Aviophobia…..what the heck is that?

The Captain announced in great detail what would happen and when it would happen.  There was no reason that we would be surprised with what would or could happen.  We were told that when we land there would be a large contingent of Safety Personnel along the runway, waiting for us to land.  We were also given yet another quick rundown on what we are to do and how to do it by the flight attendants.  These were the most professional people I have had the pleasure of listening to at any Airlines, calm, cool, collected, convincing and confident (The 5 C’s I call it) in what they were doing.  We landed to deafening applause for the crew.

During this 5-10 minute period aboard the plane, it was the quietest I have ever heard a full plane to be.  Everyone did exactly as they were told and did not speak, at all.  After deplaning, I had the biggest sigh of relief I think I have ever experienced, I believe I may have held my breath for like 10 minutes on the approach.  But I also felt like I dodged a bullet, and for a couple of days I had a real fear to fly.  I think what brought me back to reality is the fact that the crew on that plane, at that moment, never wavered from their responsibility or concern for their passengers.

Later that week, I made a terrible mistake and watched that dumb movie Final Destination.  Don’t know what that is, rent it.

Your in the wrong Job lady!

The other circumstance that scared me, well actually it just really made me angry and scared.  I am not the type that complains too much, it takes an awful lot to get me so angry as to file a formal complaint about something.  Mostly I just whine and bitch.  Not this time.

Again, I was on a small regional flight from Los Angeles to Phoenix.  It was about 8 p.m., I was tired, it had been what felt like an 18 hour work day.  I think the flight attendant felt the same way.  This particular flight was uneventful, took off on time, no big issues.  Except for the flight attendant.   This particular flight attendant was clearly having a bad day.  Sitting next to me was a young mother with a baby that was sitting on her lap, yes, this is allowed.  She did everything right, the gate agent was aware and all.  However the flight attendant didn’t like it and proceeded to yell at the young mother, I don’t mean a firm talking to, I mean a flat out raise the roof yell, this poor girl was scared to death.

This same flight attendant was going up and down the plane the whole flight yelling at people, talking down to them, smacking the back of their seats etc.  I was seated in the first row aisle, right up close to the galley.  As we were beginning our decent to Phoenix.  This flight attendant said to her co-worker, and I am quoting; “If this plane was to go down, I wouldn’t do anything to help these people”.

I realize that flight attendants have a tough job and they really are there for safety reasons, as evidenced by my first story.  But that comment was it for me.  When we landed, I told the flight attendant just what I thought of her and her professionalism.  I then proceeded to tell the Captain that I would be filing a formal complaint and I had hoped every other person on that plane did the same thing, that she should be fired on the spot.  I wasted no time in calling the airline, in fact I wasn’t even out of the terminal before I finished my formal complaint.

I don’t know what happened to this woman, but she should not be working in the airline industry.  When it comes right down to it, the professionals who fly and service the planes are the most important people.  A lot of people, myself included believe I can handle anything, or have that; do it myself attitude.  But what these two stories tell is the difference a person makes.  the first story, was scary but I felt relaxed, confident and safe that we would land just fine, all thanks to a professional team of people, who acted professionally.  While the second story made me scared because I felt like I had no one to count on in the event of am emergency, all because of one lousy, cranky flight attendant.  I tell you these stories, because for  different reasons, these circumstances made me question my own rational for flying and that one day, if something bad were to happen, I must rely on the people who are the experts and professionals.  This one circumstance made me realize that it is important to recognize those Flight Attendants that excel at their job, because there is always one who doesn’t.

Do you have a horror story about flying to share?

Happy Travels

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