Liquid Threats

Airports in California and throughout the country remain on high alert today -- and fliers will be banned for a second day from bringing on board liquids, gels or creams -- in the aftermath of what authorities described as a foiled plot to blow up passenger jets bound from Britain to the United States.


Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday ordered 300 National Guard troops deployed at Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland airports, each of which handles flights from England, "to provide an armed and highly visible military presence."


So have I noticed the change?

Not really. I haven't heard much complaining, although it was more difficult to get people to smile. Luckily my last joke just before they leave me usually works.
"Please refrain from smoking for the rest of your life, however if you must smoke please wait until you have left the airport or if you can possibly find a designated smoking area."

I feel sorry for my passengers that they have to go through so much extra security...but it's for our safety. I'd rather save your life than your expensive bottle of wine. Still sucks though.

Honestly, I have noticed one change...less trash. Since people can't bring their drinks onboard, I don't have used Starbucks coffee cups, water bottles or fountain drinks shoved in the seat back pockets.

I do try to serve my guests a drink as soon as possible, since they are more thirsty than before.

I did get an email from one of my bosses informing us that all crews will be screened as well. That's fine, because we are used to going through security anyway, but we always have liquids and gels. Dang...we live out of a suitcase for days. Luckily if we just show our schedules that prove we started our trip before the threat went up, we don't have to hand over our food or haircare. I've been flying in and out of SFO a lot this trip. However, none of it requires going through security.

YESTERDAY'S TIDBITS:
An old Italian lady who didn't speak English, gave me three kisses on the cheek before she deplaned. She also waved kisses at me from her wheelchair as she was being assisted to the terminal. It made me smile.

I had 6 people on the flight from Modesto to SFO and decided to do the beverage service even though I didn't have to. 5 men and 1 woman. The men wanted beer, wine and soda. The lady ordered diet pepsi. Everyone was pleasantly shocked to be offered a beverage. However it was a VERY quick flight and I laughed as I asked them to CHUG down their beer over the PA. That was my favorite flight of the day simply because everyone was so happy. I got to let them sit wherever they wanted, give excellent service and get to know them a bit.
The two fellas in the front were connecting to London Hethrow Airport. I told them it should be interesting there. Next week they will be flying to Russia. I warned them to pack their patience. They work in the engineering field. They said it wasn't that glamorous and that they don't get a holiday.

But you get to travel, I said...I hope you find time for fun.

YES, he replied, we make sure to have fun!

It was dark outside as we taxied out to the runway on my last flight to Modesto. I looked out the window and noticed two other planes also trying to get to the runway.

it felt like...me first! it's my turn!

NOW NOW, no pushing! no shoving! We'll all get there...take your turn, get in line...GEEZ!!!

How long will it take before they build a large screening detector that the entire plane has to go through before take off?

I bet it's coming...