First trip, was a sudden mid-morning crisis call. "Get on the next plane to Syracuse, call me when you land, you don't need luggage". US Air DCA / SYR. Called when I landed and they told me, "get that plane held going back to DCA, we are coming in going 120 right now, I don't care if you need to get arrested, that plane does not leave without X on it."

I calmly explained the situation to the gate agent, and security, and I think the airport manager, (it was for an elected official pre-9/11) who had to get back for an important vote. Got the plane held, security escorted him right to the plane and he was off, only about 10 minutes late.

That became day 1 of a 200+ days straight road trip. Friends shipped me my clothes. Ahh good times.

Stayed at the hotel Syracuse (Radison) that night, and enjoyed a nice steak and wine on someone else dime. I liked the experience.