Turns out, that was her opening gambit to wrangle an upgrade to one of the Business Class seats she could see going vacant from her vantage point. She wasn't successful.
I had noticed the regal-looking lady in 19F having a fairly intense, one-way conversation with our gate agent prior to boarding. Onboard, I confirmed that she was our only HVC (high-value customer) in Economy this evening (a "1K") who had what she characterized as a "tight" alliance partner connection in Sau Paulo to Salvador. I'm comfortable that we ALL (the crew) were intimately aware of the details of her connection within the first hour of our flight. She was one of those "energy black holes" for whom more is never enough. (The forecast of a significantly EARLY arrival in GRU (Sao Paulo) did nothing to allay her anxiety about missing the connection. Surely, this wasn't her first rodeo!)
And so it began...the Groundhog Day moment of realization that no matter how prepared I think I am or how happy I am to be here doing my thing, the first random interaction seems like sabotage. Do you ever wonder, "who plants these folks in my path to test me?".
We've seen evidence enough lately of what can happen, as unimaginable as it is, when we allow circumstance to overwhelm us. Friends, we have control. Circumstance will only prevail when we allow it.
"I'm afraid that service upgrades can't be handled onboard. I'm sure that my colleagues working this side of the cabin will make you very comfortable." "Shoot. Well, I'm glad we got a nice Flight Attendant, at least."
If she ONLY knew!
"So, you don't think I'll have any trouble getting to my 1020 departure to Salvador?" "Anything can happen. But I can't imagine it being a problem, especially for a seasoned traveller like yourself. It was booked as a legal connection and our arrival should be at least 15 minutes ahead of forecast. Also, there are always at least 2 customer service staffmembers meeting our arrival. One of them assists with connections. I also want to say 'thank you', Ms. Barrera (not her name), for your continued support of our company. We really appreciate your loyalty."
The 9+08 flight rolled on, obstacles presented, obstacles overcome, just like most days at work. But this leg didn't have that "something" that makes it feel special. I didn't know that that "something" was just a few hours away...
We were booked heavily to start with on our return. As we gathered for the hotel van, our ISM (onboard leader) informed us that GRU/Chicago was 13+ hours delayed with a mechanic and that we would be packed to Houston as a result. OK. A quick look at the seat map revealed that it was going to be HVC City tonight, "GS"s and "1K"s all through Business Class and at least 3 "GS"s in Economy. We also had a large group which we learned early on, were Mary Kay conventioneers, many of whom were unaccustomed to flying. The potential for issues during boarding and flight was growing exponentially. And, predictably, the issues presented themselves...
Our first customer was only somewhat ambulatory: he could stand but required assistance to move to his seat (21L with J & K occupied on this full flight). As our ISM assisted his steps, I engaged in a light back-and-forth to establish level of need. "If you need us, just ask. Ozzie and Donna are working this aisle but I will keep an eye out for you too. Just make eye contact and I'll know." What a smile of relief that brought from someone accustomed to being apprehensive in such situations. Apparently, our group members were all close friends or new friends or soon-to-be friends because their entry into the confines of the cabin were an occasion for conviviality and bonding. The aisles were impassable with back-slapping, loud-talking group clots forming everywhere. The young mother with two very small children needed attention. 1 of our 3 GSs in Economy (a displacement from the ORD flight) somehow scored a center seat and wasn't terribly happy, It was a time for pro-activity when avoidance just seemed like such a good alternative.
Issue by issue, my colleagues and I addressed away anxiety, Minute by minute, the cabin filled as did the overhead bins which, thanks to very cooperative students, were arranged perfectly to achieve maximum capacity. That in and of itself is a feat!
As things settled somewhat, I noticed the cute couple in 25JK trying to take "just the right" selfie and thought "we've got this under control, it's time to come out of character a little." The result is what you see in the photo. They couldn't wait to post it and, though they spoke only Portuguese, asked for my permission from a colleague. "Sure! But only if they send a copy to me."
Friends, what you see isn't "typical" me, or just silly me, or even red-faced from steroids for allergies me. That photo is "I love my job" me. When I see it, I remember that moment and how it felt to have things "in hand" again. It reminds me that I'll be doing it all over again tonight, when I return to GRU. And that's so cool.
When you love what you do and feel that you do it competently, even well, that is a success beyond all others. Philip would probably say, "you look high."
Well...if the shoe fits...
(BTW, our 3 "GS"s all remained in Economy and all were ultimately quite happy. We personally thanked each for their business, provided a leftover amenity kit and the commitment that we would do all in our power to assure them a safe, comfortable trip. At the last possible moment, I was able to move Mr. "I" from his middle seat in 17B to a last-minute no-show's aisle seat, 18D.
Our semi-ambulatory customer in 21L didn't eat or drink the entire flight. He confirmed that he'd done so so as not to inconvenience the customers in 21J&K. As soon as we arrived and it was practical, we got him to the toilet. He left us with a water bottle, an amenity kit and prayers for his continuing journey. What a gem of a human being he is. What a privilege it was to serve him.)
Anthony, much like myself, it appears you are the type of person who will do well in any job you employ. While I do miss flying as passenger cabin staff, my current job as a computer programmer is very satisfying (and I still get my side-order of non-rev benefits! LOL).
ReplyDeleteHave A Nice Life!
x0x's, m