This one is a tough one! I’ve heard it over and over again, one person loves to fly and the other doesn’t. I’m fortunate to have someone that loves flying, but in my previous relationship, she had no interest at all. So what do you do? Let’s start by saying that just taking your partner for a ride probably won’t be enough to do it.
I remember bringing my previous partner up for a ride and saying, “isn’t this the coolest thing?!” I was so excited to show her, and the response I got was “what’s the big deal? It’s just a bunch of squares!”. I was looking at it as a whole new perspective of Gods beautiful creation and feeling lucky to be one of the few to have the privilege of seeing it from the air, and she could care less! If she couldn’t see the beauty of it all when it was so obvious to me, then all the convincing in the world wouldn’t make a difference.
The solution to getting your partner wanting to fly, isn’t to try to convince them how beautiful or peaceful it is. It isn’t about the freedom, or fun of flying. They won’t get it or appreciate it like you wil. The route to go is the convenience. If they don’t appreciate what flying is really about, then make it about transportation. What I mean by that is to travel long distances and let them see what a time saver it is. Some people have cabins, or relatives that are a 4 or 5 hours drive away. They aren’t far enough for an airline so the only way there would be to drive. If your partner has done the trip before, then they know how long 4 or 5 hours in a car can be!
Next time you go on that long trip, sell the time saving point of view to your partner. Plan to have a cab or limo waiting at the airport for you when you arrive at your destination. When you get to your destination in 2 hours when it normally takes 5 hours, be sure to point how much extra time you’ll have to stay there. If you saved 3 hours there and another 3 on the way back, that’s almost a whole day extra!
Many partners also think it’s pretty cool that you get great service at the FBO, without all the hassles of airline check-in, long lines or having to practically strip down! You don’t need to get there an hour early or wait for your bags either. You can usually find an airport close to your destination too. The cab or limo waiting for you would be a nice top off to the day. A couple of time saving trips like this may make your partner realize the benefit. They won’t see it like you do but at least they may want to save time more often and be willing to travel with you more. Give it a shot, it’s worth a try.
Definitely an excellent way of approaching this situation. And it doesn’t even have to be a full cross country, bring her or him up over Chicago and top it off with a dinner detour to Pilot Pete’s at 06C. Who could turn that down?
Great article. Do you have any sure win spots within an hour or so of Chicago? Wife will love it, not easily doable by car?
My suggestion would be Door County or Mackinac Island! It’s a beautiful flight along the lake. The destination and views are something she would love. At the end of your romantic time, she may associate flying with good things! Give it a try and let me know how it works out!
My wife always enjoys going to Sunday brunch in Sheboygan. You taxi up to the restaurant called The Final Approach. The chef used to work at The American Club in Kohler. The food is spectacular and the last time I was there they had a guy playing guitar.
Cool! Sounds fun! I will give it a try, I’ve never been there. Thanks for sharing. Get more people to share their places and we will have a ton to choose from.