Finding Comfort in Chaos: My Rituals for Smooth Skies and Perfect Layovers
Flying is a mix of nerves, excitement, and chaos for me. But after years of trial, error, and a little faith (literally), I’ve nailed down my rituals to keep me feeling calm and protected—okay, mostly protected. Raised in an all-girls Catholic Opus Dei school, I might not remember every lesson, but the prayers and superstitions? They stuck.
Packing My Faith (And My Reeboks)
First, let’s talk about my St. Jude rosary bracelet. Forget toothpaste or deodorant; if this bracelet isn’t in my bag, I’m not flying. St. Jude is my go-to saint for the impossible—and let’s be real, sometimes smooth flights feel like a miracle.
Then there are my Reebok Classics. I can’t explain it, but these shoes are like my emotional support sneakers. Comfortable, stylish, and lucky. It’s not a flight unless I’m rocking them, whether I’m heading to Gate 33 or sprinting to catch a connecting flight.
The Texas Ritual: Ladybird + Banana Smoothie
When I’m flying out of Texas, I stop for a Ladybird + Banana smoothie. Always. Skipping it feels like inviting bad vibes onto the plane. Maybe it’s superstition, or maybe it’s just delicious, but either way, it’s part of my travel prep.
Miami Layovers: Centurion Lounge and Croquetas
Layovers in Miami? It’s a whole production. If I’m at MIA and have even a second to spare, you’ll find me at The Centurion Lounge. Coffee if it’s early, or—my personal favorite—an espresso martini if the vibe calls for it.
But the layover isn’t complete without a croqueta. It doesn’t matter if I have to power walk, jog, or run to my gate; grabbing a croqueta is essential. Miami, you spoil me, and I love you for it.
Boarding: Pandemic Paranoia and the Left Foot Rule
When it’s time to board, the first thing I do is clean everything. Tray table, armrest, seatbelt buckle—it’s getting wiped down like my life depends on it. Call it post-pandemic paranoia or just good sense, but this ritual stays.
And here’s a quirky one for you: I step onto the plane with my left foot first. Every time. If I forget, I’ll literally step back and redo it. Old Catholic habits die hard, and this one feels like leaving bad energy behind.
The Face Mask Fiasco
One thing I always pack is a face mask. It’s part protection, part comfort. Except now, while writing this, I just remembered I ran out. So great. Add “buy face masks” to my pre-flight checklist.
O’Hare and Midway: Still Finding My Groove
When it comes to Chicago’s airports, I’m still figuring out my go-to spots. At O’Hare, the options are overwhelming, and I haven’t settled on a ritual meal yet. As for Midway, I recently checked out The Club MDW. The service was stellar—a solid 9/10—and the space was decent, maybe a 6/10. But the food? A disappointing 2/10. Looks like my search for the perfect pre-flight bite continues.
My flying rituals might sound like chaos (because they are), but they’re my way of finding calm in the air. From sipping smoothies in Texas to making a croqueta run in Miami, these little habits make travel feel less like an ordeal and more like a journey.
If you ever see someone wiping down their entire seat with a St. Jude bracelet on their wrist and Reebok Classics on their feet—it’s probably me. Say hi, and I might even share a croqueta.
Thank you for reading me,
besisss 😽
Génesis ❤️🔥
