There is much to be said for air travel. It is a quick and reliable way to travel several thousand miles quickly and safely. The fact that many fear air flights because they may crash while crossing a busy road does not trouble them says much for the human mind. Air and rail travel are the safest means of moving in the world.
This comes to mind because of some things said re air hostesses on 'The Venomous Bead' yesterday.
Such people can be very helpful or very much a pest. On the other hand however, dealing with the public is one of life's great adventures, they can be so irritating. Quite how it is possible to keep the plastic smile going for a seven hour flight I fail to comprehend.
My limited flight experience runs between London and Edinburgh or Edinburgh and London, either Heathrow, Gatwick or more usually Stanstead. Long years ago I flew once from each at least, now if forced to travel, and I hope not, it would be Stansted airport. I notice the bus that runs from here to the airport is changing its name, its timetable, and clearly they wish to withdraw this and make us use friends, which I have failed to gather, or taxi, who no-one in poverty uses. The service element of bus travel has long gone since Maggie was king.
I do recall a very competent gay host running the flight to Edinburgh one year. He controlled the flight, made us all laugh, kept things smooth and was completely in control. People like him make things easier for everyone. Sitting in the front row on another flight many years ago we were soon in conversation with then talkative hostess in charge. Having dumped us they were off to Northern Ireland, or was it they came from Northern Ireland and were after that off to Amsterdam? It was something like that. 'Easyjetting' their way around Europe, and possibly home for tea afterwards I guess. No wonder she was happy. I just recalled that when working I would occasionally meet a young lady, with quite a lot of make up and pulling a small bag, who clearly was off to do such a job, though I fail to recall who with. Something makes me think it was a long flight operation, but I know not what makes me think that. At least she practiced her smiles upon me.
This was taken at Turnhouse Edinburgh International Airport some years ago. We were waiting for several aircraft to land before heading south. Sitting at the window I loved attempting, and failing, to recognise anywhere on the ground. The view from on high is tremendous and I can easily understand why they were so keen to fly early in the 20th century. I recall the pilot stating that we were at 32,000 feet and over Manchester and preparing to land. What he meant was a gentle descent to Stansted but he could have put it better. On another occasion, not a full flight, as we taxied towards the runway we stopped while the pilot indicating we would have to wait a while. Only incoming flights were being allowed as the Scottish Air Traffic Control computer had crashed. The middle seat was empty, and the man in the aisle seat looked at me and stated 'Not the correct term to use I think.' He was correct! However, we made it, in spite of rain thudding against the aircraft as we were attempting to land.
These days I make it to Tesco and am satisfied.
