Flight to Stockholm

A 14-hour journey became 36 since my original flight got canceled. But it’s all good. I’ve passed the security, all that’s left is the plane ride. Oh and not to forget that ridiculously long layover in Qatar. Yes, I had to fly across the US, the Atlantic, pass Europe to the Middle East, then fly back to the Nordics.

The 15-hour flight from LA to Doha airport was very pleasant — taking our special circumstance into consideration of course. All passengers were required to wear a facemask and a face shield at all times with the exception of meal and snack services. How do you enforce that you ask? No idea. All crew members had protective gear on with gowns, gloves, masks, and goggles. Even though my bank account could only afford economy class, thanks to COVID-19 and some luck, I was able to secure a whole row to myself because it was the last row in the entire aircraft and was right next to the bathroom. I knew I would be able to get in some sleep with this setting, that is if I could figure out how to lay down with a mask and a face shield on.

15 hours went by relatively quickly. Two meals and a hot snack was served on top of endless drinks, chips, popcorn, and chocolate throughout the flight. I haven’t flown anywhere besides LAX to Taipei in the last four years with EVA or China Airlines and I must say, Qatar really does pamper you. Or maybe I am just someone who is easily satisfied as long as I get a good night's sleep and hot food served. Oh, did I mention free wifi? Yes, there was wifi available for purchase, but everyone gets an hour for free. Being able to text at 30,000ft on top of all that? My journey was really off to a great start.

I soon arrived at Doha Airport and I knew this is where it’ll be tough. I arrived at 5 pm local time and my flight to Stockholm was not until 8 am the next day. I had to find a way to spend the night alone in an international airport. Luckily my big brain moment kicked in when I booked my flight. Business lounge! I flew economy, but there were no rules against buying access for lounges. However, lounge access was limited to 6 hours per visit so I had to choose when to enter wisely — between 12 am and 6 am. In the meantime, I found myself a cozy little spot with an outlet to catch up with my Netflix while I wait until midnight. Just kidding, it was a chair at a random gate with passengers come and go to board flights.

Doha Airport looks just like any other international airport. Bright signs of duty-free shops, public art pieces scattered throughout, a food court with international cuisine, and last but not least, overpriced coffee. It felt no different than being in LAX — until a couple of hours later. As I observed the demographics of the travels at the airport, I realized that I was the only few, not only Asian but women travelers. The majority of females I saw were duty-free shop staff. That made me quite uncomfortable. It’s not that I don’t feel safe in the airport, it’s that gut feeling you know? The feeling where you feel like you don’t belong, the insecurity. The more I thought about it the more I hope it was midnight already and I could make my way to the lounge.

I thought I had a big brain moment for thinking of the lounge, turns out I was just as average as everyone else. The lounges were full by the time I walked in. Full as in there were no chairs available besides a few bar stools by a counter. You could see all the chairs that have some sort of cushion were all occupied by someone with their mouths wide open and asleep. I thought if I couldn’t nap at least I could have the whole counter to myself with a working outlet. I settled down and got myself a shot of espresso. Entering the lounge was not free so I was hoping they’d at least have some decent coffee. The coffee was fine, but what I was really excited about was the hot water they have available. I am that Asian who brings her own ramen noodles when traveling and willing to risk pissing everyone off in the cabin with the smell. Since I was really well fed in my flight I thought I’d savor it for the lounge. But guess what? No outside food allowed. Great. I couldn’t get a comfy chair to sleep, now I can’t even have my ramen. First world problems amirite?

Luckily the new time differences with Taipei and California made it easier for my parents to call me. Friends and fam were the champs that made the layover bearable. And the coffee, you can’t forget the coffee. With a few bowls of chowder and some calls from dear Mommy and Daddy, it was soon my boarding time and I couldn’t be more excited.

The aircraft to Stockholm was a lot smaller than the one I took from LA. A smaller plane meant a more crowded cabin. I guess I won’t be getting a whole row to myself this time. No, I couldn’t even get an empty seat next to me to avoid contact with other passengers on the flight. Sigh. Just six more hours, just six more.

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