Memories with dad are great. If dad happens to be a pilot, what more can one ask for? Pilots are the

Wow. You have more courage than me! Although, at least you had a little time to plan... and make all the right decisions. When I think of a solo trip with one of my kids, the scenario always ends with them getting bumped at the last second and me pushing back with a golf ball sized lump in my throat. So, I will probably start bringing them around age 26. :) Great read... thanks for sharing. - Brian Reply Delete Replies bellagio hotel history APC September 24, 2012 12:33 PM
I think it will be a while before I do it again...and my younger bellagio hotel history daughter will lose out, because I probably won t let her go at 15. Live and learn. Thanks for the comment Brian. I check your blog often. Delete Reply Joanna September 24, 2012 10:08 AM
Great story...and I am sure your daughter will always remember that trip. The Columbus Zoo is great! it actually bellagio hotel history feels like an amusement park in a way with the beautiful landscaping and the music and attractions. Reply Delete amulbunny #39;s random bellagio hotel history thoughts September 24, 2012 12:14 PM
At 16 I was doing roundtrips LAX/ORD?LAX by my lonesome. I just loved to fly. Thankfully my seniority courtesy of the stepdad was high (1936). I always had extra cash and knew my way around TWA s route map that i could make my way home. And I always carried a surcharge for an upgrade just in case. Glad your daughter made it home safe and sound. IT s an adventure she won t forget. Reply Delete Replies APC September 24, 2012 12:31 PM
At AA, everyone travels first-come, first-served. Non-rev benefits are not based on seniority except when it comes to cockpit jumpseats. When I was a kid, my dad was a Delta pilot and I got to travel using his seniority, which was pretty high after a 32 year career. I only felt a small amount of guilt when bumping a more junior pilot and his family out of one of those cushy fist class seats! Delete Reply Cecilie September 25, 2012 11:57 AM
Having non-rev d on a buddy pass (with a decent seniority) bellagio hotel history on Delta, I know how it feels. I think it s awesome that you brought her along with you to Ohio. And to the zoo, too! Looks like a great time. You daughter is very mature, and having traveled alone at the age of 16 I can totally relate to her feelings about it. And I m sure my parents can relate to your feelings as well. I d go on a plane any day over a date on a homecoming dance for sure! ;-) Reply Delete Ted September 26, 2012 3:11 AM
Or, when your younger daughter gets to be 15, buy her tickets on your flight (I suppose you should have some discount if you decide to purchase them ahead of time, right?). If there are places open, she can go enjoy first class, if not, at least she ll be on the plane for sure and you won t have that to worry about... bellagio hotel history Reply Delete Bob S September 26, 2012 3:37 PM
Brings back so many good memories about trips with my father, back in the days when extra seats were always available. One I remember is June 9, 1973. We grabbed a flight to New York to see Secretariat win the triple crown. Mom was less than thrilled that we missed her aunt s birthday but what the heck. Another time my then girlfirend had to go to LA for a wedding. He made sure he bid the flight--for many years he was the senior pilot at ORD--and then the two of us were late, a TV appearance but that is another story. Anyway that bird was going nowhere until we were on it. It also pissed her mother off no end that her daughter was in 1st class. In some ways I think my kids are missing out but then again I am home more regularly and we have had some pretty wonderful experiances. Reply Delete Whirly bellagio hotel history Wife September 27, 2012 9:39 AM
Memories with dad are great. If dad happens to be a pilot, what more can one ask for? Pilots are the most grounded, practical bellagio hotel history and easy going folks, I guess. Lucky are those who have them as dads. Lovely story. Thanks for sharing. Reply Delete capnaux September 28, 2012 12:11 AM
OMG, I can so relate! Coincidentally, I flew my flight out of gate E36, DFW, today as well--was wondering if I had her on my flight, b4 reading the date of your post, LOL! Yes, sad that airlines filling up the seats and/or cancellations have completely screwed up the nonrev experience for employees...chalk it up to the new efficiency of Travelocity, etc., eeking out a butt in every seat! And, post 9/11, we can t get away with any shenanigans whatsoever when it comes to, uh, bending the rules! My young, naive (at the time) wife had a similar watershed moment when I had to leave her behind in LAS at midnight, her first time on her own out of her little cowtown and she was terrified! But she learned that she could handle it all and in the end a monster was created--I swear that gal s got more frequent flyer miles than I have!! Reply Delete Add comment Load more...
As a 20 year veteran of commercial aviation, I enjoy sharing my experiences with anyone interested in a peak inside the cockpit. I got my start in aviation as a high school student and have done everything from changing oil on Cessna 152's to my current job as an MD80 First Officer for a major U.S. airline.