Best memory, PHX-STL in TWA 757 First Class cabin a few year back. As the plane climbed to altitude, I was in a half-sleep state trying to keep my eyes open. Every time I closed my eyes I saw a shadow standing in front of me. When I slowly cracked my eye lids open the shadow disappeared. On the fourth time I made a concious effort to open my eyes quicker and sure enough a FA was standing there with a clip board in her hand. When she asked me if I am the name on the manifest, I thought I was in trouble and went through my normal checklist before answering her. Did I leave something behind? Did TWA leave my baggage back at PHX? Emergency message from home? Some thing blew up at work? etc, etc....

I softly answered yes to my name expecting her to unload some bad news on me. Instead, she said in a loud tone since I was a TWA Platinum member I get first dib on the menu choice and I will be served first. I was proud, happy and sad at the same time because I almost finished my meal before other first class passengers were served. When I got off the plane a passenger behind me ask for my signature because she thought I was a real VIP. Hahahahaha, needless to say, I did not sign my name.

This happened during the time I was consulting at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL, which also the cause of my worst trip experience. It was mid-February and that year Huntsville got hit with an ice-storm. My afternoon flight out of Huntsville on Wednesday was cancelled because the airport was closed. No problem I thought, I just rebook myself for the first flight out the next day. Next day (Thursday), called the Platinum line to confirm my seat, checked out of the hotel, returned the rental car (a GMC Jimmy) and walked up to the ticket counter. I was informed the airport is shutdown until further notice. Called the Platinum line and rebook for first flight out on Friday, rented a car (one Geo Metro was all they have, same money for alot less car), and checked back into the hotel. I ate out of the vending machine in the hotel because all the restaurants were closed due to most employees can not get to work. Friday was the same scenarios as Thursday but I got smart and checked in at the airport first before checking out of the hotel and returning the car. The airport was full of people not able to rent a room or a car. Called the Platinum line again and told them to book me out of Nashville on Saturday. Saturday, I drove up to Nashville, 4.5 hours and 90 miles later, I lined up in the first class line for my trip home. Found out I have to fly standby coach since there is no seat left. Got home and found out my baggage was still in Nashville.