Please please help [Archive] - Taking Flight

spiffyone

10-13-2006, 01:25 AM

Sunday is my first flight alone. Enough said?

I had good flights last weekend so part of me keeps thinking - Oh, it will be so nice to have 3 or 4 hours of peace and quiet on the plane to get some work done. But I keep thinking about how much I rely on my husband for that feeling of calm...I would hate to have a panic attack all alone.

Also, I was talking to my aunt last night about some stock paperwork I needed to submit to the bank (we sort of co-own it...it's complicated). I said, "Oh, I'll be away next week so I probably won't get to it until next Friday." She said, "Oh, that's fine...if your plane goes down, it's easier because I can just take your name off it."

I think she meant it to be funny. Can someone tell me why?

I really, really need you guys to tell me it will be okay. I'm putting my info on the tracking board, but the short story is Prov to Phoenix on SWA sunday, and back on Wed.

StPeteMark

10-13-2006, 01:34 AM

I'd tell Aunt Insensitive that you'll be around a LONG time so you'll just have to wait until next Friday!!! SWA will take you safely to Phoenix and back home!!! NOT to worry!!!
SPMark :)
.

noflyingfan

10-13-2006, 01:43 AM

I am flying alone tomorrow, and although I'm not crazy about the thought of it, I have actually had a much better time flying alone than with people. The flights on which I have felt the most calm and confident have always been ones I've been on by myself.

When I fly with my fiance or a friend, they always know I am afraid to fly and want to coddle me and take care of me and make sure I'm OK. So I let myself be afraid. When I'm alone, I know that no one will take care of me, so I am forced to put on my big girl panties and be brave.

I think this will be liberating for you, Spiff. Flying alone is actually nice. While it is great to have a hand to hold and a shoulder to lean on, it's nice to finally go off on your own. It's like driving a car for the first time after you get your license. It's really scary not having someone sitting next to you and guiding you, but man, does it feel awesome.

WillFlyToDisney

10-13-2006, 01:50 AM

Spiffy,

You can do this and do this JUST fine! I love to fly alone - 2 flights next week! This is my ME time. I can listen to MY songs, read MY books and trashy magazines, work MY puzzles in pen or (gasp) SLEEP without having to entertain anyone else.

It's time to walk without crutches. You have had plenty of time to prepare for this and you ARE ready!

Forget your Aunt - I had the boys in the band do stupid stuff to me all the time because they knew I was scared to fly. I'm still here!

:)
Kelley

Barb-SAN

10-13-2006, 01:58 AM

. When I'm alone, I know that no one will take care of me, so I am forced to put on my big girl panties and be brave.

I hope someone will grab this for a sig line...it's a great one!...too bad my sig. space is already full!

Spiffy...you will be fine. You aren't really alone...you are on a plane full of people, who are kind and friendly folks. Odds are you will have a pleasant seatmate, and a chance to make a new friend, even if it's just for the duration of the flight. You may learn something new about a topic you never normally talk about. Or, you may have a chance to comfort someone else who is flying alone and has fear of flying.

I hope you will make plans to meet the pilots...that will give you that "calm" sense that you are in competent hands, and can relax and let them fly you safely to your destination.

Have you started tracking your flight? That's a chance to become familiar with the route...check out Google Earth...really visualize where you are going, how long it takes, what that feels like, etc.

I think you will do just fine....remember all your tools! I've done all my commercial flights "alone". I actually did not want any friends to take me to the airport for the first flight I took after being grounded all those years, even though I had several offers. I was afraid I'd be so emotional at their kindness for trying to be supportive I'd start crying. Going on my own I just dealt with the situation...even though I was nervous about it, there was no one to lean on...so I just had to go through with it. It's gotten easier with each subsequent flight. I find I go into "observer mode" when I travel alone...always notice more than when I'm with a companion and busy "chatting".

Your aunt's comment..."gallows humor", I think. You've probably come across the genre in medicine, no?:angel:

Looking forward to your trip report!:thumbsup:

WillFlyToDisney

10-13-2006, 02:03 AM

Wow - who knew that Erika talked about her undergarments so much... :angel:

aerobat

10-13-2006, 04:13 AM

Hey, Spiff,

It's OK to be nervous about this; I mean, remember the first time you dove off the high board? A little fear comes with the territory anytime we venture into the unknown.

But I think you'll soon see that it's not so unknown after all. You may feel now that you won't have a hand to hold or a shoulder to lean on, but I think you will find that you really can take care of yourself. You can handle this. Without realizing it, you have internalized the support you need. This will just be the proof in the pudding.

And, it's wonderful quiet time--time to not have to hold up one end of a conversation or (for me) :lol: scoop a litterbox or drive in traffic...it's time all to oneself like no other. Or if you want interaction, talk with your seatmate.

I just got home from my third trip to LA on Southwest--all solo. Lotsa flyin'. Southwest treated me wonderfully. I brought my own food--that made it perfect. Some cabin crews sang to us and cracked jokes, and others played it straight. It was all absolutely fine.

It will be fine for you, too, Spiff, because you can trust yourself, and you can trust SWA. Don't let your aunt's worries (or whatever) get to you. You will see. :nod:

Barb

AZO-FA

10-13-2006, 04:44 AM

I actually forget what it's like to fly with someone. I always fly on my own now and I really like it because it gives me the oppritunity to meet a lot of neat people.

The last time I flew with someone was when I was 15, and even then...I ended up being in the front of the plane and my parents were back in one of the last rows, so it was hardly like I was flying with them.

You'll be just fine! Your aunt probably has her own insecurities about flying and that's why she made such an arrogant comment. It helps to hide/cure one's fears sometimes.

noflyingfan

10-13-2006, 11:20 AM

Wow - who knew that Erika talked about her undergarments so much... :angel:

I won an improv contest that way once. True story.

And that line you used for your signature...well, that just makes good sense. I am leaving in about 45 minutes for the airport to fly to Michigan for the weekend, and I've definitely overpacked the undergarments. I would take a picture, but I don't think that's something any of you guys need to see.

spiffyone

10-13-2006, 03:51 PM

hey...I just went to the website for the phoenix airport (so I could feel prepared for Sunday I guess) and found a link to fear of flying...they have this pilot who has a web page with links to 'chicken soup for the fearful flyer's soul' or something like that.

I am very anti-chicken soup...when I was a resident we had this staff member who every week in the newsletter would post something from chicken soup for the soul and it totally made me gag. Anyway, I thought it was mildly amusing.

Has anyone seen this? Also, who has been to that airport...is it big and scary?

Barb-SAN

10-13-2006, 04:32 PM

Has anyone seen this? Also, who has been to that airport...is it big and scary?

Why don't you post that question in Capt. Ray's forum? He lives over there by Phoenix, and flies out of that airport a lot. Also...Flight Fest has been held there a couple times...so lots of folks here have flown there. It's been a long time since I was there, though I took pictures from the air when flying over it a couple weeks ago. I guess you could call it big, alright. But, big runways are a good thing when it comes to planes!

Barb-SAN

10-13-2006, 04:36 PM

I would take a picture, but I don't think that's something any of you guys need to see.

Don't underestimate those guys! :D

EyesSkyward

10-13-2006, 06:13 PM

they have this pilot who has a web page with links to 'chicken soup for the fearful flyer's soul' or something like that.

Must be this book (http://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Soup-Presents-Fearless-Flightkit/dp/0972236902). The customer reviews are mixed.

- Jeff

WillFlyToDisney

10-13-2006, 06:39 PM

Phoenix airport is not big at all compared to say LAX or JFK but it is bigger than CHS and probably PVD.

It is not hard to navigate at all, Spiff. You'll be fine!

Kelley

aerobat

10-13-2006, 06:52 PM

Spiff said:
I am very anti-chicken soup...when I was a resident we had this staff member who every week in the newsletter would post something from chicken soup for the soul and it totally made me gag. Anyway, I thought it was mildly amusing.

I agree. I once had a chance to peruse this one in a bookstore. This is pablum stretched thin. After all, the Chicken Soup/Soul people also sell cat and dog food.

http://www.chickensoupforthepetloverssoul.com/

We at TF have evolved beyond the Chicken Soup phase, methinks. Coming soon:

Sashimi with Ahua! Ginger Sauce for the Fearful Flier's Soul

and for those ready for the advanced stage,

Raw Habaneros for the Fearful Flier's Soul

In press. Numerous expert authors. Just wait and see. :)

spiffyone

10-13-2006, 09:08 PM

StPeteMark

10-13-2006, 09:21 PM

It's very common in Florida in the summer afternoons...the pilots will go around the thunder cells, or fly in a pattern until they can, and land you safely!!! I've landed in such conditions several times...it's a little bumpy, but it can be bumpy in good weather, too.
.

Barb-SAN

10-13-2006, 09:29 PM

OK, sorry to be so high-maintenance, but the weather website says t-storms in phoenix the day I fly in. It's supposed to be nice here (where I am taking off from) but I thought those southwestern t-storms were horrific and bad.

What is it like landing in a t-storm and how worried should I be? I'm really losing it at this point. I don't think I have felt so freaked out in weeks. It doesn't help that I have been so busy at work that I haven't eaten a meal sitting down since Wednesday night. It's been all peanut butter crackers and goldfish since.

Have you read all the recent posts in Capt. Ray's forum? We've had quite a few discussions about the weather in Arizona and S. California, about the thunderstoms, what they look like on radar, pictures from the cockpit, how they are avoidable, etc. It might be helpful to read through some of those threads (e.g. weather 101).:thumbsup:

EyesSkyward

10-13-2006, 09:49 PM

What is it like landing in a t-storm and how worried should I be?

I've never landed in a thunderstorm. And the person flying your plane probably hasn't either. Nor will they. If there is an actual thunderstorm goin' to town over the airport, they will either wait it out (t-storms don't last long) or they'll land somewhere else.

Now there might be thunderstorms nearby, but you can bet your boots that the pilot will know about them and where they are.

So, to answer your second question, the weather forecast is absolutely nothing to worry about.

- Jeff

AZO-FA

10-13-2006, 10:04 PM

Actually, planes do land and takeoff into thunderstorms.

BUT...

Commerical flights avoid the turbulent center of thunderstorms by flying over or around them. More importantly, all commercial airplanes are outfitted with protective equipment. The shells of airplanes are generally made of either aluminum (an excellent conductor of electricity) or composite that contains conductive fibers so if the plane is struck, the lightning travels along the exterior of the plane then out into the open air. Sensitive electrical equipment is shielded with surge protectors and grounding devices. The FAA tests every crucial piece of flying and landing equipment against lightning.

Also, about 90% of all lightning strokes are negative strokes, meaning that they were initiated by a large concentration
of negative charge in the cloud-base and will not harm an aircraft.The positive lightning stroke is exactly the opposite, with a positive charge concentration in the base of the cloud inducing a negatively charged area on the ground.

LeslieDEN

10-13-2006, 10:45 PM

Hi, Spiff! Your plane will park at the largest and newest of Phoenix's three terminals, Terminal 4. (PHX's three terminals are conveniently named Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4, just to confuse everybody.) Terminal 4 serves Southwest and America West (oops, US Airways now I guess), and it's big but definitely not scary. It can seem as if the moving sidewalks never end, but you can't get lost there; it's easy, easy, easy to find baggage claim. Also, it's a very pretty terminal. Are you going to be renting a car or taking a shuttle, or is somebody picking you up?

tabbygirl

10-13-2006, 11:16 PM

Spiff, about a month ago I took my first solo post-(OTHER PROGRAM NOT MENTIONED HERE) flight and it was great. I had flown a few times with my husband and really wasn't 100% sure how I'd do alone but it was not a problem.

As stupid as it sounds, something about doing it all by myself made me feel like a real, honest-to-God grown-up. And that sort of became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Each step I took successfully (check-in, security etc.) just made me feel powerful and unafraid and...NORMAL.

And others have mentioned this, but I think there is something about not having someone you know to fall apart in front of...it's like you kind of suck it up.

It sounds like you're tired and stressed out already from other stuff, so that is probably not helping your state of mind right now. Do you have a chance to get somewhere peaceful and do some breathing exercises, meditation, yoga...?

Anticipatory anxiety can really bite you in the butt. Typically, once the real flight experience is under way, things seem much brighter.

It really, honestly, truly will be OK. Just use the techniques you know to fight the "B Movie" that wants to play in your head. It can be hard to slow down and focus enough to do the work, but you'll feel so much better.

GOOD LUCK! I know your flight will be OK and I believe you'll do well.

Oh, and I totally agree that you should quit checking the weather! Last spring we flew in to London, with another flight out to Athens a couple hours later. On landing we were told that thunderstorms were predicted for the afternoon and of course I started to get nervous. But I just kept telling myself that British Airways was not going to fly me into a storm. And as it happened, the weather actually IMPROVED. So I was really glad I hadn't wasted the energy - you know?

Barb-SAN

10-13-2006, 11:27 PM

Oh, and I totally agree that you should quit checking the weather! Last spring we flew in to London, with another flight out to Athens a couple hours later. On landing we were told that thunderstorms were predicted for the afternoon and of course I started to get nervous. But I just kept telling myself that British Airways was not going to fly me into a storm. And as it happened, the weather actually IMPROVED. So I was really glad I hadn't wasted the energy - you know?

Well, since I'm one who does look at the weather...what I've found is that really understanding how the planes handle the weather is enormously reassuring for me. Now I've got all these radar maps of fronts with thunderstorms, and isolated cells over the mountains in my mind. I can call up images of planes flying around, avoiding the red and yellow areas on the radar. And having watched those scenarios a few times, it's easy to project that to the flight that I'm on, and know that the pilot is doing the same thing on my flight. Pilots and ATC are watching everything on radar, and doing all they can to fly the plane in the safest and smoothest air possible. And sometimes the flights are delayed, or the plane slows down enroute, to avoid a thunderstorm if it looks like it would be at the airport the same time as the plane arrives. I've gotten a real sense of this from all the flight tracking I've done here in the last few months.

Some folks, however, may find it easier to just put their trust in the pilots, and not worry about all these weather and radar details. In which case, if you can just relax and do that, you will save a lot of time and effort spent studying radar maps and tracking! In my case, I've found Knowledge = comfort....;) . And it does help to watch the weather forecast the day of your flight so you know what clothes to bring for life on the ground at your destination.

AZO-FA

10-14-2006, 12:18 AM

Adding to something Barb mentioned, about trusting the pilot and mentally letting them do their job...we all know that can be hard! But keep these things in mind:

Requirement for SWA pilots:

U.S. FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. Unrestricted U.S. Type Rating on a B-737 Certificate.
-To get a B737 type pilot's certificate one must take a three part test and meet the following requirements: Currently have a private pilot certificate, must log at least 1200 flying hours, pass an aeronautical knowledge test and an oral test.
-ATP certificate requires 1500 flying hours.

Additionally, SWA pilot hirees must have at least 2500 flight hours.

In the preceeding 36 months, SWA pilot hirees must have logged at least 200 flight hours.

Graduation from the 4-year University.

Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to their flying skills and amount of time spent flying.

Those are just the flying-related requirements. Don't forget that once hired, the pilots go through a training class of usually about 6 weeks before being put into the schedule.

So feel assured that your pilot knows what he's doing, and would never put you in harm's way. :thumbsup:

And believe me...they do some greusome background checks. They might as well want to know when you were concieved! I almost forgot to write down my SPEEDING TICKETS for them. If I would have forgotten...they would have seen them on my record and considered me as inhonest and denied me employment.

StPeteMark

10-14-2006, 01:23 AM

...Has anyone seen this? Also, who has been to that airport...is it big and scary?PHX for SWA is very visitor friendly...good signs and a reasonable distance to baggage claim/ground transportation.

Just outside the BClaim area are two sets of traffic lanes divided by a sidewalk median...the near for auto and taxi pickup and the far for shuttles. PHX has a central off-site car rental center. They have special free shuttle buses for the car rental center that you get on the far side of the median in the first lane. There are ususally 2 or 3 waiting...officials are there to organize pick-ups and help you. Easy...claim luggage, walk outside, take shuttle bus...about a 5 minute drive to the rental center. Upon return, take shuttle for, as Leslie said, Terminal 4.
.

spiffyone

10-14-2006, 01:31 AM

I am renting a car from Enterprise, and I already went on the website and saw about the off site car place and all that.

I think I know that I will be okay...but I've been sort of melting down all day and have now reached the point where I am so sad thinking about how lonely my husband will be after I'm deceased (though he assures me he will not be...I think he thinks that is supposed to make me feel better).

I know I should be reassured by all the requirements...but then I think about the many people I know who graduated from med school and won awards and things and are, frankly, idiots.

Strangely enough, I do feel reassured watching the pilots walk around the airport...they seem so calm and competent...I passed a bunch waiting for the flight I was on that was delayed (our flight crew, waiting at the gate with us for our plane last weekend) and heard one joking to the other about how he was going to retire and be a fat cat on his "101k." You must really have to love it to live that life...

It does help to hear all these things. Really.

WillFlyToDisney

10-14-2006, 01:38 AM

Just outside the BClaim area are two sets of traffic lanes divided by a sidewalk median...the near for auto and taxi pickup and the far for shuttles. PHX has a central off-site car rental center. They have special free shuttle buses for the car rental center that you get on the far side of the median in the first lane. There are ususally 2 or 3 waiting...officials are there to organize pick-ups and help you. Easy...claim luggage, walk outside, take shuttle bus...about a 5 minute drive to the rental center. Upon return, take shuttle for, as Leslie said, Terminal 4.
.

Wow - luckily I captured the sidewalk median on camera, Spiff. Here is Ken waiting for our rental car shuttle.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/KBarrett21/Picture959.jpg

And here is the rental car bus!
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/KBarrett21/Picture960.jpg

:)
Hope that helps!
Kelley

LeslieDEN

10-14-2006, 01:45 AM

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g230/KBarrett21/Picture960.jpg

Ah, Terminal 3. Gotta be Delta.

I was always a Terminal 2 gal myself. ;)

WillFlyToDisney

10-14-2006, 01:51 AM

Ah, Terminal 3. Gotta be Delta.

I was always a Terminal 2 gal myself. ;)

Well YEAH - it was me and Ken flying - of COURSE it was Delta! :thumbsup:

We had a fabulous first class flight into PHX from ATL.

LeslieDEN

10-14-2006, 04:31 AM

I think I know that I will be okay...but I've been sort of melting down all day and have now reached the point where I am so sad thinking about how lonely my husband will be after I'm deceased (though he assures me he will not be...I think he thinks that is supposed to make me feel better).

Spiffy, I know you're kind of joking, but I think you also kind of mean that stuff about being deceased. <-- Only because I remember feeling the same way back when I had to fly before doing that program we don't talk about. I mean, I know how it is to feel like this is it. This is the flight that's not gonna make it.

But your flight will make it. All that crazy stuff that goes on in our heads has nothing to do with the reality of flight. It's difficult to sort it out rationally because the feelings aren't much related to anything rational. There's the reality, where flying is "just about the safest way to get around," as one captain told me, and then there's us, on the opposite end of the reality/nonreality spectrum, so certain that the plane is a deathtrap waiting to send us to our maker.

I'm not sure I know how to help, but I wanted you to know that I understand what you're feeling because I felt the same in my bad ol' days. Just ... I guess ... I wanted to say that what we feel isn't the reality. I like Aerobat Barb's description of the fear as a trickster who can be foiled by tricks of our own.

spiffyone

10-14-2006, 01:07 PM

Thank you for reminding me. When I was perfectly rational, you know, a week ago when we flew to Indiana and I did fine, I knew that. I knew that my degree of anxiety had nothing to do with the actual risk and everything to do with the fantasy world of anxiety in my head. I think I have just been so stressed this week that I haven't been able to 'talk to myself' about this and remind myself that I will be okay.

Today I am doing better - because I slept 8 hours last night...but I am definitely more nervous than I was last weekend, when I flew with the hub.

:rolleyes:

Barb-SAN

10-14-2006, 04:27 PM

Today I am doing better - because I slept 8 hours last night...but I am definitely more nervous than I was last weekend, when I flew with the hub. :rolleyes:

Do you think your anxiety is about the plane, or being separated from your husband? :cry:

Would it be helpful to carry a tangible reminder of him with you on the plane? E.g. a handkerchief doused in his aftershave or cologne? How about a photo in the talking photo frame we discussed on here awhile ago? (when P.Mark offered one of himself in Speedos...but we are still waiting to hear what reassuring thing he would say to accompany the photo). Here's a link...it's probably too late to find this now before your trip...but carrying a photo is easy enough. talking picture frame (http://www.romanceher.com/talkingpictureframes.htm)

Then, if you feel nervous, you can pull out the photo, and feel a rush of pleasant feelings looking at his face, and imagining that he is with you in spirit at least. It's only for a few days, right? and you can call him from your destination.

Barb-SAN

10-14-2006, 04:39 PM

Spiffy...For what it's worth...I just checked the Phoenix weather forecast, and it's for sunny with a high of 82 tomorrow, only 20% chance of rain. Here's the link to the weather channel forecast: Phoenix weekend weather (http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/allergies/weekend/USAZ0166?from=36hr_topnav_allergies)
Enjoy the warm sunshine!:thumbsup:

spiffyone

10-14-2006, 04:42 PM

yeah...we were at the mall last night for dinner and we went to buy a transitional object that I can hold while we are taking off :rolleyes: I didn't want to spend much so it is a $3 furry spider with orange legs from the Hallmark store. It fits in the palm of my hand and the fur feels like my kitty's head. A picture is a good idea too, though.

I'm actually not one of those people who is joined at the hip to my husband...I will miss him but will also look forward to selfish me time and a nice clean bathroom. I think I have just rationalized my flying in my head to think that I can only do it if he is with me. I tend to be one of those people who is successful but always thinks she is not smart enough, not fast enough, etc. I wonder if part of the way I think about flying is not that I am so strong that I overcame this fear, but that I can only fly by attaching myself to someone else who is not scared. Then I don't have to feel like I did this impressive thing by myself.

that's my self-psychology for 2 cents. I really appreciate everyone's thoughts yesterday and today. It's so great that you can come on here with less than 48 hours to go, freak out, and get like 32 responses.

I printed out my pass and I am in the B group. That's fine...as long as I don't have to sit in the back by the bathrooms.

StPeteMark

10-14-2006, 05:12 PM

...I wonder if part of the way I think about flying is not that I am so strong that I overcame this fear, but that I can only fly by attaching myself to someone else who is not scared. Then I don't have to feel like I did this impressive thing by myself....It's an evolving process. Yes, you inititally gained success with your support person by your side. But, what you didn't realize is that somewhere along the line in subsequent flights this success became a part of you alone. You'll be surprised how comfortable you will be upon boarding, takeoff, flying, and landing. And when you land, there will be a BIG smile on your face reflecting your accomplishment! :) :) :)

And that realization of success will help your confidence in other areas where you might other fears.

Have a great flight!!! :thumbsup:
SPMark
.

Barb-SAN

10-14-2006, 05:16 PM

I printed out my pass and I am in the B group. That's fine...as long as I don't have to sit in the back by the bathrooms.

Love your self-analysis! Sounds logical to me. The furry transitional object should be a hit with your seatmates. Hope you don't sit next to someone with arachnophobia! :tongue:

About that "B" pass and ending up stuck by the bathrooms. Well, if it were me...:angel: I would pull out the TF letter and give it to the gate agent, tell him or her about your fears, first flight without hub, etc. Perhaps the gate agent would take pity on you and let you board early, get a seat up front and one of those little visits with the pilot in the cockpit. (We want pictures...first solo flight! :D )

spiffyone

10-14-2006, 07:00 PM

Barb-SAN

10-14-2006, 08:12 PM

...but I have never met the pilot. I am always too shy or too paralyzed with anxiety and don't want to bother anyone. Plus, I don't know how I would feel if I screwed up my courage and asked, and the FAs weren't helpful...once I had one come up while I was having a panic attack and she was a little impatient with me. I think I would rather hold on to the fantasy that they all WOULD be willing to help if I asked, which I never will.

Really, I am very outgoing and aggressive and not-shy in my job. I just regress to an emotional age of about seven when I am flying.

:lol: :lol: Oops, sorry. Now, seriously, given the choice of meeting the pilot and getting a good window seat near the front, or having to sit next to the bathrooms for a cross-country flight (what, 5 hrs. or so?)...how difficult a choice is this? Here's the link for the TF Meet-the-pilot-letter http://www.takingflight.us/index.php?ind=downloads Bring Captain Ray's book with you and show it to the gate agent, flight attendant, and pilots, and tell them a little bit about Taking Flight, and that we are all looking for that picture of you in the co-pilot's seat before takeoff....:angel: (or after the flight). I think we've read quite a few good stories here about how fantastic the customer service is on Southwest. They will be nice to you if you give them the opportunity! :thumbsup:

Barb-SAN

10-14-2006, 11:40 PM

Monica...I do love how you cut to the chase here! Great basic advice!:thumbsup:

Barb-SAN

10-15-2006, 12:02 AM