This past Sunday, I flew back from Santa Clara to Anchorage. The leg from Seattle to Anchorage was scheduled to leave at 6:05 PM. However, our departure was delayed - by almost an hour - which in the grand scheme of travel is not at all unusual. We were late because the pilots were flying in from Dallas and the Dallas flight was late because of air traffic control issues.
Anyhoo, we boarded the plane at about 6:30 PM and then we sat on the plane for another 30 minutes waiting for the crew. We passengers were pretty relaxed about the whole thing - no hue and cry over the delay - no rumbling or grumbling. The flight attendents gave us frequent - and humorous updates, so we were all clued in.
So, the pilots arrived, got settled, did their safety checks and then away we went. After we were airborne, the flight attendents came on the PA and announced that they had all chipped in and were going to by the passengers the first round of drinks!!!! That announcement was met by a big cheer and much clapping.
We were a very happy and convivial bunch for the rest of the flight.
What a great gesture! That's the way Alaska Airlines used to be. I think they're really getting back into the swing of things.
Oh and: the plane we were flying on was brand new. It even had the "new plane" smell.
And, in Anchorage at the bottom of the escalator leading to the baggage claim area, an Alaska Airlines representative dressed in a kuspuk greeted us and directed us to the correct baggage claim carousel. How great is that??!!!!!!!
5:04:35 PM 
|
