Flying is not limited to heavenly journeys and destinations. Above all, it’s an opportunity to delve into a series of strangely universal rituals that we (almost) all repeat… whether it’s the first time or the twentieth! So, let it be said: boarding has its own habits.
1 – The famous location on social networks
Throughout the year, you are absent from social media… But as soon as your vacation approaches, you put yourself in the shoes of a real influencer. When traveling, we like to make it known, and the airport is the ideal place for the first check-in. With a photo of the departure sign, and why not a subtle caption to let friends back at the office know that we’re heading out into the sun. A little shoutout to the final destination on Instagram, and we already feel like we’ve left, even if we haven’t taken off yet.
5 foolproof tips to minimize the effects of jet lag and travel peacefully
Whether you’re an inveterate globetrotter or you take the occasional plane…Read more
2 – Transform your look to lighten your suitcase
You thought you had calculated everything with your suitcase, but the maximum weight still eludes you. And rather than paying extra, you adapt by putting on a t-shirt, two sweaters and your biggest jacket. Yes, it’s a little uncomfortable, but we tell ourselves that it’s the price of ingenuity. And too bad for looks, the objective is to pass!
3 – Mandatory use of the toilet (before and after security)
Even if you don’t particularly want to, a quick trip to the toilet before formalities costs nothing. You never know the wait will be long and you will have no way to leave the line without losing your position. No question of adding another reason to stress when the security checks are enough.
4 – Say goodbye to your favorite liquids
We know it, but we always let ourselves be surprised. These rules on liquids in the cabin, it’s almost as if they never existed… until the fateful moment of the check. So, we resign ourselves: goodbye shower gel, sunscreen or bottle of water. And of course, the freezer bag, supposed to act as a transparent kit, is never ready. We promise ourselves that next time, we will be better organized… without much conviction.
5 – The trip to Duty Free, essential even without purchasing
Duty Free is a bit like our pre-trip reward. Sometimes it’s just to watch; often, it’s to buy something, just to say that we’ve taken advantage of the “tax-free” prices. A perfume for a loved one, treats for yourself, or even an expensive magazine that you won’t have time to read. We wander, we hesitate, and we almost always end up breaking down.
6 – Call loved ones for a last goodbye
Before boarding, you review your repertoire: your mother, your partner, and perhaps your best friend. “ I’m going to take off soon, I’ll call you back when I arrive if all goes well! » A final reassuring message, and yet, it is often more for us than for them. We rarely get away from routine without a little dose of stress.
7 – Express return to the toilet
We just hung up and sat down to wait for boarding, but a worry overtook us. Another trip to the toilet, just to say that we have everything planned. And this is surely where we will meet other passengers, sharing the same obsession with the last check.
8 – Take a photo of the porthole, an essential classic
As soon as you are seated in your seat, the first instinct is to take a photo from the window, with a view of the wing or the clouds, depending on the time of the flight. And if we don’t post it right away, we keep it warm for arrival. An image that exudes escape, even if it resembles the thousands of others already taken before us.
9 – Test and retest the seat buttons
No matter how many flights one takes, each plane seems to offer a new configuration. So we spend a few minutes trying each button to make sure the inclination works… or to discover the famous button that doesn’t work. A curious, but reassuring ritual.
10 – Monitor the flight tracking screen like a co-pilot
Whether it’s a flight of one hour or twelve, we can’t help but take a look at the flight tracking screen, just to see if we’re progressing well or to reassure ourselves about the altitude. It’s like it makes the ride more real. We become co-pilot of our own flight!
11 – The ritual of chewing gum (or anti-stress tablets)
For some, chewing gum is a harmless gesture; for others, it is almost vital. Prepare your ears for takeoff and landing, or simply soothe your nerves. And for the most anxious, we take out the small box of relaxing lozenges. Everyone has their own way to stay calm at altitude!
12 – The anxiety of the suitcase on the treadmill
On arrival, the famous baggage belt scene. With our eyes glued to the parade of suitcases, we get stressed by not seeing ours arrive. Time seems longer than ever, and every second adds a little anguish. Then finally, a sigh of relief: our suitcase appears, and the vacation can officially begin.
13 – The post-landing phone call
As soon as we set foot on dry land again, the first mission is to reassure everyone. “ That’s it, I arrived safely! » We briefly recount the flight, the possible small turbulences, and the pleasure of being safe and sound. It’s a shared moment, like a little ritual of comfort for us and our loved ones.
Taking a plane is an art made up of little quirks. Between stress and excitement, we find in every flight well-anchored reflexes, which we cultivate without even realizing it. So, how many did you check?
