PED's and other stupid situations from this week's flying.

ME: "Sir is your Blackberry off?" As it glows & he types away.
PASSENGER: "I'll think about turning it off"
ME: "ok. Let us know what you decide so we can think about taking off"

I hate being the bad guy (lady) but we're all adults here- Of course I knew the phone was on.  I gave him the chance to say "No. I'm sorry, I'm turning it off right now." I don't understand the need to defy FEDERAL LAW!! Isn't it just a whole lot easier to comply with the regulations than act like an asshole??  I understand your emails/texts/calls are important to you, but so is getting off the ground and flying to our destination for everyone else.

ME: "Ma'am can I help you with your bag?" As it is obviously too large for our bins.
LADY: Yes it won't fit.
ME:  Well we can check it through to your final destination. (wait- lets try to not inconvenience the woman since this aircraft doesn't have the bar that seperates stowage space under the seat) Wait are you two ladies traveling together and sitting next to each other? If so, we should be able to fit your bag under your seat.
LADY: Yes.
ME: (as I help her with her bag) Wow ma'am this bag is big!  This bag really should have been checked at the ticket counter.
LADY: No. It is regulation size for REAL airplanes.  I didn't realize I was flying on this thing that doesn't fit regulations bags.
ME: Ma'am....our bins are designed to fit the dimensions of rolling suitcases as dictated by airline and TSA specifications. Bags that prevent our bins from closing are considered too large and therefore are not the correct size.  We are supposed to check bags, but I am allowing you to put it under your seat. Also- this plane is a real plane.  Please let me know how I can further assist you.

Without giving my airline away, my aircraft is an Embraer.  Not the tiny ones with the walk outside and leave your bag at the bottom of the stairs to pick up when you get off.  We have overhead bins.  For those of you who have traveled on an Embraer 170, 175, or 190 on US Airways, United, Delta/Northwest, Frontier/Midwest, Jetblue or Air Canada....you have probably flown on one of these airplanes. To refresh your memory- you have to place your bags horizontally in the bins instead of vertically.  This lady's bag when placed horizontally- did not allow the bin to close.  It was in fact too wide to be considered a carry-on- THANK YOU TSA for allowing it through security.

That's the first problem I had with it....secondly....Apparently it is my imagination that I have traveled to all these places in 2 years.....because apparently it's not a "REAL PLANE" .....Lady- sit down and let's imagine our way to your connecting city!

Overall- the trip was a good one. 24 hours in New Orleans= a trip to the nearest Wal-Mart for some food, beverage and French Glue-on Nails (which btw KISS makes some good ones that look nice for $5)  Me and the Flight Attendant I was with got honked at and heckled in Spanish.  Also- major disappointment in the Sexist Shoe Department of this NOLA Wal-Mart. 3 pairs of Women's shoes to chose from (and LOTS of slippers?)  While the men's shoe selection included 3 rows of workboots, sneakers, and some really cool LSU flip-flops, chucks, and other shoes. Mr. Sam Walton- we need to talk- the people of Wal-Mart could look a whole lot better if you give them something better to chose from to go with their Miley Cyrus Jeggings, mini-skirts and animal print tank-tops.

Ladies & Gents.....Hope you enjoyed the post & thanks for reading.  I promise to update about my love and social life soon....its daytime emmy worthy.