“Welcome Aboard United Airlines Flight 188 with service to Johannesburg, South Africa!” said the flight attendant as we boarded the plane on January 6th around 8:00 pm. This was the main event of our travel day, however our journey started much earlier in the morning that day.

All of the GLCM students met at O’Hare International Airport on the afternoon of January 6th around 11:30 am. Our first flight, which would take us to Newark Liberty International Airport, was supposed to depart from Chicago at 2:30pm. Everything seemed normal as we boarded the plane around 1:40, which was on time. After sitting on the plane for about 20 minutes, the flight attendant announced that our flight would be delayed because the plane had to be warmed up, de-iced, and fueled. She made an announcement around 2:20pm, and at the time the duration of the delay was unknown.

To pass time during this delay, each GLCM student did something on the plane whether it was reading, watching a movie, listening to music, or just taking a nap. Finally, at 3:45 pm we received an announcement that we were cleared for departure. This flight eventually took off at 3:51 pm.

Upon arrival at Newark Liberty International Airport, we had less time than originally anticipated for our layover. We were projected to have around 3 hours to spend in this airport, however it actually became about 45 minutes, by the time we deboarded the first flight. This left just enough time for bathroom breaks, stretching legs, and buying snacks before heading on the long flight to Johannesburg.

The boarding for the flight to Johannesburg began around 8:05pm. The GLCM students were either in boarding group 3, 4, or 5, so our boarding time was closer to 8:30pm.

The flight was smooth, beside a slight patch of turbulence within the first hour of flight. Otherwise, there was no drastic turbulence. The first meal served on this flight was an option of Cavatappi pasta with red sauce, or Chicken with butternut squash and couscous. Both were good options to indulge in for dinner on the plane. For a mid-flight snack, there were options for either a balsamic chicken sandwich or a tomato, basil, and mozzarella sandwich. This option was served around 4:30 am Chicago time, or 12:30 pm South Africa time. In between the late dinner, mid-flight snack, and morning breakfast, the plane had all lights off to allow for the passengers to rest during the flight. Finally, breakfast options were either cheesy eggs or french toast. Various beverages were also served throughout the flight.

After a safe landing in Johannesburg, all of the GLCM students were excited to finally get to stand up and walk around the airport. We all went through customs, and met our tour guide, John, at the airport. We were then transported to the hotel by two vans, where we checked in, enjoyed dinner, and all met up to hangout and relax before things ramp up in the morning.

Blog by Tamara Bader