I'm Terrified of Flying
Every Friday I meet with friends for 'Friday Drinks'. When in town Mike Smith and Andy Date, both frequent and itinerant flyers, join me for a pint or two. I mentioned CNN’s Journalist Alert: Have you witnessed -- or been involved in -- an incident with a drunk passenger on board a plane, or someone who got overserved by a flight attendant?
Andy replied: "One time I was on a flight, and this fellow sat down in the bulkhead seat. Close to the washroom. Maybe a choice.
The Inflight Attendant came by and asked him if he wanted anything.
"Yes, I would like a whiskey," he raised a finger, "make it a double."
She nodded and went away. He gripped the armrests.
When she put it on his tray he grasped it and knocked it back. "One more please."
She was hesitant.
"A double."
More hesitant, but she brought him another.
He knocked that back quickly. "One more please."
Anxious was the only look on her face. "I don't think I can give you another. You've already had two."
"Please," he sounded desperate.
She went away and another Senior Stewardess returned. "I'm sorry sir, but we've already served you two double whisky. We cannot give you another."
"Please," he replied. "I am terrified of flying. Terrified. If you give me one more double whiskey, I won't ask you for any more."
She looked at him for a long moment. Nodded. Brought back another double whisky.
"Thank you," he said plaintively. "Thank you," he knocked it back like the others. Gave her the glass.
He went to sleep and woke up on the other side. And was not a problem.
