MY FIRST JOURNEY BY AIR

Journey by air is very common in Europe and America but it is not so common in India because most of the people in India cannot afford the prohibitive fare.

I had my first opportunity to fly last March. I had to attend my cousin's marriage at Nagpur. As my annual examination was near, it was decided that I should go there by plane.

My heart was full of the anticipated pleasure and thrill of a novel experience on the morning of my departure. At first I reported myself at the check-in counter for Nagpur and showed my ticket. I handed my suitcase over and kept my small handbag with me. A tag bearing my name was fastened to the bag and then the bag was placed on a conveyor belt which carried it off to the luggage terminal. I was then given a boarding ticket bearing my seat number and directed to the security check counter. Here my body and handbag were searched to ensure that I did not carry any weapon or prohibited thing. Then I went to the lounge and waited for the plane. Many passengers were sitting in the lounge. At 8.45 there was an announcement that passengers for Nagpur should board the plane. I boarded it and found my seat. I occupied my seat, and made myself comfortable. Exactly at nine an air-hostess welcomed the passengers on board and wished them a happy journey. She requested them to fasten their belts as the plane was about to take off.

The plane started. As it climbed up, things began to look smaller and smaller. Soon the plane was high up in the air and I could see nothing around except the blue sky with white clouds floating around.

After a few minutes an air-hostess came and offered chocolates. At half past nine we were served snacks and drinks.
As I was sitting comfortably in my cushioned chair I did not feel that the plane was flying.

At 10.10 there was an announcement. It said that the plane was about to land at Nagpur airport. The plane landed with a slight jerk and came to a halt after running some distance over the runway.

I got down, and walked to the airport building. I collected my suitcase as it came on the conveyor belt in the luggage room and went out of the airport building. I enjoyed my first air journey very much.