. I just want you to know that sometimes FREE isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I think if I have to fly on one of those little ExpressJet planes again, I’ll pass and just try to hitch hike my way. After all, walking is good exercise when you’re a middle-aged menopausal woman.

Oh and wait until you hear about the return trip home!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't like flying and I never heard of the company either.

Carine-what's cooking? said...

Oh Bev, Sorry about your experience! When our kids were little my parents generously sent us to Hawaii-we booked ourselves coach tix on American Airlines.
We were obviously younger, but we still felt as if we would die of pain! I sat all the way there in the middle of 5 seats-all my row mates were either very large or very old-none liked me very much when I had to go to the restroom! Meanwhile on the other side, hubby was trying to take care of our 3 & 5 year old.
not a fun trip.

Bev Mahone said...

Rhea,

I now understand ExpressJet is a subsidiary of one of the larger airlines and those type of planes may be the wave of the future because they're cheaper to build. WHATEVER!

Bev Mahone said...

Carine,

I think I might've been able to live thru the pain if I were going to Hawaii!!! Wanna share your parents?

Anonymous said...

Don't get me started on flying. It seems like any time I fly south, my flight is delayed. Drives me crazy.

Eileen said...

I am traveling with my husband next week. Thank heavens it not with this airline. I am already a reluctant flyer and my boomer bones get stiff when I sit in a comfy chair for too long. Ohhhh...I wish I was a first class traveler.