As an extension to last week’s entry on my blog, where I wrote about meeting folks who truly served well in their respective “jobs”, I thought I’d share a couple things I experienced in the opposite direction of decent human behavior. I need to begin by telling you (briefly) about our canceled flight which we rescheduled in order to stay on track for our vacation commitments.

Our flight was scheduled to depart Detroit at 6:12 pm Saturday, May 28. We made our arrival through check in and security as recommended, made our way to the gate and began our wait…taking seats in a crowded terminal…slowly making eye contact with other passengers…smiling, me deciding who I’d begin to chat it up with because, hey, that’s who I am. I’m one to never waste quiet if I can find a good conversation! Anyway, fast forward and soon it was announced our flight was “delayed” to repair a mechanical issue. Minutes began to turn into hours with more discouraging announcements…Lady Orange Shirt didn’t waste time walking up to the counter numerous times to ask when the plane was leaving…..on one such occasion she walked in front of a growing line of people to butt in with her questions….when an announcement was finally offered about helping us make alternate arrangements she was the FIRST to jump up and work on her problem…even after getting another flight, now waiting for THAT departure, she kept making her complaints known to others seated around her…

For us, we held out and accepted a hotel voucher for the night and returned by 7:30 Sunday morning to get on a 10:15 flight (same plane)…well, before our hopes could soar on wings with assured hope, Natalie, the counter agent, announced that even though the plane was being serviced on since 4:30 am, she could not guarantee a timely departure. Enter Lady Purple Shirt & Husband. They arrived at the counter, her demanding to know when the plane would leave, husband looking down at the floor. She didn’t like Natalie’s answer. Tears began to flow, cries of anger declaring “it’s been 14 hours…this is no way to treat people….” Husband calmed her down, and as they worked out their travel…she blew up in a tizzy again when she found out first class seats weren’t available. She walked away in a huff while husband remained to settle their travel. She went to get a Starbucks coffee. (I saw her later with a cup in her hand) He took time to thank Natalie for her help and kindness. A kind husband making up for a frustrated wife I guess.

We boarded a flight headed to Charlotte NC, which was short– 1 ½ hours–sitting in front of a couple who quickly ordered shots of vodka for their breakfast juice when the steward came by with beverages and snacks. Short flights don’t offer much in the way of entertainment unless you’re a people watcher like me…approaching time to descend the steward came by picking up trash. Meet loud mouth vodka drinking woman.

“May I take your trash?”

“I’m not done with my drink yet.”

He kept on with each row and then the second sweep for trash came.

“May I take your trash?”

“I’m not done with my drink yet.”

“Ma’am, we are getting ready to land. Either chug your drink or give it to me.”

“I paid $36 for this vodka. I’m not throwing it away.” (She didn’t chug it either)

“Fine, I’m done! I will be calling the airport police and they will deal with you. When we land, stay in your seats.” Complete silence.

Whew–those of us sitting close enough to make eye contact surely did, rolling our eyes and silently giggling behind smiles and thoughts of “wonder what’s gonna happen next…”

We landed. We all stayed seated as the pilot came on the speaker “Ladies & gentlemen, please remain seated. We’ve had an incident on board and the airport police will be coming to take care of it.” 

We all watched as Lady Vodka Drinker and her traveling companion were escorted from the plane. They were suddenly very quiet. I wondered then and still today, if the $36 and ensuing arguments were worth their side trip overseen by airport police?

Years ago, my husband and I coined the phrase “How hard is it to be nice?” We’ve used it  with each other on numerous occasions…me thanking him for cleaning up a pile of dirty dishes….him thanking me for doing a job he knows I dislike…It’s the phrase that inspired me for my blog, “The Art of Nyce”.

I GET that Lady Orange Shirt and Lady Purple Shirt were tired, frustrated, anxious. Yet, in all of those draining emotions, is a choice to be devoured by what’s out of one’s control, and yield to being “nice….

I GET that vodka shots sold by airlines are pricey. Yet, in the course of a traveler’s day, being compliant and nice sure can head off embarrassing and unnecessary detours.

I GET that problems will sometimes arise when I think I’ve got my day planned out, as in our case getting out of Michigan to Arizona. I also GET that I’m not in control…took me years to learn THAT lesson, but it’s one that is now giving me the greatest peace in my life when things go ary. It’s also showing me how other people react and unlike vodka shots, the show is free!