LiveMore Adventures

Recently I was flying to Reykjavik Iceland from JFK airport in New York. After braving two hours of public transit from my friend’s apartment on Madison Ave in the city I arrived at JFK toting my 53 pound wheeled duffel bag. As I pulled up to the counter and laid my bag on the scale I asked for an exit row (as I always do for the leg room). She replied “sir, your bag is over weight!” I am thinking that’s just great now I have to hold up the line as I rearrange things into two bags so I will be three pounds under. (I have never under stood how a plane all of a sudden can carry more baggage if you pay money. Are you paying to extend the wing span or extra fuel to get you off the ground?)

As I am about to open up my bag and start moving things around the ticket agent asks me if I am Mr. Stratton as she is looking at my passport. I reply “yes,” she says “oh you are flying Executive Class don’t worry about the weight you have a higher weight limit. Let me see if I can get you an empty row.” She really didn’t think the ticket was for me at first because I asked for an exit row. What an idiot I am, but I really had know idea as the ticket was provided by Iceland Air who was sponsoring the event I was attending in Reykjavik. Her whole attitude change toward me when the last thing she said was “Mr. Stratton you can use the British Airways Executive Lounge past security up the stairs to your right, enjoy your flight.” At this point I could hardly contain my excitement but I had to act super casual, “great thanks” I replied and sprinted up the stairs to full advantage of the lounge.

There is nothing better than being surprised with a First Class ticket after you have traveled over 112,000 km on planes to 5 continents in the last 12 months!!

Shawn.