We Flight Attendants encountered all sorts of issues, issues that we needed to resolve. The bottom line- once the aircraft door was closed, we were in charge of dealing with issues in the cabin.
On one particular day I was Lead Flight Attendant going from Detroit to L.A. At the last minute of boarding in Detroit a passenger and the gate agent came on board. There seemed to be some issue the agent was having with the passenger. He was being polite, but at the same time wanted to understand why he was denied his First Class seat. She insisted he was denied because he was late checking in.
Looking at his ticket stub I realized he was a full fare First Class passenger. I also knew we had one First Class seat available, so was confused at her decision. He had been stuck in traffic due to an accident on the freeway. She would have none of it.
Rather than delay the flight I asked him to take his now assigned Coach seat while we got the doors closed. Once doors were closed I knew that I was now in charge of what was to happen with the passenger.
I made the decision. I then went back and told him to follow me to First Class to his seat.
It was a decision based on the fact that I also knew of issues on the expressway that day- having to make a detour myself. If it was a simple upgrade I probably would have made a different choice. But he had a full fare First Class ticket.
During the flight he introduced himself. His name was Ken Paves- a hairdresser to the stars! I had heard his name before- associated with a show I saw on Opra - where he did a makeover.
Before we landed in L.A. Mr. Paves gave me his card, offering to treat me to a cut, color, and style! He said it was a "Thank you" for my kindness and good service!
On a personal note, NorthWest Airlines had gone into bankruptcy- and we Flight Attendants had taken a major pay cut. For myself, as a single parent- money was very tight. One of the things I cut back on was the frill of hair cuts. I was wearing my too long hair in a ponytail!
It took a while for me to accept the "gift", but finally gave him a call. Yes, he remembered me! He was going to be back in the Detroit area- so booked my appointment!
I have to say, it was the first and only time I had my hair colored. It was just a rich version of my own natural color. And the cut was the best I had ever had, before or after!
It was a wonderful, gracious gesture on the part of Mr. Ken Paves. I've decided that one of my "bucket list" items is to go to Los Angeles and have yet one more cut and style done by this wonderful artist!
The "Thank You" gift he gave me was more than a hair cut and style. It made me feel better about myself- my appearance! I felt pretty again, for the first time in a long time!
Mr. Paves is not only gifted at what he does, he's a true and gracious gentleman who made me feel attractive again! And that is my simple saga of Mr. Paves and his First Class seat.
Until Next Time, Dear Readers!
Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And Small Gesture Of Consideration Is Sometimes Returned With A Generous Act Of Kindness- Uplifting Not Only The Appearance But Also The Spirit!
2 comments:
I remember those times well Marcy, pay cuts certainly took a toll. But it was actions like yours, moving a pax forward to Business Class when he should have been there all along that made a difference. I'm sure that he told that story to many friends, friends who travel who now might consider Northwest Airlines. On behalf of my pension... thanks very much!
Dear Rand Peck- Thank you for your comment! It was a head scratcher to me that the agent was so unyielding to a full fare first class passenger. Guess she had a bad day. I'm glad I went with my common sense!
Post a Comment