On overnights there, we stay in the kind of historic hotel where they film horror movies. I know this because they were filming a horror movie on my last visit. For this trip, though, we won’t even be leaving the airport—if you can call it that. The building is so small you can see right through it to the taxis waiting on the other side.
After a quick turn, we’ll head 812 miles to Denver for a three-hour sit. Some pilots “bid avoid” Denver in their schedule requests because the weather is nuts. Snow often affects flights even more than the turbulence caused by the Rocky Mountains on landing. Looks as if we’ll be racing a snowstorm today and have an alternate of Colorado Springs.
Last time I was in Colorado Springs, it had been the most gorgeous fall day for hiking Manitou Incline. And here I go thinking about Claire again.
Vincent slaps me on the shoulder, alerting me to the fact I’ve arrived at our gate. “You got everything you need in your backpack in case we get stuck in Denver overnight?”
I should have thought of that ahead of time. After getting stuck without a suitcase once, I at least knew to bring a toothbrush and change of boxers on all flights.
“Everything but food,” I assure him. I’ll have plenty of time to grab one of my favorite empanadas in the Denver airport.
Vincent rolls a briefcase-sized suitcase on wheels. He’s more prepared than I am. But where’s his wife? She’d been on the trip sheet when I printed it out last night.
“Desiree here?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “She didn’t want to risk getting stuck in Denver because she’s supposed to go wedding dress shopping with our daughter tomorrow, so she called out.”
I immediately go on alert, gaze roving the gate for Desiree’s replacement. What are the chances I’d work with Claire again? As a newer flight attendant, she’d be one of the first called. Everything is seniority-based in the airlines.
“Desiree also didn’t want to run the risk of getting sick from Alex. I figure I’m a little safer in the flight deck, though I’ll take my echinacea just in case.”
“He claims it’s just allergies,” I joke, though I’m more focused on who is replacing Desiree in the forward galley than the habitually sick guy working aft. I don’t see any female flight attendants headed this way, so I pull out my phone again to check the updated version of our trip sheet.
Two square toes of men’s shiny black dress shoes join Vincent and my feet on the floor beyond my phone screen. “Looks like this is going to be a guys’ trip,” says a gruff male voice.
I glance up in surprise and disappointment to find a short, barrel-chested man with a trim gray beard. Not your average flight attendant.
He holds out his hand. “I’m Larry.”
I put my phone away to shake. If he’s Desiree’s replacement, then there’s no reason to check the trip sheet.
Vincent takes more of an interest in the new guy. “I’m not sure I’ve ever worked an all-male trip before. Welcome to our crew.”
“Thanks. I’m a retired police officer, but I got bored being at home. I’m hoping to take advantage of the pilot program the company offers for flight attendants.”
With the recent pilot shortage, airlines became desperate, and ours offered to pay half the training costs for flight attendants to attend pilot training. Ever since then Vincent has been trying to talk all our flight attendants into stepping into the cockpit, so he’ll love having easy access to Larry right outside the door.
Vincent:Flying is so easy!
Most Flight Attendants:I’ve heard everyone cries in training.
Vincent:Oh, you’ll cry. But it’s worth it.
Before this trip is over, he’ll have signed Larry up for a discovery flight.
The gate agent arrives and lets us down the jet bridge. I stash my backpack next to my seat in the cockpit, then head outside for my preflight walk-around. Often when it’s this nice out, the captain will offer to do the inspection for us lowly first officers, but he’s currently too enthralled with educating Larry, and I’m thankful.
With my earplugs in to prevent hearing damage from engine noise, I get to enjoy the sunshine a little bit longer. I wave to our fuelers and baggage handlers, who scramble around like ants on picnic scraps.
I don’t take it for granted when everything runs smoothly. This is how it’s supposed to go. The way we enjoy it. It’s why we signed up for the job.
A few larger planes take off into the blue sky against the backdrop of trees and mountains that make Seattle my favorite airport to fly in and out of. I glance at my watch because it’s about that time. I still need to do my inspection inside.
Passengers have already boarded when I return.
Cap glances out of the corner of his eye from his seat. “I did the crew brief and welcome announcement already.”
I nod and get busy because I’ve got some catching up to do. Especially since I’m flying this first leg. I’m running out of chances to beat Vincent at our landing game before I upgrade to captain and don’t get to work with him anymore.
