It's always impressive to look at a row of airplanes lined in formation at any hub airport. As a kid I had a fascination for planes and always looked at them with keen interest. I used to wonder how something that heavy could fly - a true miracle of engineering. I wish I could look at life from a child's eyes again full of awe and innocence. The first plane in the foreground is my flight to FLL.
PHX airport was very congested with people going everywhere so I just leaned against the wall and watched the world parade in front of me. Watching people can be fascinating. I kind of wonder what is the story behind a certain face. I guess we are all like chapters in the book of life. Each one of us has a story to tell.
US 1830 PHX-FLL
Dept. 8:45A - Arriv. 4:16P
A320 - Seat 3D
Boarding finally commenced and I settled into my seat. Being in the last row in F usually means that you do not have a choice of meals, provided there is a choice to begin with. Oh well, I'm omnivorous so that is not a big issue. Our purser was Reno - yes, you've read it right. There is actually someone named Reno and let me tell you this - He was as much of a firecracker as his name implied. This was probably one of the best crew members that I have ever had the pleasure to fly with in my life - and I have a lot of mileage, trust me. Sometimes you can predict a good FA if they do the pre-departure drinks. That sets the tone for the rest of the flight and Reno did not disappoint. I think he even did seconds. The moment you sat down he came right to you asking for your choice of beverage.
This proved to be another full flight. Once we reached cruising altitude Reno stood by row 1 and introduced himself to the whole F cabin. He even joked about his eccentric name. Nothing like humor to break the ice and set the mood for an enjoyable journey. Drinks were served promptly with real glassware and there was a choice of snack from the basket before the meal. At this time the inflight entertainment was on and an announcement was made asking people to lower the shades for better viewing. As a result the cabin became pitch black. I felt like I was on a flight for a vampire convention. I really enjoy natural light for taking meal pictures but beggars can't be choosy since I had an aisle seat. Somehow I managed to survive and without being bitten. Breakfast consisted of omelette with turkey sausage patty and roasted potatoes OR cereal with muffin and yogurt. By the time I was asked there was only omelette left. I was shocked that the hot entree was still available. Are people from PHX that health conscious? Coming from California I can see that but PHX? The breakfast itself was not too bad. There was some salsa on top that gave it a "kick" - no doubt a touch of Southwestern influence. It also came with a bowl of fruit and a croissant (no choice of pastries or breads) that left a lot to be desired. It tasted like a roll, devoid of buttery taste and flakiness associated with real croissants.
Notice the absence of sliced fruits. I guess it is too labor intensive and expensive to offer some cantaloupe or pineapples. Can't complain, at least I got fruits and not a fruit bar or roll up. I wonder if that is next though.
I saw Fantastic Four already so I decided to read a book. Reno was very efficient and solicitious asking for coffee or tea after the meal service. This guy is one hard working employee. I never saw him sit down one second and when he was not in the F galley he was serving the first couple of rows in Y. Meanwhile he never forgot his passengers in F and was constantly patrolling the cabin and inquiring if we needed more drinks. Outstanding! He remained cheerful throughout the flight and even joked with me and a couple of other passengers in front. Oh and get this - he addressed me by name. I had to pinch myself in utter disbelief. The copy of the US Airways magazine in my seat pocket reminded me of who I was flying with today. Towards the end I commended Reno on what an outstanding job he was doing and made sure that Sandcastle heard about it. With employees like this it wouldn't be so hard to defect US.
next..a few days in Miami