My Red Giant Flight

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Flying has always been my favorite mode of transportation albeit also the one that prompts the most prayers.

See, I’m the type of person who can’t stay put in one place so I try to travel as often as I can. There’s something magical about the moment the plane takes off that just makes you feel like you’re bound for new and amazing adventures, memories, realizations and, if you’re lucky, a change in perspective.

But before getting to that point, interestingly, I’m also usually hassled by the experience prior. From frantically packing (I tend to procrastinate) to waiting for hours in the airport, running around, waking up early most of the time, the process of flying is draining for me which is why I never really dress up for trips. I associate flying with long forecasted hours waiting in the airport and walking for miles through different censors to get to your gate. I’ve had severely uncomfortable 16 hour flights so I do whatever’s needed to make flying much easier. I bring a sweater that can be turned into a blanket, a neck pillow, a book to kill time and anything and everything I deem necessary.

Now, while longer and further trips are more of a hassle and something to be gotten over with, shorter trips, especially local ones, are always welcome. However, flying local has a bad reputation. I’ve heard and experienced first-hand horror stories regarding delays with certain airlines, some of which I feel very strongly about.

Which is why I enjoyed my recent trip to Boracay. I flew with Air Asia who was gracious enough to host me and a few other bloggers to our favorite little getaway. The trip going we were seated by emergency exits so the leg room was a welcome surprise. The flights were also pretty fast. There was airport traffic on the flight back so boarding was delayed but the plane flew smoothly and quickly that we still arrived the time we were supposed to. It was actually so fast I didn’t even get shuteye because just as we were about to sleep we were already preparing for descent. That’s what you get when you’re with friends and you spend the first few minutes talking. I especially liked that we were updated by the pilot multiple times as to what caused the delay in boarding and how we were still targeting the same arrival time. I think we flew for 40 minutes as opposed to the usual 1 hour and 10.

I rarely eat during short trips because the pressure in high altitudes supposedly affects taste buds so food may seem bland but I heard (from Ana who was behind me) that the cookies were especially good not to mention, affordable. I did get tempted when the food cart passed by especially by the aroma of coffee but I opted not to eat. Options included Asian Fried Rice with Chicken Satay, Beef Caldereta, pancakes, burgers (for pre-order) and an abundance of snacks. Actually, now that I think about it I probably should’ve. They had Milo too so that was a complete waste of a chocolate milk opportunity.

The flight back was pretty cool because we got to take photos with the pilot and co-pilot, the crew and the cockpit which I’ve actually never seen in person before. See, our flight was fast we had the time.

Thank you so much, Air Asia, for the awesome trip and for graciously accommodating us. I can’t wait to fly with you again. It helps there’s an Air Asia App too for easy booking. I was already scouting the in-house magazine for my next destinations. Eyeing Kota Kinabalu and Sydney already and I can’t wait to make it happen.

‘Til the next trip with the Red Giant!