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Just another reason why I don't fly...

I hate traveling, both long car rides and any length of a plane ride. I am fairly certain I have mentioned that here, back in the height of my blogging days. Time, money, inconvenience, and, most of all, fear are the reasons. Unfortunately, my family is not close by. One brother is in TX, a plane ride away, and the other brother is in NC, a nine-plus-hour drive away. So, when a brother invites us for a holiday or other gathering, I rarely say yes (it helps that they do come to this area several times a year).

About a month ago, my NC brother suggested the three of us and our families along with Mom get together over Easter to celebrate Mom's upcoming 75th birthday in NC. Of course, my first selfish thought was that either I was going to have to suffer through a long drive in my crappy car, or I was going to have to shell out money for some plane tickets. I could not use work as an excuse, as I did last year when one of them invited me (I did not have enough vacation time at that point). But since Mom will be 75 only once, and I have blown off the last couple of family gathers, I decided to bite the bullet and buy plane tickets for me and J (I am not sure our car would make it that far, sadly). The hubby will be at home with our insane dog.

I watched flights online for a few days, and stressed about if I was waiting too long or not long enough. When the prices went up a few bucks, I panicked and bought our tickets. They weren't cheap, but we weren't spending four figures, so I decided to be okay with it. I had already (mostly) gotten over my bitterness about our little income tax return, so I figured I might as well spend that money on these tickets. 

Since our trip is now just four days away, I was considering what to pack. Then, I wondered if we would have to pay for baggage. I assumed you got one suitcase per ticket. Well, you know what they say when you assume. Apparently, US Airways charges $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second, which I find to be insane. I am not sure how I can fit five days worth of clothes for two people in one suitcase, but you can bet I will sure as heck try. SIL, it looks as if I will be doing laundry at your house!

I realize there is not much I can do about, and I probably should have read things more carefully (I could have sworn that when I picked my carrier, I read US Airways did not charge for the first bag, but clearly I was mistaken). But you can bet I will not be flying again anytime soon.

Here's hoping it goes well!

Comments

chris h. said…
You can do it with one suitcase! Mike and I went to the UK for 10 days with one suitcase! (And guy clothes are so big...) I never thought I could ever do it, but it was fine. I bought "packing cubes" which were great, but not necessary. Plan outfits and roll all your clothes tight instead of folding. Also, since you will presumably have access to a washer and dryer (we did, too), that will help, too.
Facie said…
Chris: We managed to fit our stuff in two large carry-ons, so we were able to avoid paying for baggage. Win!

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