At the airport.

Newark, New Jersey.

My son Thomas (who is now an airline pilot) drove me here today, which worked out well for both of us since he’s heading to L.A. himself.

For me, well, it’s just always so special to have some “ride-and-chat” time with my boy.

We parted ways at the TSA for my flight. As a crew member, he doesn’t have to endure the usual TSA lines – which took a full hour of weaving – seeing the same people, shoes, and carry-ons with every zig and zag. Thomas headed for KCM – the “known crew member” line.

As we zigged and zagged, I observed. One woman was in tears, and alone. I just wanted to hug her. Teenage siblings teasing each other on the next turn as they chugged their water bottles before being told to toss them.

All of us quietly following the many rules that seem to change at whim.

I asked my son – does it always feel to you like a completely different experience every time you come to the airport? He said no, which is probably a good thing. lol. But I swear each time I fly, something has changed for passengers. Maybe it’s just me.

No one was yelling for us to take the iPad out of the bag or to put the iPad back into the bag. Shoes were not removed either. (Remind me I said that.) The line for TSA was lengthy, but going through the actual screening was quite efficient. Trays were larger and held a lot. And it was all so clean.

This time. lol. Talk to me when I head back.

The waiting area at the gate was full. No seats. I had had a seat, but carelessly walked away to get a KIND bar and it was taken upon my return. There I stood amidst a sea of people seemingly oblivious to everything but their hand-held screens.

Then, unbelievably, a young man stood and motioned to me, literally offering me HIS seat. Wow. I mean, I was too embarrassed to take it, but again, wow. Kindness and courtesy is still alive – even at EWR.

I found a seat…

And now, a fully grown man catty-corner to me is sitting here barefoot. No socks. No shoes. People really do think it’s their living room. I mean, the reason there are so few empty seats is because people CAMP OUT. They claim 2-3 seats for themselves, their bags, and whatnot – and they don’t budge.

The sense of entitlement seems strong sometimes. People think they bought the “seat” on the airplane, which always confounds me. No. You bought a ticket for a ride from point A to point B with lots of others.

Behave accordingly. It’s not that hard.

Flight is delayed 50 minutes. I’ve been texting with mon amie Nathalie, in Paris. In case you’re wondering, the answer is yes, I am heading to Paris to babysit the cats! I haven’t seen Luigi since last summer, so I hope he remembers me. I’ll let you know if his rooftop antics have changed. Stay tuned.

There’s a French couple across from me. I’m eavesdropping – not to be nosy – just to tune my ear. At this stage, I can pick up a lot more than my first trip. (See January 2022 for reference!)

On board and taxiing. Late, but they’ll make up time. They always do.

Plus à dire plus tard – de Paris!