The Captain and First Mate just returned from a quick trip to sunny Southern California.
Believe it or not, this time it was mostly sunny, although the temperature did drop from low 80s to mid-60s while we were there.
I don’t know about the rest of you but the Captain and First Mate have some philosophical differences when it comes to flying.
For example, the Captain likes to travel as light as possible; the First Mate carries as much as the airlines will allow.
The First Mate always takes the aisle or window seat; the Captain has to sit in the middle and elbow-fight with the third passenger in the row.
The Captain would rather arrive at the airport early and sit and wait for his flight, rather than run down the concourse to board just before the door of the plane is closed.
With regard to that last one, on this trip the Captain prevailed. We arrived early and had ample to time to sit in John Wayne Airport, relax, and watch people.
Here are some of the Captain’s “people-watching” observations:
1. Every body is different. Read that again: Every BODY is different. And that’s okay. Love who you are.
2. There is no longer a “travel outfit” which people feel necessary to wear for air flight. And that’s okay too.
3. Despite possessing a “Real ID” drivers license, the Captain once again had difficulty getting through security. Some day I should check into what the government has on me.
4. While some passengers quietly protested having to wear a face mask (like the person whose mask read “Worn by force, not by fear”), everyone on our flight peacefully complied with the federal rule.
5. There are still rude and inconsiderate travelers though. A man behind us refused to let anyone sit in his row, claiming he was waiting for his wife. The wife never showed up (naturally) and he had the extra space to spread out his electronic toys.
6. Pilots may be the last people on earth to wear a necktie to work. Yet another reason I am a pirate and not a pilot!
7. Female flight attendants ARE the last people on earth wearing pantyhose. Which is odd, since the general public was warned years ago about wearing nylons on airplanes. (In the “unlikely” event of a crash landing and fire, the nylon will melt to one’s legs.)
8. Women liberated from wearing pantyhose are now wearing leggings instead. The Captain suspects there is a qualitative difference, but it escapes me.
9. Women’s hats are making a comeback.
10. Fewer men are wearing hats, which is kinda sad.
11. One should wear practical shoes when flying. It may become necessary to run to your gate; flip flops and Crocs will slow you down.
12. Flying is becoming increasingly more uncomfortable and astronomically more expensive; and yet people of all economic classes still do it.
Back at the home port now and back to work. Peace.
