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Emily: Daraius and I spent 1 month before leaving to pack for our trip. A big advantage of the First Class award ticket was that we were allowed 3 bags of 70 lbs each. We packed six 70 pound bags, 2 laptop bags, and one carry-on roller bag (for the PJs, amenity kits, etc!) Daraius weighed our bags at home with a hand-held weighing scale so that there were no surprises at the airport.
We packed lots of gifts for family and friends, and also brought three suitcases full of care packages that I made from the toiletries we take when we go to hotels and stuff we bought in the US.
Trip Report Index
- Introduction & Planning
- Kansas City to Chicago
- American Airlines Flagship Lounge
- American Airlines Flagship Service From Chicago To London
- British Airways First Class from London to Mumbai
- Shopping in Bombay
- Eating in Bombay
- Sights in Bombay
- Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa
- Park Hyatt Goa, Park Suite
- Park Hyatt Goa, Park King
- Park Hyatt Goa, Park Hyatt Goa Activities
- Eating In & Around the Park Hyatt Goa
- Radisson Blu, Agra
- A Day in Agra
- Hyatt Regency Delhi
- 2 Days in Delhi
- Eating in Delhi
- United Business Class Back to the US
- Conclusion and Blog Giveaway
This year, we made over 300 care packages of clothes, toys, toiletries, and snacks to distribute to families living on the streets.
Daraius picked me up from work, and we went to the American Airlines terminal in Kansas City. We checked in for our flight and checking in our 6 bags didn’t take as much time as it sounds! The scale Daraius used at home was very reliable and we didn’t have to take out anything at the airport. We like to leave a 3 pound buffer to minimize the chance of redistributing our luggage.
I had a quick snack at the airport and then went through security, and boarded our plane. It was a quick ride over to Chicago, and I slept the whole time. I guess I was tired from all of the last minute packing and extra long days at work to prepare for the trip!
We had plans to meet my mom and my Aunt Judi in the American Airlines Flagship Lounge in Chicago. We told them that it was near gate K-19 and to wait for us there. After we landed, Daraius walked as fast as he could to his favorite restaurant in the airport, Rick Bayless’ Tortas Frontera. They offer a selection of Mexican food with a twist. I don’t care much for it, but Daraius loves the food there!
He goes there every time he’s at O’Hare. Soon after we ordered, we received a call from my mom letting us know that she was in Chicago but could not find the lounge. We were on our way to meet her at gate K-19, and saw her walking down the walkway! We were so excited to meet!
We asked her about my Aunt Judi, and there was a schedule change and she missed her first flight, so had to get rebooked on another flight. At first, they tried to put her on another American flight that left much later, but she protested and was put on an earlier United flight, which ensured she would not miss her Chicago flight to London. But…
I salute both of you for the care package idea. I have been to India in 2011. Seeing the utter poverty broke my heart.
@AS
I totally agree with Jason. I collect personal care products from the hotels where I enjoy stays. I do this at the request of our local domestic violence emergency shelter. My friend and I make individual care packages adding items we purchase. This takes time, energy and money from me and gives resources to those in desperate need. Thank you Emily and Darius!!
@A. S.
Are you serious? Daraius is indeed giving out from his own pocket: personal time and energy. It is YOU that hasn’t thought this through enough. What a jackass…
this is amazing idea. now I understand why my wife does this. 🙂
last time, I gave 10 Chinese yuan in the subway to a little girl, now I have much better idea to give care, even though I am not sure they prefer money or the care package. I will fly to China in business and I don’t have much baggage with me, I can fill in two 50lbs bags of care package now. Thank you D. You and Emily rock!!!
@Ben – I suspect that the kids would prefer the care package since they can play with the toys etc., whereas cash may be taken away from them.
True giving would be to give out of your own pocket, not somebody else’s. Your heart may be in the right place, but I don’t think you thought this through enough.
@Frequent Flyer University – Something about Indian parents!
@Adriano Gomes – Looks you’ve got a great trip planned. I’ll email you with more info. Thanks for reading!
@Jimmy @TravelByPoints – Needless to say, I had no role in making them look so nice!
@A. S. – This isn’t the only giving we do, but I posted about it because it is somewhat related to staying in hotels.