On Friday night I boarded NWA 107 PHX-MSP, on a 752. I made my way to the seat I was assigned, took one look, and said, "Are you kidding me?" The seat was right next to a big bulging wall, and the seats in front and behind it - couldn't see anything either.
I was wearing a really cool pin that I got from the WAI Conference in Nashville...it's all in rhinestones and it reads, "I <3 FLYING". I pointed at it and explained that I love to fly, not stare at the wall. I also reasoned that there were about 80 people seated in window seats, and one of them probably could care less whether they were able to have an outside view. I maintained a friendly demeanor - I wasn't angry at all, just trying to negotiate as an NWA customer.
I asked the flight attendant if I could possibly trade with someone who may not be bothered by not seeing outside during the flight. She didn't respond very well and seemed irritated. I asked the passengers, "Is anyone here not bothered by this? Raise your hand and maybe we can trade places!" No one raised their hand. A woman boarded the aircraft and took a nearby window seat as I was explaining still that I was bothered and I would like to fix that problem if it were possible. The flight attendant turned around and said, "Why don't you try talking to an angel instead of complaining about where you have to sit?!"
Uh...angel? Huh? That confused me.
"I fly aircraft! I'm used to seeing my surroundings - this is awkward!"
A man yelled, "She's a pilot!"...in an attempt to pursuade someone to work with me.
I ended up trading seats with the lady, all the while being glared at by at least 25% of the passengers.
And I flew the 757-200 sim at NATCO DANGIT...ON ONE ENGINE OUT OF EAGLE COLORADO AND THEN CIRCUMNAVIGATED A THUNDERSTORM!!! And what do these PAX do?! Glare at me.
Sorry, had to say that. I'm sure some of you can sympathize with my mentality at that point.
I felt disrespected by the flight attendant, and as if some of the PAX thought me to be a danger to the flight. Every time I talked to my neighbor, the lady next to him would lean forward and GLARE at me like I was something on the bottom of her shoe. The conversation was about aviation education and outreach..if that matters???
I wanted to tell the NWA Flight Attendant that I felt hurt and disrespected by her attitude toward me. I felt as though I had been judged, and I feel that she did not represent Northwest Airlines very well at all. I should have, especially as a fellow woman in aviation.
*sigh*
I'm guessing I'm not the only one who has been through this. I'm wondering if 737 captains not in uniform have gotten the same treatment. I feel like such a friend to aviation and then to have people already in the industry treat me like that...REALLY HURTS.
what a great idea for a site. Thanks for that link. I usually trust the airlines website seat selector.
