As a frequent flyer, I often try to get the first class upgrade anytime there is an opportunity. Its just an easier way to fly! However, sometimes I’m not lucky enough and have to sit in the back of the bus. And that’s fine. However, if I’m going to be sitting in the back of the bus, I might as well have a little extra legroom…right? So I always check my travel a few days in advance and move my seat to the exit aisle because there is usually a little more space between my legs and the seat in front of me.
A couple of weeks ago, US Air had a plane land in the Hudson River. Maybe you heard about it? Bunch of birds flew into the plane engine and knocked the whole thing down. So the pilot, Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, did what great pilots do. He landed the plane as quickly as possible and with minimal amount of deaths and injuries (no deaths, a few injuries). Now, I don’t want to take away from Sully. He is deserving of all of the accolades that he is receiving and I think what he did is amazing. But MY thoughts keep coming back to the passengers on the plane and especially the 3 or 4 who were in charge of opening the exit doors.
Can you imagine! All you want is a little extra leg room and the next thing you know you’re FLOATING in the Hudson River and you have to act!? I mean…they always ask you if you know your responsibilities and are you willing to accept them and blah blah blah…but who ever actually imagines that you would ever find yourself needing to open those hatch doors? Not me. Well…not until this whole thing occured. Now you can bet your butt I am ALWAYS reading that pamphlet in the pocket. Just to make sure I know how to get that door open.
So…who were the people in those seats, I wonder? And how did THEY handle this whole occurance? The crew of the plane is supposed to be able to handle such conditions. The passengers? Maybe not so much. Who opened those doors??? Were they calm and stoic? Did they help others get out? Or did they take the leap first, screaming to get outside?
Hmmmm…I wonder….
A Round World Through Square Glasses 
They say you are safer the farther back you sit in the plane, so screw first class, I’d rather smell the bathroom the whole time.
Uh huh. YOU try flying 4 times a week for 8 months and see how close you want to be to the bathroom…
The one thing about me is that I am calm in emergency situations. Everyone around me can be losing their shit, but I am calm and can take control of the situation. It’s odd, because I ususally have problems making decisions. You should see me at a restaurant with a huge menu. Oy vey.
I think I would try to help people, but Chris would toss me out of the plane. He is so scared of flying! He does it, but I have to hold his hand through take off. Big guy like him and he acts like a little girl, it’s sooo cute.