Not to worry, this is not another series, just a post and a relatively short one at that as there is only one rule: Dress nicely and be polite. Now, I am sure that my fine readers (and ps. I had the chance on my trip to meet some folks who complimented me on you all) know this and put it to practice. But we can all use a little reminder now and again.
Did I get upgraded, or surclassé on my flight home? I sure did. When I heard “Will Ms. Heather Robinson please come to the desk for a new boarding card?” I thought a silent “Yippee!” but kept quiet and did my best Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday imitation as I casually approached. True, at the initial check-in, I had begun with “Good Evening,” concluded with “Thank you so very much” and avoided making any kind of desperate, wishful comments upon learning that Economy was full. As for being polite, well, as someone who worked in luxury hotels in my younger days, I know that 85% of people are nervous when they travel. And nerves do not a polite person make. Those other 15% are like a ray of sunshine. So, Keep Calm and Carry On.
The attendant had already given me a quick once-over immediately at check-in and was well aware that I was not wearing sparkly bunny slippers on my feet (as was one of my fellow passengers, I kid you not) nor a velour tracksuit marked with embroidery across the derrière. I have to say that I am at a bit of a loss as to when and how it became the norm to wear such attire in such a situation. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am (a little wistfully) not of the hat and gloves generation but really, I have respect both for myself and for the act of travelling itself, which is nothing short of miraculous. Black stretchy jeans will do just fine in a pinch along with a simple sweater (ok, and my beloved pashmina didn’t hurt). And do you really need to carry on your bed pillow? Methinks not.
Call me a little punchy with the jet-lag…I am! But at the time I was très, très contente to sip a 2006 Saint-Estèphe as I zoomed over the Atlantic as well as to have been given an adorable little gray patent vanity kit (you have to love that term) with socks, moisturizer, etc. (pps. On long haul flights when I am in economy, I always look to snag an untouched one from Business on the way out–brushing one’s teeth does wonders for jet-lag). True, that feeling was nothing compared to the real happiness that surged up into my throat as I descended the escalator in Marseille and Remi and Ben slid into view.
I had a truly wonderful trip. Nothing but great moments. And just so much love from my Mom and Sister. It was like being swaddled in the finest silk every single day. Except better. As usual, I took far too many photos as I really think Ann Arbor is a fantastic town so I will be doing a bunch of short posts (please don’t feel pressured to leave comments!) once I get unpacked and there is slightly less fog on the brain. It feels good to go, good to come back. I love travelling.
Thanks so much Aidan–that felt like a hug! I know you must understand how hard it is at times to be so far from the rest of your family but yes, it does feel wonderful to have been welcomed home! I know that I am behind on your blog, will visit soon. I am still so jet-lagged! Arrgghh…
Bon-weekend,
Bisous,
H
Merci, Stacey! I can't imagine you in coach but am sure you are the most fabulous passenger there if you are. 🙂
Oh I love that story!! And yes, a bit unusual for the attendant to be so silly with you but tant mieux! I actually wasn't on standby but booked in coach, which honestly on Air France is not bad at all. The Paris-Detroit planes are 2-4-2 in terms of the seat configuration, which makes a huge difference. On the way over, I was on the aisle with only one gentleman next to me. He was a farmer just coming back from his first trip to Europe. He lives in Illinois so I am hoping that neither he nor his family were effected by yesterday's tornados.
What a great treat. Being polite and cool always pays off, you're right. And for you it paid off big-time.
Welcome 'home'. I'm so happy for you to have a warm, loving family on both sides of the Atlantic.
bisous,
aidan
Always love an upgrade!! So glad to hear you had a wonderful trip. And of course you can imagine how I feel about the state of travel attire – I'm sure you looked appropriately chic!
WEre you flying standby perchance? Know the feeling oh too well. You will love this: On leaving Paris this last Jan. my travel buddy who works for an airline, was called up to the desk. The lovely French girl said, "Madame you will have Business Class.". I stepped up next and she looked very sad and said, "And you will have economy……Just Kidding! and gave me a big smile. I've never known the French to be quite so lighthearted and needless to say I was overjoyed to be having a mimosa to sip on the plane.
About the dress. I'm appalled at how people dress on flights. I saw someone coming from Paris in what appeared to be pajamas!
V
And as my Grandma Grover used to say "being nice doesn't cost anything". 🙂
Merci, Francine and your response does not surprise me in the least–I would expect nothing less of you! It just feels better to look at least like yourself when you travel. When Remi and I were on the road so much, I had a broken-in Hermes scarf that I took with me on every trip (to use as a head wrap in Islamic countries, to keep dust out of my mouth off road, etc.)–again, to me it was always about respect for myself and others.
As for your little bags, yes I have always done that too. A little spray of Avene water (what a difference!), a calming moisturizer, rose hand cream, earplugs, a sample vial of perfume plus a bit of makeup for the end of the flight and lip balm. I feel your pain about being scared–I can only imagine how hard that must be for you as you love to travel so much–it is a big price to pay. But oh so worth it! And yes, I back you up on using your points to upgrade whenever possible–for you it really must make a huge difference!
You know what? We went to see Wynton Marsalis play and I have to say that the vast majority of people were appropriately dressed–you could tell that they had at least made an effort! And yes, I most certainly remember "dressing" to fly–as you said that really wasn't that long ago and applied to kids too!
Appropriate dress and behavior never hurts.
Best…Victoria