Riches to Rags

It’s surprising how quickly you can get accustomed to traveling in luxury only to have it bitch-slapped (sorry Mom, but I do think that’s a technical term) back into you that you really don’t deserve the lap of luxury when you arrive to check in for your budget flight.

Since leaving Rio we’ve been pretty spoiled by the airlines we’ve flown.  Not business or first class luxury or anything, but Etihad and Emirates are pretty impressive airlines even in economy class.  I would even go out on a limb and say that besides the seat size, the economy class amenities are commensurate with the kind of amenities you get on a business or first class domestic US flight.  We were served food and alcohol that we didn’t have to pay for (I know, right?!), the in flight entertainment system was free, there were foot rests for every seat (most excellent for those of us who can’t reach the ground otherwise) and there are power outlets for us electronic junkies who suffer from anxiety at the thought of our laptops, iPads, iPhones not making it through a flight fully charged.

Cut to Singapore airport, Terminal 1, JetStar check-in counter. 

JetStar agent:  “I’m sorry Mr. and Mrs. Lay, you aren’t allowed any checked baggage.” 

Me:  “Excuse me?  We have 6 bags we have been lugging around the world for the last month and on the last flight of our trip we aren’t allowed any checked baggage??”

JetStar agent:  “We’re happy to check your bags for $160 for 20 kilos.”

Me:  “So the 40 kilos of checked baggage that we have been allowed to check on every other airline is now going to cost us $320?”

JetStar agent:  “Yes ma’am; unless you can get 20 kilos of that into your carry on baggage.  Oh, and your carry on baggage is not to exceed 10 kilos.”

Me:  “So…what you’re saying is that I’m going to be paying exorbitant baggage fees if I have any interest in getting my luggage to Australia…?”

JetStar agent:  “Yes ma’am, that is correct.”

So $320 poorer, we have made it to the Qantas lounge and are awaiting our final flight of the epic journey.  I am very much looking forward to getting to Australia.  I haven’t even been there yet and it already feels like I’m almost home.

…The saga continues down under!