Flight story. My first leg out of DAL into Atl is delayed due to weather. Boarding was chaotic but finally everyone gets seated. A guy across the aisle in 1st kinda rudely asks the cabin attendant when we were leaving. She responded politely that it would be soon. A few minutes later we roll further down the tarmac and stop, I assume for clearance, etc. A few minutes click by when the pilot come on the PA to say we were held up a few minutes but had a departure time in 5 mins.
One of the best flights I have been on lately was this past Sunday. I was fortunate enough to be upgraded to first class. After settling in before takeoff the captain come back to greet us and thank us for our business, recognizing that our frequent flyer status put us in the top four percent of Delta travelers. He also welcomed us and chatted about the anticipated flight etc before returning to the flight deck. He really set everyone at ease with his confident yet friendly demeanor. After takeoff he came on the PA system to introduce himself and his first officer. The captain was a Naval Academy Grad and spent a career protecting our country flying F4s and then F16s. His flight officer was a bit younger and was an Air Force Academy grad who saw active duty in the Middle East and still serves in the Air National Guard. Again he thanked everyone for their business. Along the route from Atl to bdl (Hartford), he would point out cities and landmarks of interest like a professional tour guide. The tone of his confident and friendly leadership filtered through the entire crew. Everyone one of the crew were attentive, courteous and professional. So, kudos to the Captain and crew of Delta1696 on Feb 28.
Flying observation. I have always known that a pilot has some ability to make up for lost time, especially when behind schedule. Of course it takes a bit more fuel so they rarely do that. But I am guessing when there is a major weather event in the making all bets are off. So here I am in an MD88, I have flown them many times.
Travel observation. I am a big guy (tall, broad and just a little wide) and fill my seat. I try to be aware of my size in close quarters as it can be intimidating to some and even may appear sometimes rude to others. When flying I try to be as accommodating as possible with crew and fellow passengers and I generally follow the rules...for the most part. Not always successful but I usually try.
Reminiscent of Sheriff Buford T. Justice, a big Ole dude with tennis shoes just walked out of the men's room with about six feet of toilet paper trailing him, attached to his shoe. He didn't notice until he had walked across the room. It really struck me as laugh out loud funny for some reason.
I just don't get some people and how the world must revolve around them, oblivious to those around them. Case in point. I got my comp upgrade to first class, sitting in the aisle, fourth row.
I am walking through the Atlanta airport on my way to make my connecting flight. Ahead of me I notice a tall and thin young lady walking slowly and deliberately. She had what must have been a twenty five pound backpack, filled to the gills and she seemed to be having trouble with her center of gravity being out of kilter. She also had a distressed look on her face as I passed her by as she seemed to be teetering a bit. I looked down and noticed what must have been at least six inch heels on her shoes. Now, I appreciate high heels on women as 1) they can be very attractive and 2) I am nearly 6'4" so standing around too many people who are often a foot shorter than me makes me feel like Gulliver and I get nervous. That said, while this young lady was attractive, those shoes were a bit comical and her backpack made it look like, if someone tried, she could be spun like a top. I am just glad she was not on my flight wearing that backpack.
Some things I just don't understand. Sitting in the Concierge lounge at the crystal city hilton (DC). I grab my plate of cheese and a glass of wine and sit down in a nice conversational area in front of a TV with cnn broadcasting. There is a black gentleman sitting across from me. Ben Carson and his wife are being interviewed at cnn. Very impressive regardless of his political leanings, etc. A classy couple. So, at the end of the interview, I look up and casually say the Carson's are an impressive couple. The guy across from me immediately retorts "no, they're not". How in the world can anyone, regardless of race or political persuasion not agree that Ben Carson and his wife are impressive people. I am not saying he should be President but damned impressive regardless. Partisan Political hacks are disgusting.