The coronavirus pandemic has forced people to cancel all their plans and quarantine themselves. Obviously, it is quite disappointing. But rather than sitting at home and lamenting, some people decided to create their own happiness. Remember how an elderly couple recreated their cancelled cruise trip at home?
Well, this time it’s this Australian family who decided to imitate the journey of their cancelled trip to Europe, at home. According to NY Post, the family has been planning for a multi-week trip from last five years. But, given the current situation, they had to drop their plans.
That’s when Nathan Russell, a school teacher decided to recreate their 15-hour flight from Sydney to Munich in their living room.
So for anyone new to our virtual flight, we were due to fly Sydney to Doha (15 hours) then Doha to Munich (6 hours) today on our grand European adventure. With all travel cancelled, we decided to do the next best thing and take the trip virtually, from our lounge room. pic.twitter.com/Oc0PC2WyyS
— Kirsty Russell (@InclusiveParent) April 15, 2020
He even printed in-flight menus and boarding passes and got their kids into playing the roles of the airport staff and flight attendant. They also set up their living room as the aircraft’s cabin with reclining seats.
Nathan’s wife Kirsty Russell took to Twitter and shared details about their virtual travel experience.
We set up the loungeroom as a cabin. The kids got all the legroomin the front – should have planned that put better! pic.twitter.com/DtoR8XL6v6
— Kirsty Russell (@InclusiveParent) April 15, 2020
“It started as a joke but it has actually been quite fun. We thought the kids would not be into it at all. But they have embraced it,” Kirsty told The Guardian.
The family gathered their entire luggage on Wednesday and boarded their faux flight that ‘landed’ on Thursday afternoon.
We went through a security gate before being seated in our "Lounge Room Air" economy seat. The motto being "the air is free, everything else is extra." (sounds legit…) pic.twitter.com/zVpdluFTGD
— Kirsty Russell (@InclusiveParent) April 15, 2020
We also got an inflight menu, featuring the best cuisine "Lounge Chair Air" has to offer. Sadly, I haven't been able to get the air steward's attention for my 1L alcoholic beverage… pic.twitter.com/JvAqTit208
— Kirsty Russell (@InclusiveParent) April 15, 2020
“We would literally be on this trip right now. We thought, well, instead of moping about and being upset our trip wasn’t happening, we would take it to the nth degree and do it in style,” she said. She further added that she and her husband had spent their honeymoon in Europe and wanted to show their children the continent, reports The Indian Express.
Unlike a real flight, they were able to bring their pets along with them and were served amazing comfort food.
The first snacks were brought out pretty promptly after take off (I have to say the airline makes awesome gf chocolate crackles!) pic.twitter.com/5AyILdPqyT
— Kirsty Russell (@InclusiveParent) April 15, 2020
For the allergen menu (2 coeliacs) frozen gf lasagne was the airline's choice. I have to say the airline's attempts to make things look appetising were very much appreciated. pic.twitter.com/6n2i8KoN6A
— Kirsty Russell (@InclusiveParent) April 15, 2020
Again, the meals were brought out by our friendly cabin crew on the trusty trolley. Someone might have to let the airline know that alfoil trays probably aren't the classiest way to serve meals in the air… pic.twitter.com/GjYmxzCxC7
— Kirsty Russell (@InclusiveParent) April 15, 2020
Kirsty was glad their kids played along. “It’s the longest time we’ve actually been together in the same room,” she tweeted.
I also love the new use we have for an old trolley from the school library. Quite an authentic 1970s touch! pic.twitter.com/PGGL0cIYvD
— Kirsty Russell (@InclusiveParent) April 15, 2020
Lights are out. The youngest is asleep, the eldest has retreated to his room and my husband and middle child are comfy and relaxed. Time to try to get some zzz's – see you all in the morning x #virtualflight pic.twitter.com/W9NXmuWS7l
— Kirsty Russell (@InclusiveParent) April 15, 2020
And they were finally able to make it through the 15-hour virtual flight from Sydney to Doha.
The face of a parent who survived a 15 hour virtual flight with their kids. Stay tuned for the second leg of our journey later on when we 'fly' to Munich. Thanks for playing along x pic.twitter.com/laefdSjBhB
— Kirsty Russell (@InclusiveParent) April 15, 2020
And finally, to Munich.
Thanks for everyone playing along and following on our adventure. I'd do a farewell pic but everyone has gone their separate ways after almost 24 hours together! We may be exploring Munich separately at this rate 😂
— Kirsty Russell (@InclusiveParent) April 16, 2020
The family plans to continue their holiday by recreating as much of the European trip as possible. “My husband put together an amazing itinerary, so we still want to use that. Things like the Louvre have virtual tours now,” Kirsty said.
Well, this is an amazing idea to spend some quality time with your family. Also, a great way to lighten everyone’s mood during such difficult times.