Notes from the Road

By The Flying Pinto


April 21, 2010

Boarding a full flight is chaotic, it’s going to be a long night. Working IAH-PHX-EWR. Arriving in EWR at 6:30 am.

I pass out headphones in FC.

couple in 2a and b decline.

2 minutes later call light at 2a is lit.

2a decides she does want a head set after all.

I give her head set.

She says, “What’s this? I don’t want this!”

I look confused.

She says, “I want what he has.” pointing to her husband who is wearing a Bose head set.

I look confused.

She is waiting for an answer.

I look at him, I look back at her and say, “those are his, we don’t have Bose head sets.”

She huffs and sits back

I walk away confused, but not before letting him know he needs to turn off his Bose head set…I know, I know, it’s my job.

We make it to PHX without incident, we have fifty minutes to turn the aircraft and be on our way to EWR.

We’re just about done boarding when I notice the worlds largest baby on a woman’s lap. I feel bad for the lady, it’s a long flight to EWR. I look around for one of the few middle empty seats we have and ask the woman on the aisle if she will trade seats for the aisle seat the mom is in so the mom will have the empty middle for the ginormous baby. She says, “but, I just paid for my direct tv.” I say, I’m sure mom will pay for your direct tv at your new seat.” I am right, problem solved. I feel better.

One hour to go. It’s a long flight, it’s late the flight attendant I am working with appears to be having a hard time keeping her eyes open. She “prays” for the next hour. We land in EWR, sleep all day, check in that night for our leg to PDX.

Forgot what it was like to work a trans con. The back galley kicked my butt! Note to self: hit the gym! We served lunch, even had special meals. As in, vegetarian, Kosher, and children’s. Most passengers were pleasantly surprised and happy about the free lunch. Which made up for 17c who said, “that’s it?!” when I offered them the chicken enchilada and salad.

Fifty minutes prior to landing a woman came to the back looking pale and disoriented. She was young, probably late twenties and after speaking with her I find out she doesn’t have a medical history. Probably the long flight, altitude and dehydration. Decided to put her on oxygen since the last passenger with the same complaints and look crashed to the floor of the galley and scared the crap out of me. The oxygen immediately made her feel better. She was extremely grateful.

Arrive in PDX. Have a twelve hour layover. Love this hotel. Slam. Click.

Trip is down hill from here. One leg home to IAH. Whole crew is in a good mood. It’s the end of a three day. Arrive on time. My driver….the hubby…is waiting for me curb side.

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14 comments

  1. Girl on Raw @ 2010-04-25 08:47

    Love it! What a great read girl. You are very interesting to read for sure. Loved the Slam, Click haha.

  2. Mark Lawrence @ 2010-04-25 14:46

    Great read Sara – life on the road always has different results on different days!

    I am still trying to figure out though – if 2A knew her husband took the Bose with him – why Continental should have them too. I can say this because I am one too – but – she gives blondes a bad name!! 🙂

    Happy travels – and come to Ft Lauderdale sometime!!

  3. Anonymous @ 2010-04-25 16:11

    There is nothing better than at the end of a long trip the van driver is on time and standing outside ready to load you bags with a smile on his face….well there is ONE thing better its when that driver lays a big fat kiss on you!! ; )

  4. lisleman @ 2010-04-26 04:49

    I enjoyed reading this.
    Can't say I've ever seen oxygen given to a passenger. Do you need to file paperwork on that?
    Long ago my 7 yr old daughter ruptured her eardrum on a flight. The trickle of blood was a little scary. So they had some medical people waiting for her. She enjoyed the ambulance cart ride through Ohare.

  5. Sergi Shoes @ 2010-04-26 19:00

    Your day can be filled with some obnoxious or touchy people. How do you put up with them? You handle these situations well. They don't deserve a pillow.

    Sergi Shoes

  6. Joanna Jenkins @ 2010-04-27 18:17

    It always shocks me when people are so pissy to flight attendants– They're in a plane not the dining room of the Four Seasons Hotel.

    This sounds like a long haul. so sweet your hubby was there to greet you when you landed.

    Have a great week.
    jj

  7. Postcards and Coasters @ 2010-04-27 22:27

    How have you been? I was in Portland all last month. Love that layover… no sales tax and I just found a great hike behind our hotel. Hope your doing great!

  8. Christina Baita @ 2010-04-28 06:52

    Sounds oh so familiar. Don't you love the 2A's in our lives. I do have to admit that this is why I enjoy working for a regional. I like my 12 pax first class and feel like they are private dinner parties. There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason why sometimes they are so high maintenance and others almost too easy. Considering that I can have a full dinner service and then have to assist in coach, it can be quite tiresome.

    Keep up the great work and always have fun regardless of those who are just a little too "prima donna" for public transportation!

  9. Aviatrix @ 2010-04-28 19:09

    I love this sort of post. The mundane details of your working life are interesting to me.

  10. Laura Dandaneau @ 2010-04-30 02:32

    I love your description of a flight attendant, which is so true! I have also flown for a U.S. carrier, so I've enjoyed your posts.

  11. The Flying Pinto @ 2010-05-02 04:43

    Thanks everyone for all the great feedback!

  12. FreeFlyingMom @ 2010-05-02 15:06

    Love reading your regular posts again…I know you're busy, but I really enjoy them!

  13. I think I like the bose headphone story even more. 🙂

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