In the past 10 weeks I’ve crossed the Atlantic four times—twice for work and twice for family matters both sublime and deeply sad. It’s enough to make me think my frequent flyer status is due for an upgrade.
But no, those rules have changed, and the means by which we can make airline travel a halfway pleasant experience (save the endless joy I get from looking out of the window at the world) stays tantilizingly out of grasp for most of us. We’re left to our own devices. Literally. We need to stay creative to stay sane in the period from check-in to baggage claim.
One happy turn at FL340: the appearance of craft beer (albeit by major producers) within the normal selection of mediocre alcohol on board in coach. In the past four crossings I’ve had Voodoo Ranger and Citradelic from New Belgium, Little Sumpin from Lagunitas, and Lucky U IPA from Breckenridge Brewery. Each of them presented a far better taste profile than that bloody Heineken.
On the ground, more choices can be found amongst the restaurants at PHL, SFO, BWI, and DEN… and you need a good Victory Golden Monkey to distract you from the hell that is an iPad blaring commercials at you as you try for a peaceful bite. For a world full of screens, give me a craft.
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- Crafting the best meal from the ingredients at hand
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- Making landfall near PHL under blue blue skies
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- The Golden Monkey protects me from the vicious blast of the iPad at PHL