Seats looked fancy, nice and comfortable… at first glance. I didn’t know the unwelcome surprise to come once I sat down.
I so badly want to be a fan of Breeze Airways. I love that they fly direct to my hometown of Portland, Maine. The planes look to be in good shape. The flight times are agreeable. And their flight crew is always over-the-top friendly. So why was it a miserable Breeze Airways flight for me... again?
No, it wasn't the crying baby in the next seat. Because I got a good price, I got sent to the back of the airplane in the family section. But my Apple headphones worked their magic. I only heard the screaming kids between songs. So that wasn't the problem. Breeze Airways still hasn't fixed their seats.
When Breeze Airways announced nonstop service from Tampa to Portland, I was elated. That was... until I took my first trip on Breeze. There was the initial good first impression when I walked on the plane. The cabin looked fairly new. The flight was running on time. And then I sat down and vowed to never fly Breeze again. I'll get to why in a minute.
A few months ago, Breeze Airways had a crazy airfare sale. I scored a roundtrip ticket to visit my family in Portland, Maine for only $200. That was worth giving Breeze a second chance.
To get that kind of price, I usually have to fly in to Boston and take a bus to Maine. Normally, if I want to get to Portland directly, I have to pay $300-$500. Plus most airlines that fly from Tampa will make you connect in Washington DC, Charlotte or at one of the New York City airports. That's always a nightmare. You get a long layover or stuck in a giant line on the runway at those airports and it ends up taking your whole day for travel.
Geno / Q105<em>Walking on to the plane, nothing seemed all that different about Breeze. There were 3 seats on one side, 2 on the other in coach. I think the small first class section had 2 seats on each side.</em>
Why it was another miserable Breeze Airways flight
I'm 6'4". Granted I'm taller than normal people. But the seat designers of their airplanes made a stupid decision to sew permanent thick pillows into the seats. On most airplanes, you have a choice of whether or not you want a pillow. With Breeze, you're stuck with that giant stiff uncomfortable pillow - like it or not. They designed the seat for those of average height. If you're tall like me, you're screwed.
You have to leave the uncomfortable "head rests" in the low position during taxi, takeoff, landing and the drive to the gate. So for about an hour on each flight, us tall folks get stuck in the fetal position with the "head rest" digging into our shoulder blades and pushing us to lean forward. Even when you can finally raise the headrest once you're in the at cruising altitude, it's still too low at its maximum height. The whole flight I feel that headrest digging into my shoulders.
Breeze, I love EVERYTHING about you except this. it was another miserable Breeze Airways flight for me. PLEASE FIX THIS! Make that stupid "headrest" detachable. Or just get rid of it. It's AWFUL for anyone over 6 feet tall.
It was a short visit home this past weekend. I got to see family and friends - but most importantly, I checked off all my "gotta have foods" list for my whenever I visit Maine. For more of my favorites, check out #GenoAteMaine on Instagram.
When I arrived, temps were in the 70s. It was a wonderful escape from Florida August heat.
But who cares about the weather - let's eat!
First visit is always to the Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. I noticed this truck... I miss Cousins Maine Lobster in Clearwater! They closed last month.
What would you order?
Prices were steep this trip, but that's all over right now.
Tip: get there before the dinner rush.
There is always a line. And there is a good reason. You cant beat the views and food at Lobster Shack. You sit on picnic benches overlooking the rocky shore ocean.
It doesn't get more Maine than this... but fun fact: I'd have no idea how to eat this.
Yes, I grew up in Maine but have no idea how to pull a lobster apart for eating. I just go the tourist route and get a lobster roll. Let someone else do the work and guessing of what's edible.
Views around Two Lights are awesome
My aunt on the left. Grandmother on the right. Clearly I was adopted.
Grandma (93 years old) on her bike doing her daily 30 minute ride. There's no way we are truly related.
Next is a visit to "The Other Side" Deli in Portland
Their fried chicken sandwich is pricy but worth every penny... about $11.
They probably don't want to be known for their french fries but I'm telling you they are the best ones I've ever had.
These chicken sandwiches are so so good... the pickles will blow your mind.
I know... how can a pickle be so special? You just have to try one and you will see what I mean.
Their steak and cheese with carmelized onions is also phenomenal.
Micucci's Pizza Slabs are a MUST.
It's in Portland on India Street. Worth seeking out!
I start thinking abou their pizza slabs as soon as I board the plane in Tampa
Moxie is a Maine thing. I despise it with every fiber of my being.
I contend Moxie is made from used motor oil, skunk pee, rotten liver chunks and gorilla armpit sweat. But I found something I bet tastes even worse. Diet Moxie.
Visited one of the Portland area's calendar islands (because there are like 300+ of them)
Amy and I grew up across the street from each other as kids. And we act like kids when we're with her little one now.
Time to have the best lobster roll anywhere!
Some interesting choices... but I'd go with the Connecticut Style Lobster Roll
Connecticut style is the way to go...
Yes, even this Mainer thinks Connecticut style is better. That means it is served warm with melted butter.
Dip that thing in buttah!
Bite Into Maine on Route 1 in Scarborough... you'd easily miss it if you're not looking for it. But look for it.
My grandmother went the Maine Style route
Maine style means served cold with a little mayo and chive.
Go with that Maine Root Blueberry Soda!
I used to be able to find it at Mazzaros Italian Market in St. Pete but havent seen it in stock in a while.
Met up with my high school friends Jami and Dickie to ride a few rides and reminisce
First was a stop for seafood and then a visit to Palace Playland an old school amusement park at the beach.
Ken's Seafood used to be so good - honestly it was just ok this time
Very Maine like dining... eat in the woods!
I went with shrimp (again) - nowhere near as good as it was at Lobster Shack
Any summer visit means a trip to Old Orchard Beach for Pier Fries with Salt and Vinegar
This clown above the arcade is beyond creepy
The view from atop the ferris wheel
I always get a kick out of the name... very creative.
Time to hit a sub shop - Tampa has the Cuban... Maine has the Italian
I have them leave off the olives and green peppers.
Essential - these are actually made in Canada. If you ever visit Montreal, look for Old Dutch Ketchup Chips. Same thing.
My Mother's Day gift for Grandma
Was a great visit home, thanks for joining me.
I got to sit on the patio at grandma's and listen to the Q105 Saturday Night Dance Party for once! Thanks to Freestyle Explosion headliner George Lamond for doing the show for me!
