[...] Travel Carole Adams is a Southwest flight attendant based out of Dallas.Â

Carole,
This was a great post, and I laughed and shed a tear at some of your memories. Working with people is always full of unexpected surprises but also many great rewards.

In all fairness, though, I have to point out that FAs are not the only ones who observe traveling people. There is a subspecies of Homo Sapiens called Roadus Warriorites, and a favorite pastime of that breed is Studying the Greeting Habits of Flight Attendants. You really should realize that we're just as busy studying YOUR behavior as well.

There are several distinct types that I've seen. Very common is the young female version that stands in the front galley busy repairing and reconstructing her facial war paint in a mirror prior to the arrival of first pre-boarders. However, sometimes that work takes longer than anticipated, and she is 'caught' in the act. That species is lower in the seniority pecking order than their cousins who gather in the rear galley and are able to primp and preen for a good two to three minutes longer before they are observed by outsiders.

Equally frequently seen is the genus of FA known as the Suckus Up To The Captainus variety, which are usually absorbed with making small talk to a specialized group of Homo Sapiens with four distinctive black stripes adorning their shoulder area.

A common garden variety of FA is the Nervous Twitterer, who is seen repeatedly and furtively checking a small piece of printed paper neatly folded and placed on the backside of their ID sleeve. This group of FAs appear to be highly concerned with their own migration patterns and some ritualistic timetable that requires their presence at certain pre-ordained locations at certain times.

But, the subspecies most regularly encountered at Southwest is the Friendly and Helpful Variety. These are the ones who make eye contact when other Homo Sapiens arrive, and who smile and greet them as they might their own relatives. This type does not know a stranger and is kind to the youngest and oldest Homo Sapiens alike. They provide comfort, bring nourishment, answer repeatedly inane questions, and manage to maintain their great composure while doing it.

Just remember, Carole...while y'all are watchin' us, we're watchin' YOU.
Kim :)
External Blog Boy
P. S. Thanks for the great suggestion. The next time I see a lovely FA, I'll just saunter up and say "It has been a long time since I've hugged a woman!" I can hardly wait to get back to the airport and see what happens!!

Thank you Carole for being just who you are, you are a shining star at
Southwest and I am glad another airline did not snatch you up. Keep up the good work and spread your unique brand of LUV.

Great article Carole! One of the best I've read on here!

Leah,
You're NOT going to come through DAL? Then how in the world will you get to see me??
LOL
Kim :(

Ummm, Kim,
Don't you think that figured into Leah's travel plans? For those of you who have never been on a flight with Carole, you are missing a real treat.

Blog Boy

Awww, I'm sorry, Kim! It's too bad I don't go through DAL again! There's certainly nothing wrong with STL. Maybe I can ask the pilot to make a stop in DAL, in addition to the scheduled stop in STL. :)

I had to write and comment on having had the absolutely best experience on an airplane I have ever had on flight 186 on June 7th from San Antonio to Dallas. The flight was delayed and when we boarded, we had a crew change which required the flight attendants and pilots to rush from a different flight to ours.

The flight attendant who was working the front of the cabin gave the most entertaining narration to the safety demonstration I have ever heard. It captured everyones attention and made them listen to what is often tuned out.

She gave excellent service throughout the flight and then as we were landing performed a Southwest Airlines version of Patsy Cline's "Crazy that was ad-libbed and brilliantly done.

Unfortunately, she and the other crew members had to rush off the plane in Dallas to change to an Oklahoma City flight because of another equipment change and neither I nor the other passengers ever got to thank her.

I never caught her name but whoever you are, Ms. front-cabin seranading flight attendant (Sounds like a beer commercial for real American heroes...ha), I hope I am on your flight again soon.

Bravo!

Bill Dickenson

Carole -

Great post!! I wanna be like you when I "grow up"! Kim, Leah, et. all...I'd hug ya both!! ;-)

James
MDW FA

Southwest has always been my favorite airline, because of its people. I agree with an earlier post who said he watches the FAs as they watch the travelers. My most memorable flight was to OKC a number of years ago. The forward cabin attendant held a race between the raisins and the peanuts (in drink cups) as we took off. Those cups slid all the way to the back of the plane and he "called" the race all the way. What fun! Everyone really enjoyed it. Applause and not a foot in the way. Of course, I have always loved those who serenade us. Thanks so much to all the Southwest employees who make the traveling fun.

Did you really get to, Kim? Awww, I want to! You should have gotten a picture & her autograph! Carole, can you please, pretty please with SWA peanuts (or pretzels or plane crackers) on top, be one of my FAs next month? :)

I have to share another rhyme I made up this morning about SWA. Here it is (actually, I didn't write it before now, so it may not be like it was in my head):

I always like to fly the best, so I always LUV flying Southwest.
I never need to bet a dime, because Southwest's planes are great at arriving on time!
Plus, they have great fares, & I LUV the Employee's casual wear.
When I fly & want something to eat, I never turn down Southwest's snacks as they make a tasty treat!
The Company always has Positively Outrageous Service, so I am never nervous.
So, if you want to fly the best, always go with Southwest!

Well, that's all I can think of now; I want to make it longer.

Well, Leah, she won't if you'll keep your Okie mouth shut!! Besides, I can cleverly use a bit of blackmail to suppress this incident by simply suggesting that you ask Carole about a joint production effort with HK.

That'll throw the bloodhounds off of my scent...

As my friend Joe might say,

Would you prefer paper or plastic?

The Mystery Shopper :)

I would really love it if southwest started international flights such going to the caribbean, especially puerto rico southwest would make a killing.

Every flight should have a Carol;
Before S.W.A. got as big as they are now, I remember quite a few Carols
I've flown many years, The Carols make the rest of the crew and the flight much more enjoyable and seem shorter.
Keep it up Carol, maybe my hugs coming.

I'm a flight attendant, and I loved this article! Very funny and HOW TRUE! Also, I love any lady who loves her job just as much as I do. ;)

When I was reading your story, it made me think of something... I have never had someone as nice as you on my airplane. :) I had a wonderful time reading this, and i hope you continue writing more stories.

Signed, brace_face94