6 TYPES ON THE PLANE

Flying. You can't make me happier. At least, when I travel without kids but with my beloved. “Nice up front with those soft seats, that's where you always sit, mom?” Contrary to what my daughter thinks, I don't always enjoy the privilege of business class. I find myself more often in ‘the favelas at the back’ (the language of my press friend) than in the Bel Air at the front, but nonetheless, I enjoy it. Obligated offline, catching up on movies, reading books, and, also a favorite task, deleting photos. And looking around at the potpourri of people around me.

1. The loudmouth

Yeah sorry, you hear that one first. That he speaks four languages, just was ‘with a friend in Saint-Tropez’ and that the ‘business is crazy’. That one. Anyone got an extra pair of earplugs?

2. The overactive mother

“No, Jonathan. You can't do that. Jonathan, people are going CRAZY because of you singing so loudly. Uh, Peter (the man) where is that extra pacifier? Yeah, don't look at me like that. I asked you if you had that extra pacifier and you said yes, so don't act like you know nothing now. And yes, I can see he has his own pacifier in his mouth now, but you never know. Jo-Na-Than, be quiet now.” I've never heard Jonathan. But that mother. Then you're suddenly glad it's a short flight.

3. The sleeper

Even before the plane is in the air, the seat goes back and the mouth opens. And it stays that way until after landing. Not a pretty sight, but at least you don't have to deal with it.

4. The overly organized type

The disinfecting wipes are taken out of the handbag and a ritual cleaning of the armrests and the table begins. Everyone gets a piece of gum for takeoff and those are immediately taken back afterwards. Who knows, you might fall asleep and choke on it. Then the snacks come. From the caterer. With healthy snacks too and a bottle of good wine that they just bought at customs. With a screw cap. Everything has been thought of.

5. Your future BFF

You see her, she sees you. You don't know each other, but you just know you like each other. She's reading exactly that book you just finished, she wears the perfume of Babassu, she's sweet with her kids and even sleeps with her mouth closed. You just hope she'll go to the same location as you and look forward to having a glass of wine, sitting at the foot of your beach bed.

6. The new loves

They sleep with intertwined fingers. Just when you think: how romantic because they've probably been together for thirty years, you hear them explaining to each other how their family line works and telling about how they always celebrated Christmas. A case of new love. Applause.

It's just that my return flight marks the end of the vacation, otherwise I would say I'm already looking forward to it.