Flying Twice in One Week

A couple weeks ago I was in an airplane to and from New Jersey. It was my second and third flight this year which is pretty unusual for me.  My wife and I are pictured above. Here are some of my adventures in the air:

Having just read about Orville and Wilbur Wright I could not help but think of them as I was packed into a front row seat.  I imagined what a sardine must feel like in a can, but this had to be easier than the Wright Brothers trying to adjust their wings as the wind hit them in the face.  I did not feel any wind, but was very grateful for the air I could breathe above me.

On both trips we sat in the front row for more leg room.  Both planes were Allegiant, but the leg room was much better on the flight home. If you've ever complained about a car door or a door in your house banging, you have to get a front row seat to hear the bathroom door slam frequently throughout the flight.  I thought sitting up front was nosier, especially with the flight attendants right in front of us.

What can you really do on a plane? I slept a little and read a little and I found myself looking at my hands, which I don't do that often.  Somehow, all the hair on my hands were standing up? Does that happen to everyone on a plane? I wanted to stand up, but instead my hair was!

When we were leaving Denver Airport I was bracing for takeoff. I'm not afraid of them, but it feels better flying straight than upwards.  I closed my eyes and relaxed and waited and waited and waited.  Did I fall asleep during takeoff as I did on my first flight forty plus years ago? It took forever, but finally we did make it into the air.  I was told that the runways in Denver are so long that it takes an unusually long time to get off the ground.

I haven't flown much in my life, maybe 15-20 times at most.  I'm pretty sure I've had some very smooth landings, but neither trip would fit that description.  I was told that it is also common for landings to be a little rough.

Conclusion: Flying is efficient and they are organized, but I'd rather be driving.  I get the sense that despite the cost and the drive to airports, flying by plane will be around for a lot more years. I'll fly again next year for a family wedding.