AS A FAMILY, WE STARTED WITH EASYJET,
This was a four-hour flight to Spain. A great first flight for the children. We had economy seats at the back of the plane and were testing our carry-on baggage. In Cornwall, we left with six suitcases,
three backpacks, and a couple of carrier bags. You should have seen us trying to board a train – it was hilarious! Then, getting through the London Underground was another adventure altogether.
We had narrowed it down to four carry-on suitcases and two backpacks. We were a bit nervous about carrying them on as it never stated anything about "personal items."
Once we got to Spain, we used Tyler’s suitcase to bring home the groceries, but one day, it gave way while we were bringing shopping back from the supermarket. We had to get a new suitcase and searched everywhere for the right one. Tyler saw one he liked – blue, with a combination lock. That was the one! But when we got to the airport in London, ready to board the flight to the USA, we discovered Tyler’s suitcase was two inches too high. I was in Gatwick Airport with my Swiss Army tool (which security had questioned but allowed through) and began unscrewing the wheels and stand to lower the height. This was fine, but there was a support stand that wouldn’t come off. “I need a hacksaw blade!” (which I didn’t have). Laura reassured me it would be OK, so I screwed the bits back on and cringed, hoping we’d get through Delta security without any problems.
What we noticed is that they don’t always have sizing charts or weigh machines as you board the plane, and there are people with much larger suitcases getting through than we would ever try to take on board. This gave me the confidence that my extra two inches would be fine.
We’ve always used dream boards, and our kids have too, for the last few years. We know what we like and what we want. It doesn’t come easy – we need to work for our manifestation. But with action and specific focus, we can create whatever we want. If we hadn’t spent three months living opposite Heathrow Airport, with our kids watching Virgin planes take off, I’m sure Virgin wouldn’t have been on their dream boards. When we were booking our flights to the USA, we were looking for the cheapest and best value. To our surprise, Virgin offered the best deal (within $20 of the lowest price), so the kids visualised it, the universe provided it, and we had to do it.
The following day, when we arrived at the airport (we booked seriously last minute) and found out it was actually a Delta flight, we were none the wiser. We boarded the plane, with people around us complaining that Virgin had done it again – Virgin prices but Delta service. Since we’d never flown with Virgin before, we didn’t know the difference! The kids had no idea either. Delta let us board early with the kids (after first class), and the captain invited the kids into the cockpit to see how the plane flies. They (and we) were so excited!
The service we received from Delta was second to none. They couldn’t have done more to help us. If Virgin service is better, we have yet to see it. Delta provided us with snacks, meals (due to booking just 12 hours before, we had no choice of the vegan option, but they helped us with this too), all kinds of drinks, hot towels, comfortable seats, blankets, pillows, games, and movies. It was a fantastic first long-haul experience with the kids.
We cleverly have two cases that transform into backpacks, and all four cases have wheels, so when the kids are asleep, we can still manage all the luggage and sleepy children.
When we landed in West Palm Beach, we had to book an Airbnb and arrange a transfer. We should have taken the train, but since we landed at 9 pm with two very sleepy kids and four suitcases, we arranged a transfer by 10 pm. Uber quoted $40, and the local yellow cab quoted $30, so we went with the local cab. It turned out to be $48!
We loved our experience with Delta Airlines, but we’re still excited to try flying with Virgin. The kids have Virgin first class on their dream boards, so it will happen one day.
English Author, Entrepreneur, Minimalist, and Digital Nomad.
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