My husband hates flying. The first flight we took together was years into our relationship. I convinced him to board a flight to NYC with the promise of endless pizza and tiramisu. After that flight, he became a two and a half hour flight type of guy. He’s willing to fly anywhere, as long as it’s a two and a half hour flight or less (and there is great food at the end of our flight).
Flash forward seven or so years later, after many flights throughout the United States, and it was finally time to cross the pond. I had been slowly wearing down John for years on the idea of a Europe trip and he could no longer deny that it was time once the Cursed Child play was announced. We bought tickets as soon as they went on sale and the idea of a Harry Potter filled vacation gave John all the courage he needed to jump on a flight to another continent. The fact that London is the curry capital of the world also helped.
We decided to fly on British Airways partially because they had a flight leaving JFK at an ideal time and partially because their flights from JFK to LHR are some of the fastest on the market. John was incredibly nervous about taking such a long flight and I was nervous for him. However, now that he has been on an international flight, he can’t wait to get on another.
John absolutely loved the pillows and blankets that were provided on the plane. The seats were extra spacious and the headrests were adjustable and glorious. We settled in for an early morning flight in comfortable seats and started our adventure with a delicious breakfast provided by British Airways. They offered a full English breakfast but John and I both selected the vegetarian option, a delicious frittata, roasted tomatoes, an english muffin, and fresh fruit. After breakfast, constant snacks, tea, and beverages were offered throughout the flight. John was so busy eating and watching Game of Thrones, he didn’t have anytime to actually be nervous on the flight!
I enjoyed trying out different British snacks that I haven’t had the chance to try yet. I slept beautifully. I drank all the tea. It was a lovely flight. When we landed I was full, hydrated, and happy.
Most importantly, when we landed, we were finally in London! Although it is the 8th country we have visited, it is the first we have actually flown to (one of the benefits of living near water) so it was incredibly exciting to land in another country.
If you or someone you are flying with is nervous about a longer flight, just make sure the airline provides great food and entertainment. It also doesn’t hurt to have a few great audiobooks ready to go on your Audible app and medicine that helps you sleep if all else fails. Now that John has experienced an international flight and explored England and Scotland, he’s ready for us to book our next flight out of the country. This will be country number ten and I can’t wait to see what we decide on!
