"Here Let Me Get That For You" - Travel Diaries
Anytime I used to fly alone, I would always check in my luggage. Whether I was travelling for a weekend, a week, or a month… Point is, if I was flying alone that bag was getting checked in. Clearly, these were the pre airline fees days. Then came, “oh you’d like to check that bag in, hand over $25 and wait for 30 mins at baggage claim.” At 5ft 1in, lifting and stuffing a carry-on into an overhead bin is quite a daunting task.
However, many "single flights" later I have finally mastered the art of traveling alone with a carry-on bag. The secret, is to make sure you board the plane with a nice gentleman right behind you. No, I’m not crazy, there is a method to this madness. It’s a lot like dating actually. Just as you want to pick a partner that will support you all through life, you want to pick a man that will support you all through your flight, should any need arise.
Here is my guide to all my fellow vertically challenged ladies, on how to travel stress free with a carry-on bag.
****Before we start, there are few important things to keep in mind***
See Below:
If you like to arrive at the gate as the plane is boarding. Forget about it. You might as well join the boarding line and pray you can gracefully throw 30lbs over your head.
You will want to avoid any of the following men behind you:
Grandfather and older Fatherly types: Not that they aren’t perfectly capable by any means, but do you really want to be the cause of throwing out what could be your dad’s back because you overstuffed your carry on with one too many platform heels
The Douchebag with the Louis Vuitton duffle: Yes, I’m judging, but chances are he’s going to be too concerned about his overpriced duffle not getting scratched to help you with your carry-on bag
Anyone that looks like they might be riding in 1st class: Let’s face it, they aren’t going past row 5 to help you when they already boarded 20 mins before you and are sipping their cocktail – move on
Now that we have taken care of those housekeeping items, let's get started
First: Make sure you get to the gate a good 15-20 minutes before boarding starts. That’s usually around the time everyone starts making their way to gate and you need to be able scope out the potential prospects
Next: Narrow down your potentials and make your move. Engage in some small talk and find out what group they are boarding in.
If they are boarding before you or seated more than a few rows before you – mission abort – this man will be of no use to you – move on to the next guy
Same group as you or after – continue to engage in small talk as you both wait for boarding
Finally: As boarding starts, and the masses all attempt to board with Group One, make a light joke and wait a few minutes. --Unless, you are both Group One-- but regardless, once it's your turn to board, invite him by saying "I guess we should make our way". He will kindly agree and follow your lead. Now he's hooked.
Once you've entered the plane the deal is pretty closed. Arrive at your seat and as you begin to lift your bag, the Angels will start to sing and you hear the magic words: “Let me get that for you”. And up goes your overstuffed carryon bag to be safely secured for the remainder of the flight. Flash your million dollar smile and thank him kindly for his services.
**By no means is this strategy a way to say we women can't manage our own luggage or help each other out, but why not have some fun while we travel!**
