So I went to Virginia last week. It really wasn’t a bad trip. I flew from Stewart in Newburgh – a first for me. I had to connect in Philly, but it was worth it. The only direct flight would have been from JFK. Taking into account the travel time and the headaches, one connection was worth it. My overall travel time was actually probably about the same.

The only thing was that they were some small planes. Actually, three out of four hops were in jets (small jets, but still jets) and they were all cozy but fine. The first flight of the round trip ride, however, was a little 12 aisle prop job. Eeeek.

It was bouncy, trouncy. It was a windy day to start with, and the plane flew much lower than I am used to. I was feeling well shook up by the time we got to Philly. For once I was glad there was no food or drink service.

But man, flying has really changed. The three airports I encountered on this trip all seemed to be operating on skeleton crews, and the add-on charges for…well, everything is sure different from how it used to be. And, not to sound like a schmuck, but on that little prop plane with extremely limited space, we had a rather chunky flight attendant. It was literally physically impossible for her to walk up the aisle without pressing the hip and/or posterior flesh against my shoulders. And since I was up near the front of the plane, I was, uh, pressed, a few too many times.

I will probably have to head back to VA in the next couple of weeks, and I may well take the same flights. Do you think I’d be too much of a jerk if I suggested she take a gander at the exercise equipment in the Sky Mall catalog…or at least check out some Hydroxycut reviews?