In the queue for the scanner and I let some airline staff go in front of me as I was faffing around putting phones away and getting the laptop out and having to take my shoes off. The flight attendant who I'd let ahead made some comment that my trainers had laces and I wasn't wearing slip on shoes. 'Two things' I replied - 1: I managed to get all the way from London without having to show my socks to any security staff, and 2: Slip ons and shorts are a crime to fashion."
Given how much time I spend here, I really shouldn't forget that some Americans need irony pointing out with a big flashing light and a air horn.
Anyway I was soon through and in not an unpleasant terminal. A fair selection of fast food places, and it is pretty light and airy.
Boarding was called on time along with requests for people who were happy to be bumped as it was an oversold flight - they were offering a $320 voucher and would be put on the next available flight. Not for me as I had a connecting flight.
Boarding commenced and I was soon in my seat (1B) we were on a Bombedair - apoloiges for not being a plane buff so I can't remember which sort but it was a little one - only 50 seats. Carry on luggage had to be left at the stairs and only small bags were allowed on the aircraft.
At the last moment, the final passenger was boarded - who was an elderly gentleman. He was clearly out of breath and needed some help, but the air stewardess was not willing to help. He was sitting across the small aisle from me - so in 1D. As he was on the front row, the same stewardess told him: "You'll have to put your case in a overhead bin Sir, and all these at this end of the plane are full so you'll need to find some space further down the plane. This made me so cross - why wouldn't she help him? He was clearly struggling, he was the final passenger so I got to my feet and asked if he needed a hand. As the plane was tiny I was very aware that everyone was watching, so feeling brave, I said maybe a little too loudly "Let me help you - as I'm quite keen to get this flight away on time, even if the airline staff aren't". This got a small round of applause and the people nearest me all started to help too make room in the overhead locker for his bag.
The man then thanked me - and I was suddenly hit by a thunderbolt by his voice - not only was he British, as I looked at him properly for the first time I realised it was Sir David Frost.... I was stunned to say the least!
Anyway, we sat down, and we were soon on our way.
The flight was very uneventful - the only thing of note was how miserable the stewerdess was. She was the only one on board, so there was no escape from her surly safety demonstration, bored drinks service and once she'd done that she sat in her seat and read her magazine.
We were a bit late leaving, so landed at Charlotte slightly late, then had a really long taxi to the gate - giving me only 45 minutes before my onward flight....
The onward trip report to follow......
