Many years ago I was on a flight from Miami to Washington, D.C. My seatmate was an attractive man who proceeded to talk to me. In chatting, he said: “You probably can’t guess what I do.” I could not. It turns out he was a Secret Service agent. He was on the flight to guard a presidential candidate — Scoop Jackson.
This was a long time ago as you can tell — when flying was fun. He opened his jacket and showed me his shoulder holster and gun and said that under the seat in front was a 2-part gun he could assemble in minutes. I have never been around guns and thought he might be a “nut case.” He explained how the Secret Service men wear a small pin with a different color circle around it for the day and because he was a sharp-shooter he would someday guard the President.
We were ready to touch down and he jumped up (wearing his ear-piece) and rushed to the front where his partner and Mr. Jackson were seated. He gave me a card with his name on it and I have never forgotten him. I have told this story to many people and some say I made it up. I have NO IDEA why he told it to me — he probably should not have done so, but it was certainly a fun flight!!!
Another time when leaving Mexico I brought in a pinata and the pilot asked where I would keep it. I had no idea if it would fit overhead. He kindly took it into the cockpit and kept it there until I exited the plane. Yes, these were the day when flying was FUN. I fly an awful lot, but now it is more WORK than EXCITEMENT.
Naoma
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes, I also remember the days when flying was fun.
Sadly those days are gone
We are the bad people, lack of manners made us lose the good stuff, no more fun while flying. Miss those days. 🙁