Back to Ontario... after a great Flightfest!

[Passenger Mark]

Jeff, Andria and I left Phoenix today bound for Ontario.

The crew was terrific! I told the folks at the gate that we were anxious fliers. About 15 minutes before boarding the Captain came out and got us, and took us down to the plane. There He let Jeff up front. We told Jeff to not push any buttons!!!

He spent a lot of time explaining all the systems etc...

The Flight Attendants were a lot of fun as well. They paid close attention to us, and even let me do my handing out the peanuts routine. For those that have forgotten, or don't know. When my anxiety level was high... I would help the Flight Attendants and hand out peanuts. It would help to keep my mind off of things. Now I do it for fun, and old times sake!

The flight was a bit bumpy leaving, but once we cleared the clouds... it was smooth. When we started descending through the clouds, it was bumpy again. And I ALWAYS hate flying in the clouds. I want to see the ground! Must be a reason in this!

But all in all a great, fun, and enjoyable flight...

Jeff up in the comanders seat!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0191.JPG

After backing from the gate... it took forever to get out to the runway. After turning onto the runway... I figured out why... The line-up of planes looked like the 5 Freeway at rush hour...

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0192.JPG

Bye bye Phoenix... It was fun!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0196.JPG

You know the great thing about flying is you get to see some views that just are not possible to see from the ground. I still get anxious about flying, but I would not trade the following sunset images for anything!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0198.JPG

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0199.JPG

The Flight Attendants came and got me to help pass out the snacks. I liked joking around with the passengers!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0204.JPG

And then before landing it was time to pick up the trash! ha ha

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0207.JPG

Another one of those great views that you can only get from a plane. This is Mount San Jacinto, and the Palm Spring Tram...

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0208.JPG

After a nice landing, and great group shot with the crew!

http://www.takingflight.us/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_DSCF0209.JPG

[spleisher]

Great post and great pics Mark. You know, I agree, there is nothing like a sunset from the air.


Scott

[CaptainStark]

Your pictures ALWAYS look better than mine!

Great report and a great trip. It was really nice seeing/meeting you all.

:ray:

[Jeff California]

What an awesome trip!

The flights were good and went by very fast. Marks knowledge of the scenery below helped alot. His dvd player was also a good distraction! Loved the noise cancelling headphones! I think we were both nervous for takeoff, but once we got to cruise, everything was fine! Then Mark would say "We will start descent any second" and 5 seconds later the descent "ding" would sound:thumbsup:

Dinner was great and the table conversations were great as well. Debbie did a great job organizing! Ray and Louann were a pleasure to dine with and Ray gave us a ride back to our hotel (thanks again Ray).


Mark (Stpetemark) and his wife Susan flew all the way from Florida!
We got to watch the start of the super bowl at a bar in the airport. Also got to have a couple glasses of anxiety medicine:cheers: Once we reached cruise, the FA brought me two beers and refused my money:)

Southwest did a great job for us. As Mark posted, I got to sit in the Captains chair!
It was great meeting you all! Flights were great, company was great, and I will not be on a future airline episode for drinking too much to fly!

I spent most of sunday sitting on the sun deck reading Rays book. Very relaxing.

Thanks to everyone who helped and attended! See you in San Fransisco!!

[FO4SWAinPHX]

Great photos. Looks like it was a good time. Sorry I missed it, but I "have to make the doughnuts... have to make the doughnuts."

[CaptainStark]

I was talking to the guy I am flying with this week and he told me about these "guys" who were on his flight. He's the pilot in the picture.:thumbsup:

I showed him the site and this thread and he was amazed. Wished he had had more time to talk with you both!

:ray:

[Lynda]

Great report and great pics!!!

Hope the pilot drops in on us sometime:)

Lynda

[Passenger Mark]

VERY COOL Ray!

I hope he did not think we were too nutso!

ha ha

[WillFlyToDisney]

I can only IMAGINE what he said... :tongue:

Kelley