MALIK

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: Unfortunately for work

FUN FACT: In the past 3 years, I have lived and/or worked in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Afghanistan, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York and Washington DC and I love exploring new places.

BUCKET LIST: Hawaii, Hawaii & Hawaii!

GUILTY PLEASURE: Spending a weekend playing and just hanging out with my daughter with absolutely NO work.

*MY TWO CENTS*: With all the places he has been to all over the world, it is amazing that he picked somewhere in the U.S. I love the fact that there are so many wonderful & beautiful places right here in the USA and I get to see so many of them with this job. I am truly blessed!

AMANDA

JAN 10, 2012

MCO-DFW

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: Returning home from a month long business/pleasure trip, Toulouse, France - London - NYC - Orlando

FUN FACT: I traveled to over 40 countries and 50 states, by the time I was 30. I spend every June in Germany visiting family.

BUCKET LIST: All 7 wonders of the world

GUILTY PLEASURE: Spending hours doing NOTHING on any beach I can find.

*MY TWO CENTS*: Because of my love of travel and experiencing new things, I am extremely jealous of her travel to 40 countries & 50 states, by the age of 30. I am still working on both and I am….well let’s just say I am no longer in my 30’s. Luckily, I will be able to add more countries my list this April. I am going on a 9 day cruise from Barcelona to the Canary Islands. I am super excited about the art and food in Spain!

SCOTT

***FIRST BLOG POST 2012!***

1/2/2012 (ok, that was fun!)

JFK-LAX

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: Spent the Holiday with my partner in NYC at our apt. & now headed back to our home in L.A. (he's on a different flight about 10 mins. ahead of us!)

FUN FACT: I have a unique talent where I remember numbers... Bank accounts, phone numbers, credit card numbers, you name it! without looking, I know my frequent flyer numbers for 3 airlines... (and now 11D) I'm cursed.

BUCKET LIST: Want to take a Safari, go down under and spend time learning to fly.

GUILTY PLEASURE: watching "Devil wears Prada" and eating popcorn with plain M&M's dumped in. YUM!

*MY TWO CENTS*: Scott was awesome, he is one of those pax that you immediately love the first time you interact with them. It was cute when he got excited to fill out the form and help me with my blog! My husband has the crazy number thing too. Paul remembers phone numbers, car & motorcycle part numbers...but he can't ever remember his driver's license number.

JASON

DEC 30, 2011

JFK-LAX (to PVG)

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: Visiting China for the first time... Shanghai & Hangzhou! I am going to eat everything!

FUN FACT: I am competing in the 2012 NYC Ironman.

BUCKET LIST: To be barreled by a wave on the North Shore of Hawaii.

GUILTY PLEASURE: Sitting on the couch with a huge queue of reality TV on the DVR (Bravo, usually)

*MY TWO CENTS*: As soon as I read his responses I had to go talk to him in detail. I am that girl that will try and eat everything..once. The hot stuff not so much, but the gross stuff...within reason. I love the street vendors in Mexico, NYC etc. He is going to be able to try some pretty interesting stuff in China and he seemed super excited about it too!

MARTIN

DEC. 27, 2011

LAX-JFK

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: I commute regularly between Los Angeles and New York. I work in the aerospace industry in California and produce theater in NYC (Broadway and off-Broadway)

FUN FACT: I travel all over the world for solar eclipses and marathons. In Nov 2012 I will be going to Port Douglas, Australia (near Cairns in Queensland) for a marathon, that will start with an eclipse.

BUCKET LIST: Win a Tony Award for producing a musical.

GUILTY PLEASURE: I NEVER answer the phone if it is interrupting something I consider more important.

*MY TWO CENTS*: Martin is a dichotomy...the aerospace industry and the entertainment industry. I wouldn't automatically associate those two things with each other. I love the fact that he has traveled all over to view eclipses. I am surprised when I can remember to set my alarm to see an eclipse. It will always amaze me, the diversity of the people that I would never have gotten get to meet, if I were not writing this blog!

ALWAYS REMEMBER, NEVER FORGET

American Airlines Flight 11 John Ogonowski, Thomas McGuinness, Barbara Arestequi, Jeffrey Collman, Sara Low, Karen Martin, Kathleen Nicosia, Betty Ong, Jean Roger, Dianne Snyder, Madeline Sweeney

United Airlines Flight 93 Jason Dahl, Leroy Homer, Lorraine Bay, Sandra Bradshaw, Wanda Green, CeeCee Lyles, Deborah Welsh

United Airlines Flight 175 Victor Saracini, Michael Horrocks, Robert Fangman, Amy Jarret, Amy King, Michael Tarrou, Kathryn Laborie, Alfred Marchand, Alicia Titus, Jesus Sanchez, Marianne MacFarlane

American Airlines Flight 77 Charles Burlingame, David Charlebois, Michele Heidenberger, Jennifer Lewis, Kenneth Lewis, Renee May

ERIC

JULY 18, 2011

JFK-LAX

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: To see my daughter for the weekend.

FACT: Played the violin on Johnny Carson when I was 3

BUCKET LIST:To have my mom, wife, daughter, step-son and step-daughter in the same place for a perfect night. Checked off Christmas eve 2010. Dance with my daughter at her wedding. Kiss my wife at sunset in Venice when I am 75.

GUILTY PLEASURE: Flirting with Terry and Penni and offering sips of my red wine.

*MY TWO CENTS*: Eric was fun to have on board, in fact he has been on a couple more flights since. I have seen a hand full of my Pax in 11D participants on multiple flights back and forth in the LAX-JFK market. Next month I will be flying some different markets, Orlando, Dallas and Denver. I look forward to meeting more passengers and hearing their stories.

MATTHEW

DEC. 31, 2010
TPA-JFK

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: Returning home after visiting my brother and his wife and newborn daughter in Tampa.

FUN FACT: I have 18 month old twins (boy, Girl)

BUCKET LIST: To visit every major league Baseball park

GUILTY PLEASURE: Watching every Yankee game I can.

*MY TWO CENTS: They definitely had their hands full. I have twin nephews and I remember how tired my sister-in-law was during the first 3 years. The twins were on different schedules on this flight. One was completely sacked out and the other was wide awake. One of the nicest families. Fortunately, they were traveling with family and had a lot of help. One double wide stroller at the top of the jet bridge was waiting for them…whew!

NICOLE

DEC. 18, 2010

DFW-SNA

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: I am going to school at West Chester University in PA. and I’m going home for the holidays to be with my family for Christmas break.

FUN FACT: I have lived in Orange County, California and Orange County, New York.

BUCKET LIST: Get to Italy one day. Open a cake shop.

GUILTY PLEASURE: Blasting the radio and singing along even though I am a horrible singer.

*MY TWO CENTS: I have to admit, I do love this cupcake trend….but it is so hard to find a great cake shop these days. I have even been to weddings and parties recently that have cupcake cakes. So, I would love to see her open her cake shop! She is in the horrible singer club and I must be the president. I love to sing, but I am horrible. It just feels so good to belt one out, in the car, listening to the radio!!!

MICHAEL

NOV. 24, 2010

DFW-SAN (started in PBI)

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: My human skills lack that of a bird. Returning home after work. Employer: United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY

FACT: Have raced sailboats all over the planet, crossing most oceans of the world. I am more at home at sea than on land. Two time Maxiworld Champion. Americas Cup veteran.

BUCKET LIST: To race around the globe nonstop, alone.

GUILTY PLEASURE:  Having a woman in every port. It truly is possible. Just be quiet about it.

*MY TWO CENTS: I had to Google Maxiworld Champion, then I just Googled Michael. Wow, he is a VERY accomplished sailor. I can understand his feeling at home on the water, he is an expert. However, I must apologize in advance about your “secret” You may have been able to keep it quiet before this blog entry, but it is on the web now!

MARCEE

NOV 4, 2010

DFW-SAN

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: Coming home from business trip.

FUN FACT:  My son (Tyler Maxwell) plays pro hockey for the Everett Silvertips (WHL) and will play in the NHL one day! (fingers crossed)

BUCKET LIST:  Go to Italy * Asia * Lay on the beach on a tropical Island, Bali with no cell phone.




GUILTY PLEASURE: Going to Barney’s New York and buying everything I want!! =)

*MY TWO CENTS: Marcee was so GREAT! When I approached her with my little spiel to get her to participant…she was very enthusiastic! She filled it out in record time and brought it up to me. I love this job and I especially love my passengers. Thanks again Marcee!!!

BOB

AUG 29, 2010
JFK-LAX

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: Some business, some golf, some baseball.

FUN FACT: Gained access to a plane and sat in the cockpit of an oversold flight between Paris and Stockholm by telling the agent I was a pilot.....I am not (pre 9-11)

BUCKET LIST: Climb all 46 peaks in the Adirondack Mountains over 4,000 in height. I am at 21 now.

GUILTY PLEASURE: My three vices: Ice cream, cigars and beer.I won't ever have all 3 in a single day, but it's the rare day I won't have at least one of them.

PENNI'S TWO CENTS: What an amazing once in a life time situation to be able to sit in the cockpit.  It is one of the best views ever.  I have seen the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls many times and I am still in awe like it was the first time.  I have seen fireworks going off in 20 different locations simultaneously, meteor showers, comets and the most gorgeous sunrises and sunsets on both coasts.  I am so blessed with a breathtaking "office window".  No, I never tire of the excitement of taking off, landing, and the views along the way of each and every flight.

COLIN

AUG 28, 2010
LAX-JFK

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: Going to NYC for the U.S. Open. I am meeting my Dad who is coming from Trinidad.

FUN FACT: I was in the Bahamas earlier this week. I love to travel!!

BUCKET LIST: Eat at Peter Lugers (doing this week). Vacation in the South of France.

GUILTY PLEASURE: Sweets. I eat dessert items everyday.



PENNI'S TWO CENTS: Here comes a small world story. After we departed I received the form back from Colin. Another Flight Attendant & myself were reading over the answers and her eyes got really big. She said that she went to grade school with a guy name Colin who was from Trinidad. We looked on the pax name list and figured out that this pax was one in the same. She immediately went to his seat and told him who she was. She was working a galley position located about 20 ft. behind from where he was sitting. However due to her F/A position, she would have probably never seen that he was onboard if not for my blog. Did I happen to mention that they haven’t seen each other in over 20 years….CRAZY small wonderful world!!!

NEIL

AUG 23, 2010
LAX-JFK

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: To help new veterans learn and old veterans heal.

FUN FACT: I have more ink on me than all the pens at the Courtyard by Marriott JFK have in them.

BUCKET LIST: To see the world with B.A.D.

GUILTY PLEASURE: Flying to teach!

PENNI'S TWO CENTS: Neil is a VERY frequent flyer on my airline, a super nice guy with a heart of gold!!!

STEVE S. (of JETBLUE FAME)

PIT-JFK
AUG 9, 2010

Since the situation with Steven S. (Jetblue) is all over the news and FB, I felt I needed to add an entry. This is exactly why I am writing this blog. We all hear about the “crazies” (I am talking about the pax). They make national news. However, for every crazy, there are thousands of interesting, cool, great to meet and talk to “regulars”. I love my job, my office view is FANTASTIC and 99.99% of the time every pax I encounter is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!

MARK

JULY 22, 2010
JFK-LAX

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: Returning home after a week of work in NY
FUN FACT: I have been to Turkey 3 times but never to Kentucky, USA. This flight segment will secure my Executive Platinum (100K miles or 100 segments per year) status for another year. I live in LA but travel weekly for my job in NYC.
BUCKET LIST: Have been to Santorini and about 10 other Greek Islands. Bucket list destination is definitely Galapagos Islands.
GUILTY PLEASURE: I’ll offer several: dark chocolate (daily), cashews, Jason Bourne trilogy (watch it over and over), cruising in my convertible like some silly teenager.

Just a little side note, once again a late night flight. Mark was more than happy to fill out the form. I love that fact that he seems to work very hard going back and forth to LAX, however he stills seems like a big kid at heart. We should all aspire to be big kids at heart!

Jerry O.

JULY 18, 2010
JFK-LAX

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: Spent a month in New York with my parents and their grand kids

FACT: I have been to Machu Pichu

BUCKET LIST: To travel with my kids

GUILTY PLEASURE: Fantasy Football

Just a little side note, Jerry was traveling with his gorgeous and super nice wife and their 2 VERY well behaved children. Even though his hands were full he was still willing to fill out the questionnaire. He and his wife are such beautiful people! (both inside and out)

SAM

JULY 13, 2010

JFK-LAX

WHY ON THIS FLIGHT: Heading home from a business meeting with a new account

FACT: I have run a mile or more in at least 20 countries. (If that isn’t fun enough) He also has flown over 2 MILLION miles with my airline!!! (Thank you VERY much Sam!!!)

BUCKET LIST: * To see my kids grow up and get married. * To run a 100 mile race. * To travel with my wife and not be in a hurry.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Seeing my kids born and watching them evolve.

Just a little side note, our flight from JFK was delayed 3 hours. Sam filled out the questionnaire just before landing at LAX. It was approximately 215am CA time or 515am NY time. I am so happy I started this project. I am truly meeting the most amazing passengers. Everyone has been such a great sport!

CHELSEA H.

JULY 8, 2010
LAX-JFK
OK, so she wasn't sitting in 11D, but she was so cool I had to share. I had comedian Chelsea H. on board. I love her show and her books. I had one of her books with me and she actually signed it. She was so gracious, nice and absolutely adorable! Her laugh is so infectious, you can't help but laugh with her. I was so excited, that she was so sweet! She will remain one of my favorites for a very long time! PS. Her books will make you pee your pants laughing!

Airport Standby

So here is the deal. I go to LAX and sit in the crew operations (Op's) for 6 hours and get paid for 5. I am there in case a Flight Attendant is needed at the very last minute to crew an aircraft. It is part of our reserve obligation. Not a crew member? I will explain the crazy world of reserve in a later post. Remember I live in San Diego, so I leave my house at 2pm and if I don't fly tonight I will get home at 130am. I will just be sitting in "Op's" waiting to be called. I can check on the computer to make sure people have signed in and that the flights have departed, however at anytime they could call me to fly. I have had to sit for 5 hours and 45 minutes...only 15 minutes to go, when I got called to fly an allnighter to NY. Yes it is completely legal from the FAA's point of view. My duty day (from sign-in to landing) was 11:45 hours. 50% of the time you don't go anywhere, you sit there, you go home and then you drive to the airport the following day for a trip. That is only one of the crazy things that happens on reserve. Like I stated earlier, I will give you more info on reserve in future posts.

Keep your fingers crossed for me to get a good trip, so I can post things about the interesting people I meet seated in 11D.

XOXO Penni