Flight to Asia

After 3 flights, 21 hours of flight time, and 30 hours of travel time…we made it Vietnam!

We flew on Vietnam Airlines from Germany to Hanoi. In case for some strange reason Douglas and I were not aware of the fact that we were headed to Asia, there were three things that happened en route that made it quite obvious.

First, while sitting at the gate in Germany waiting for an announcement to board the plane, we noticed a group of people scurry to the gate entrance without warning, forming a cluster around the counter. The flight representative said to everyone, “We are not ready for boarding. Please be seated.” No one moved an inch! Of course, Douglas and I grabbed our bags and joined the mob because we didn’t want to be at the back of this crowd. Then, when it was actually time to board the plane, everyone rushed the gate in the most disorganized fashion imaginable. Our personal space was beyond invaded as people began climbing over seats just to get in front of us. When it was announced that families with small children could board first, a father, mother, and three little kids went to board. Several men and women followed behind them. Douglas said, “Must be a big family.” I said, “No, this is not a big family. These are strangers trying to act like they’re with the family!” That mess has not happened on any of our American or European flights.

Second, while in the air, it seemed like everyone was getting out of their seats to go towards the back of the plane. I would say we were wondering what was happening, but Douglas was knocked out cold nearly the entire flight. I guess it is true that Marines really can sleep anywhere. I got up to use the bathroom and noticed many passengers holding plastic cups of food. These people were headed to the middle of the plane where there was hot water to fill their bowl of what appeared to be a knock-off version of Ramen noodles. That just does not happen on other flights. The entire plane started to smell like noodles soaked in expired broth.

Lastly, the seating for the plane was 3x3x3. Douglas and I were seated on the left side on the aisle and in the middle. During the flight, I happened to look to my right and saw that one of the passenger’s seats was empty. Now, we all know that if you have a row to yourself, you might stretch across the entire row and lie down. I looked to the floor and a woman was laid out on the floor underneath the three seats. The other two passengers in that row were sitting with their feet in the chair to give the woman room to lie down. My mouth dropped! Even some of the other Asian passengers looked down at the floor as if to say, “Even I don’t do that!” I definitely have not seen that craziness happen any other time while flying. After that flight, all I could say was, "Welcome to Asia!"

We arrived into Hanoi around 6:00am on Thursday, August 1. All six of our bags made it safely with us. Thanks to US Airways for allowing military members and their dependents to travel with up to four bags per person, each weighing up to 100 lbs. We took full advantage of that rule. More than anything, I was relieved to be off the plane and done with flying, at least for awhile.