<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PremEx:
I got every book, pamphlet and brochure I could lay my hands on beforehand. And I had plenty. Because both my Aunt and Uncle worked for United at the maintenance facility at SFO. They got us upgraded to First Class, so as was the custom back then, I had to "dress-up" in suit and clip-on tie. Wasn't too happy about that part, as I recall. 
My Uncle arranged for us to arrive at the airport early and I really got the VIP treatment, walking around the plane on the tarmac with mechanics and pilots. Going into the cargo hold. Tour of the cockpit and even a visit up there in flight!</font>
Pre-9/11 was something else; during my very first flight (LAX-YYZ), I asked my FA if I could take up the captain on his offer to visit the flight deck in-flight and she took me up there. It was like standing on a a platform overlooking Heaven. That cockpit was out of this world. I expected it would be but it was amazing to see in real life.
I was dressed up in a suit and tie myself, actually; even though only flying Y I still thought that for such a special occasion (my first flight, ever--all by myself), I should look good. The tie was tied by me (another first).
Man, a tour of UA's facility at SFO--that must've been a treat! I was always watching the Tarmac down at SNA, looking at the operations. I know it's just a job and they're getting paid to make it happen. But, the same could be said for the folks who built the golden gate bridge, put men on the moon, etc.
Thanks for sharing your story.
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Best regards,
Dairenn Lombard
Los Angeles, CA