Back in the days when the DC-10 was a fixture in long haul flight (and also was involved in several horrific accidents), we were landing at MSP International (Minneapolis) and it was clear our approach angle was too steep. Sure enough, the pilot slammed the plane downed, we bounced 5 or 6 times and barely came to a stop before running out of runway. As we're taxiiing in, the pilot comes on the speaker and apologizes, saying, "Sorry folks, I've been in a landing slump latel". How'd you've like to have been on the continuation of that flight?
A man was flying from Seattle to San Francisco. Unexpectedly, the plane stopped in Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft, the plane would re-board in 50 minutes.
Everybody got off the plane except one gentleman who was blind. The man had noticed him as he walked by and could tell the gentleman was blind because his Seeing Eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of him throughout the entire flight. He could also tell he had flown this very flight before because the pilot approached him, and calling him by name, said, "Keith, we're in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?"
The blind man replied, "No thanks, but maybe my dog would like to stretch his legs."
Picture this: All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye Dog! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!
I am told this is a true story. Whether it is or isn't, it teaches the lesson: Things aren't always as they appear! Peace Out!!
The Doc
Oh, do I hate when that happens. ;~)
Back in the days when the DC-10 was a fixture in long haul flight (and also was involved in several horrific accidents), we were landing at MSP International (Minneapolis) and it was clear our approach angle was too steep. Sure enough, the pilot slammed the plane downed, we bounced 5 or 6 times and barely came to a stop before running out of runway. As we're taxiiing in, the pilot comes on the speaker and apologizes, saying, "Sorry folks, I've been in a landing slump latel". How'd you've like to have been on the continuation of that flight?
Was taking a bus tour of San Francisco a few years back, when the driver got out with a pair of REALLY thick glasses on, and struggled to read the first passengers ticket. The line of people waiting to board became suddenly silent...until the driver removed the glasses and yelled "gotcha". I'll never forget the nervous laughter that followed.
...I don't know if this is actually true (& I don't care), but I do know people who swear this is true. Perhaps it's an urban legend.
Anyway, it seems there was a typical American family flying on Delta and they were transporting their beloved Rottweiler. Upon checking him in they demanded the highest level of care for their dog. Even though he was in his crate, the family wanted assurances that he would be safe and secure below in the cargo area. The airline told the family not too worry and that all would be fine. Plane lands and it's soon discovered that the dog was mistakenly put on a different plane than the family. Understandably, the family is IRATE. They have the top executives of Delta hearing their tirade. The top executives tell the family that they're on top of it. They've located the dog and he is being flown back at once. They offer the family a complimentary stay at a plush hotel in the city. The family is not amused, as this was a return flight to their home. The airline finally offers a complete discount on the airfare. The family begrudgingly accepts, but maintains that there will be hell to pay if they don't get their beloved dog back. The dog arrives and much to the airline's horror, they discover that it's dead! Not wanting to face the wrath of the family, the TOP EXECS decide to spare no expense at finding a duplicate dog. So they quickly (& very costly) find a dog that looks exactly like the deceased Rottweiler. They then call the family to come claim their dog. Nervously, they apologize for the unfortunate delay in the dog's travel. Upon receiving the dog, the family immediately exclaims that this is not their dog! The airline execs act stunned and question the family. The family quickly explains, "Our dog was dead! We cut short our vacation to return home and bury him!"
Again, I'm told this is a true story from the '80s and it's how a lot of top execs lost their jobs, underestimating the value of TRUE customer service.
-- Modified on 2/20/2006 9:44:08 AM