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Archive For August, 2011

What Type of Passenger Are You?

August 25, 2011 · by Nikki

Having been spending a considerable amount of time on airplanes over the last few years, I’ve developed an eye for determining exactly the type of passengers I’m surrounded by on each flight. It’s important to make these distinctions as early in the travel process as possible so as to prepare yourself, especially during long flights.

I’ve compiled a list of the most common passenger types I have found myself next to on an airplane:

The Chatterbox:

This passenger is one to be particularly wary of. While coming across as friendly at first, the Chatterbox tends to want to turn your hour-long proximity to one another into a life-long friendship. This can be troublesome if you prefer to work or sleep while in the air.

The ‘Bow Thrower:

This passenger is easy to spot: immediately upon sitting next to you, your right to use the shared armrest between you will be revoked. If s/he is a violent offender, be prepared to be constantly nudged for the duration of your flight. Also important to note: if your shared armrest contains either a folding tray for use during meal times or the controls for a video screen in front of you, you may lose those privileges as well.

The Pungent Passenger:

Whether this is a passenger that has refrained from using deodorant, showering, or using proper facilities to relieve themselves, you will know them from a mile away. Additionally, there are also Pungent Passengers who do bathe themselves very regularly… in perfume or cologne. I was once so overwhelmed by the perfume of the woman sitting next to me that I could nearly taste what she was wearing during a quick trip from Boston to Washington D.C.

The Practical Parent:

These parents are a joy to be on board with. They have brought toys, games, snacks or movies for their kids, and make every effort to keep them entertained and out of your hair. And if their kiddo has a meltdown, they make attempts to soothe their child and try to minimize the effect said meltdown might have on those nearby. I can say confidently that I am un-phased by a kid having a screaming fit (they do happen, afterall) if the parent is being considerate. This isn’t always the case…

The Impractical Parent:

These parents are some of hardest to fly with. You’ll be able to spot one as they set their toddler up in their seat, and then promptly switch on a movie for themselves, open their computer or put on their headphones. They will pay no notice to their kids crawling over or yanking on nearby passengers, and only at the moment of meltdown will they act like they are, in fact, the child’s parent. If you are lucky enough to sit next to one of the youngsters associated with these Impractical Parents, be prepared for a restless and noisy flight. I have downloaded an app for my iPhone called DoodleBuddy for just such occasions. Keeps kids quiet and entertained (though usually requires intense cleaning of my phone afterward to remove the tiny smears and smudges left behind). No thanks to Mom or Dad.

The Sleep Leaner:

These passengers have what I like to call “Airborne Narcolepsy” and are usually sleeping before the safety demonstration has ended (good thing they paid attention), or at the very least, immediately upon completion of the in-flight meal or snack. You will notice that a seat next to one of them automatically deems you the mayor of Pillow-ville, so be prepared to support your sleepy neighbor – literally. Though many sleeping passengers manage to remain in their own tiny spaces, The Sleep Leaner never fails to take advantage (whether willingly or by accident) of a decent shoulder.

The Workaholic:

This passenger is so far “in the zone” that they are ignorant to the universal signs for someone needing to get by them to go to the restroom (such as the unbuckling of the seat belt, turning towards the aisle, or standing). When they do finally notice that you would like to get by, they often huff or groan at the fact that they have to move their laptop and temporarily stop working on that awesome slide they were about to finish (which, they will realize once they are no longer on a plane and have had some rest, wasn’t actually that awesome).

The Seat Kicker:

Unfortunately, you won’t notice this passenger until you want to kill them. The first few kicks often go unnoticed as people are settling into their seats. But by the 30th rhythmic kick to the back of your seat, you will probably be trying not to turn around and glare. Or in my case, you will turn around and glare.

The Oh-No-You-Don’t Passenger:

These passengers are far more rare, and because of this, more shocking. You will spot one of these dangerous passengers on long flights when you most need to recline your seat and sleep. Tell-tale signs include shaking of your reclined seat and/or tapping on your shoulder, and then asking you not to recline your seat. Yes, people, this really does happen. And if it sounds absolutely infuriating, that’s because it is.

The Loud Talker:

Another easy passenger to spot on a plane. Typically traveling with a partner or group, you will be able to hear every word of this person’s conversation no matter how far away from them you are seated. In fact, you may end up learning things about this person you wish you didn’t know. Noise-cancelling headphones are extremely valuable when on a flight with one of these passengers.

The Perfect Passenger:

Fortunately, I fly with these travelers all the time. They are friendly and may exchange a few words with you, yet only engage in conversation before takeoff and after landing (though occasionally you end up talking more with them, since they’re pretty awesome). They share armrests, apologize for any excessive, accidental elbowing, and are always happy to allow you to get to the restroom.

I strive to be a Perfect Passenger on every flight, though I’m certain I don’t always succeed. I have been guilty of being a Sleep Leaner and a Chatterbox before, but hopefully those days are behind me 🙂

For all the other Perpetual Passengers out there… are there other kinds of flying companions you’ve been introduced to? And what kind of passenger are you?!

48.868711 2.417708

Aer Lingus Takes a Figurative Nose Dive

August 17, 2011 · by Nikki

Recently I have been touting the virtues of international airlines. The standard services offered on such flights, usually complementary, are luxuries compared to anything I’ve experienced in recent years on domestic flights within the US. The past few months have afforded me several opportunities to fly with Air France, specifically, and I have been left with nothing to complain about (free wine to accompany my free and delicious dinner?! Yes please!).

But on this week’s Aer Lingus flight from Boston to Dublin I was asked a most shocking question: Chicken or beef?

For those who don’t know, I am a vegetarian (or pescatarian if you want to get specific). Now before you roll your eyes, let me explain my frustration here. I’m not trying to say “woe is me for not being able to eat a meal on a plane for free,” because let’s be honest: free meals are a thing of the past on US flights, and I’ll gladly take what I can get. But on international flights where people are converging on one plane from all over the world with different religious affiliations, health concerns and philosophical views, I find it hard to believe that not even a fish option is available (even if you were willing to pay for one). In a world of vegans and micro-vegetarians and who-knows-what-atarians, Aer Lingus is still constricting choice for its broad range of passengers and only offering chicken or beef.

I’m actually very used to having limited options as someone who has chosen to cut certain foods out of my diet. But for some people it isn’t a choice. And… it’s 2011. In the five years I’ve been a vegetarian, I’ve never been on a flight that didn’t offer a veggie or fish meal option (albeit for a price). Ever. Even in the US.

I still got to eat some salad and bread and a piece of individually packaged cheddar and had a bite or two of the dessert – which was cheesecake and tasted better than some I’ve had on the ground. But for being so behind the times, Aer Lingus’ reputation just got taken down a few notches in my book.

48.868711 2.417708

Home is Where the Food is

August 15, 2011 · by Nikki

While living in France I have definitely enjoyed trying new foods and exploring the Parisian culture through its cuisine. And although I certainly am not at a point where I think any one region’s food is better than another’s on the whole, there is definitely an element of comfort surrounding some of the favorite foods I grew up with.

As such, during my stay in the US, I made sure to try and get my hands on the foods I’ve been missing most. Being a New England native, there’s definitely a theme to the foods I’ve been seeking. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of the must-eat foods for those visiting the Northeast:

Portsmouth:

  1. Fried Haddock sandwich (with cheese) from River House on Bow Street
  2. Seafood chowder, also from River House
  3. Japanese Wrap (accompanied by a soy shake) from The Juicery on Hanover Street
  4. Anything on the menu at Shio on Lafayette street (near Big Lots), especially the miso soup 😉
  5. Tuna Melt (substitute cheddar for Swiss and hold the tomato) from The Works Bakery Cafe on Congress Street
Boston:
  1. Malai Kofta (preceded by the vegetarian platter as an appetizer) from Kashmir Indian Restaurant on Newbury Street
  2. Tuna Burger from Cafeteria Boston, also on Newbury Street
  3. Crab Cakes from Ned Devines in Faneuil Hall (surprising, but so good!)
  4. A large, original frozen yogurt with strawberries and chocolate chips (though toppings may vary) from Pinkberry, again on Newbury Street
  5. Clam Chowder from Union Oyster House on Union Street (but be warned: you will have the slowest service at this place, regardless of whether it’s dead or packed!)
  6. Lobster Quesadillas from Game On! Boston (another surprise, but these quesadillas could hold their own at any tex-mex establishment!)
Hopefully in a few months I’ll be able to post a similar entry about my favorite French foods. In the meantime, perhaps this can serve as a fish-filled, vegetarian-friendly guide to food some of the best food in Portsmouth and Boston.

Ciao! (literally)

48.868711 2.417708
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