Nashville Flightfest

[WillFlyToDisney]

For those of you that haven't met Deb - SHE MEANS IT! :cool:

I am hopefully leaving tomorrow - got delayed today because they put my Mom in the hospital for observation and I was sick last nite. Delta was FAB and rebooked me with no charge on the same flights for tomorrow afternoon. Let's keep fingers crossed that everyone here is healthy so I can get on the plane. :thumbsup:

[Passenger Mark]

This is from Captain Ray in regards to the BNA tour. Please take note.

REMINDER FOR THOSE ON THE TOUR!!!

Nashville is an extremely popular airport and we will have to endure long security lines of up to an hour in length just to get to the tour started! BE SURE you bring a photo ID with you because before we can get in the security line we have to have every person pass the terrorist watch list. (Good thing Ken isn't coming!:tongue: ) That will take a few minutes at the SWA ticket counter. Be there promptly at 7:00 Am to get the ball rolling! Wear comfortable clothes and shoes! We must get in the security screening line no later than 0730 to make this work!

Once we get to screening, you will be screened as though you are taking a flight. Ladies -leave all gel and non-essential make-up items in your hotel or at home!!! Guys! No lighters or pocket knives! If you can, stick a photo ID in your wallet and carry only that and your car keys! Cameras are fine too but we don't want somebody getting their $35 hair mousse tossed for no good reason. When we hit the X-Ray machines we want minimal delays, other than getting your shoes back on.

Security restrictions have INCREASED since this tour was planned and we almost lost the chance earlier this week because of problems with the DHS. Our station people in BNA worked it out and will be providing us with the required number of TSA approved escorts for the plane and ramp portion of the tour. If we get through security as planned, we should have about 45 minutes inside the plane all to ourselves and when the crew arrives, we will go outside and examine the outside of the plane for about 30-45 minutes or so. I will answer any and all questions you may have. (Everyone will want a photo of themselves sitting in the engine! If you don't have a camera, I'll have a digicam.)
Once done with the outside of the plane we'll move into Operations and detail what is going on there and you can throw questions their way as well. Then, it will be about 10:30-11:00 and we plan to head out of security and grab a bite at the airport restaurant for those who want to.

For those of you who find this type of tour interesting, I will try to set up another one for our next PHX Fest at the SWA Maintenance facility. There we will have no security to deal with and it should be much simpler.

See you there!!! :ray:











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[Jeff California]

I cannot believe it is already time!!! We leave tonight after Bekahs' violin concert for LAX. Stay the night in LA then off we go to Nashville on Friday! I am starting to get nervous about the flight, but I am more excited to fly and see everyone again. See you all at BNA!!!!!

Jeff and Andrea

[EyesSkyward]

This is from Captain Ray in regards to the BNA tour.

Woo-wee! That sounds like it's gonna be a blast. If that's not worth getting up at the crack-o-dawn for, I don't know what is. :thumbsup:

- Jeff

[EyesSkyward]

CLOTHING INFORMATION

I almost forgot, but this is important: For the Sunday brunch at Monell's, be sure to wear one of the following:


Pants with an elastic waistband
Sans-a-belt trousers
Pants that are too big for you... currently
A large muu-muu You'll be glad you did!

- Jeff

[Barb-SAN]

Checking in from the Kinko's in Nashville....drizzly, cool, cloudy weather today...perfect for that LONG NAP I had this afternoon! Flew in Wednesday....perfect, easy flight, no turb. to speak of. The flight was delayed almost an hour in San Diego, as the incoming plane was slowed down by strong headwinds. That meant we made great time flying to Nashville (at one point the pilot came on and made an announcement that our tailwind was 120 knots!)

The long wait in the boarding area was the perfect opportunity to have that little "pilot chat"...as we had pilots starting from San Diego, who were waiting in the same area as the passengers. One knew Ray, and the other had been involved with helping someone with a fearful flyer program in New York years ago.:thumbsup:

I don't know if SWA does this on every flight or not. But, they let passengers with children preboard, provided that they sat behind the wing. If they wanted to sit forward of the wing, they had to board according to their regular group number. Makes sense to me to put the kids, crying babies, etc. in one section of the plane where they can entertain one another!;) .

Looking forward to seeing y'all, we'all, whatever! :)

Kelley, hope you and your Mom are both doing better today!

[Barb-SAN]

Hey, Jeff...The forecast is for sun here in Nashville tomorrow...so bet you will have a nice flight and a good view flying over Nashville as you come in to land. It was just past sunset when we landed...love those city lights. I tried to find the General Jackson as we flew over the city...but only was able to find the RIVER. Still not quite sure where to look for Opryland, etc. Hope you get that nice strong jetstream too...and a quick, smooth flight! See y'all Saturday!:thumbsup:

[WillFlyToDisney]

Barb - I doubt you could have seen the Opryland area from your approach so don't worry.

See you guys tomorrow!

Kelley

[StPeteMark]

Off to airport now...will arrive at BNA around 9:40pm.
See you all soon!
Mark and Susan :) :)
.

[flyonthewall]

:happyguy: As just a tag-a long on this NASHFEST TRIP, Just a small note to say kudos to all involved. Had a swell time ...loved meeting you all...sorry I MEAN YA"LL.

Regret missing the tour at the airport. I heard Ray....IT WAS OUTSTANDING. :cry:

John Robinson of course, did not understand any of the jokes from THe gals from back east....BUt we will overlook that for now.

SERIOUSLY..What you folks in this group do to help others is a really good thing. On the way back from Nashfest on our two flights, we met up with two people we happen to have a converstion with and behold... both had friends who were dealing with these issues regarding a genuine fear of getting on a plane.

Never realized till now ...HOW MANY PEOPLE DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE and how it effects their daily life.

Keep up the good work:tiphat:

Thanks again

Nancy (Deb's friend)