Sunday, January 29, 2012

This is worth reading!

Tim is in Almaty, Kazakhstan, after some very long flights yesterday and today. He sent an update while en route which I thought you might like to read. Sorry! No photos to post with this, but you should have no trouble "picturing" his adventures! This took place on his flight from DC to Frankfurt.....
Soon it was time to board the plane for Frankfurt. With my status I was able to get on board right away, find my seat, and "make my nest" in 23G - Economy Plus. Not business, but not bad. I like an aisle seat so I can get up and stretch my legs occasionally. As the boarding was coming to a close I thought for sure that I was going to have two seats open beside me, but right at the end a very classy couple came and sat beside me. I wasn't sure what was going on, but it seemed like they had gotten "bumped" down to economy from Business Class because right away another classy lady came bearing gifts for them (drinks and a visa card to "spend any way you like") and making conversation that seemed like she was apologizing and trying to make things right for this couple and hoping that everything would go well on the flight. At that moment I had assumed she was a "Purser" or customer service rep with United. She wasn't wearing the United uniform, but she seemed like she was in charge. Ok, no problem. I just felt bad for the couple cause they had to sit back with the rest of us regulars.

Well...about an hour and half into the flight, after the meal, etc. things were settling down for the night and it was going to be time to turn off the lights and sleep - and I was READY for that since I had taken a sleep aid just then. Well, right then that classy lady showed up again this time bearing gifts on a little tray for the couple. Two full wine glasses and other things (I don't know what). Well, just as she approached us and greeted the couple she bumped the seat or something and the red wine on her tray SPILLED right on to me!! It hit my company laptop, jeans and sweater. Oh brother! My laptop was closed, thank goodness, so I just tipped it over and let the wine run off, but my right leg was very wet from the wine!! Of course, the lady felt bad and was making all sorts of noises and wiping me off. Then it came out she was just a First Class passenger on the plane and was bringing stuff back to her friends beside me. She kept saying "what can I do for you? You name it, etc. etc." "Do you want a drink? Please, let me get you a drink! I can't move you to a better seat because I'm just a passenger." Well, I was kind, but also complaining a bit - and now thought she was just a ditz. why was she carrying wine in open glasses anyway??

Thank goodness an attendant came right away and stepped in. She expressed her concern and discussed options and what to do. Thankfully I had packed not only an extra pair of pants in my carry-on I also had some light weigh running pants. She brought me some "Club Soda" to use on my jeans and I headed to the bathroom. I changed and then soaked my pants (where the spill was) with the club soda. That really did the trick! My sweater only had a small spot of wine it - so it was ok.

The Attendant took my jeans, put them on a hanger and put them in First Class to dry. I never made it to first class but my jeans did!! When she brought them back they seemed happier and more relaxed than before! The Attendant gave me a coupon (an Inflight Personal Property Damage Claim) to pay for dry cleaning for the jeans and sweater. She also gave me a $150 voucher to use toward travel with United. Finally, she brought me a First Class blanket to make me feel better I guess. The blanket was QUITE nice I have to admit - better than the kind we usually get.

Finally, I was able to close my eyes and get some sleep. Next thing I knew it was time to wake up and have one of those stale breakfasts. On the way out of the plane I did notice Miss Wine Spiller standing at the doorway waiting for her friends. For a second I thought I might say something, but I figured "Nah" it wasn't worth it. I knew she would apologize over and over and I was fine really. 

2 comments:

Mrs. Michelle said...

what an adventure. sounds like tim has some grace - i know some people who would have really given miss wine spiller a really hard time. glad he is okay and that his jeans enjoyed first class! :)

Shawna said...

Being that I'm a flight attendant, this is my guess. . .the lady with the wine was an off duty flight attendant/pilot, and she and her friends were "pass-riding", which means you get whichever seats are left on the airplane. One was in first, the other 2 were in Economy. That's why she was trying to make her friends as comfortable as possible. I'm glad you got taken care of, though, and that the laptop wasn't damaged! BTW, I worked that flight 2 days before you were on it. Can't you plan better next time????? ;o )