My first year in the MLL, I lived in New York City Monday through Friday and played for the Los Angeles Riptide on the weekends, usually flying out Friday afternoon to LAX and then returning to New York on Sunday.  Looking back, I find it hard to believe that I flew 6,000 miles almost every week of the summer. 

Up until this Spring, the last few years have been slightly lighter on the travel with a majority of my time spent in New York or Boston and quick 45 minute flights or easy 3-4 hour train rides connecting me.  When word came down that the Boston Blazers were folding and I was now a member of the Minnesota Swarm, I instantly thought of the added travel of playing for a Western Division team. 

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t dislike flying or traveling at all, in fact, on my off weekends I frequently will drive out of the city to explore some new area or adventure, but there are several things I have learned in the course of my time in airports.  Below are some of the things that drive me nuts, things that I love and my advice to fellow passengers!

Flightmares:

• People who have no idea what they are doing in the security lines – While I realize the policies do seem to change a lot for those who might not travel often, I have little patience for people who walk through the metal detector with huge belt buckles on or pockets full of $43.76 in change.  I love when there are the “Expert” and “family” lines, but if you can’t get everything off and into the bins within 12 seconds flat – you are NOT an expert!
• People who stand so close to you in every line that they continuously bump you.  I need my personal space and for every step I take forward, is it really going to help if you take 3?  I shift, I move and I look around – if every time I do this I bump your bag, YOU ARE TOO CLOSE!
• Stander-Uppers- You all know the type, they stand up as soon as the ding of the seatbelt goes off, maybe even jostling forward a few rows.  You’re not more important than anyone else – if we all just patiently wait out turn, we will all get off faster!
• LaGuardia Airport- seriously, what is going on. Other than the Delta terminal (which is new, nice and has some great restaurants), the terminals are like narrow hallways, with no food once you pass security.  Unless you want Auntie Anne’s, in which case, you are in pretzely luck

Best Practices:

• Be nice to EVERYONE at the airport- You never know what a charming smile or friendly hello may get you, and after hours of dealing with surly, rushed travelers, often just being friendly can result in great things.  Free exit windows, early boarding and help changing accommodations are all things I have been able to secure just because I was patient and friendly. 
• Fly JetBlue from JFK as much as possible – Terminal 5 at JFK is like the best modern mall you have been to.  Already noted in RB’s blog, it features a Jamba Juice, amazing deli where you can create your own sandwiches, great steakhouse, free internet and tons of seating.  I recommend arriving to Terminal 5 2-3 hours before flight time!  Plus you get hooked up with JetBlue snacks (see below)
• If you have 2 bags, check if there are first class upgrades available.  Often checking two bags can be between $60-75.  Certain flights have 1^st class or business class upgrades that cost between $50-100 and include 2 free checked bags.  If you play your cards right you can get the first class experience for what you would have paid anyway or a few bucks extra.
• Check the train-Currently I am writing this on the Amtrak train from Boston to New York.  Other than the fact that it is FREEZING on here, I LOVE the train.  More space, free internet, a café car with decent selections and the beautiful scenery make it enjoyable.  Further, I typically arrive at the station anywhere from 10 to 2 minutes before departure time – if you factor in all the time getting to the airport, checking bags, waiting for bags, etc. It can often be faster door to door.  Further trains like the Empire line from NY to Rochester have some unbelievable views of the Hudson and Western NY. 

Best Parts of Flying:

• Meeting new people – Planes and trains are a great place to meet new friends, fans (I can’t tell you how many tickets I have ended up giving out on flights to families I meet) and even your friends’ parents that you have never met before.  I have even ended up on a few dates because of traveling!  While sometimes you get the silent type, the overly chatty type or the extremely LARGE type next to you, typically I have found making new friends to be enjoyable.
• Frequent Flier Miles – The only benefit of NOT having the luxury of private planes and chartered flights like the NBA and NHL guys are that we keep the frequent flier miles.  This makes offseason vacations a cinch and also allows us the freedom to fly friends and family with those extra miles.  Although I think I still would prefer a team flight! 
• Delta Biscoff cookies – Like little bites of heaven, these brown cookies, despite becoming wedged in the molars as you crunch them down, are god’s gift to the Delta Airline.  Mixed with coffee, it doesn’t get much better.
• All JetBlue Snacks – From blue corn chips to party mix, to mixed nuts with honey roasted sesame sticks, this airline does snack right.  Rarely do they feature an option that DOESN’T sound good, and you can usually get one of everything (see: be nice!)
• Getting home-  Ultimately one of the best parts of the journey is the return to my apartment, my couch and my bed.  Nothing feels better than unpacking, getting some Sunday errands done and then collapsing into my bed, ready to recharge the batteries to get ready for a whole new week!