First Class

JOHN, KAREN, & LESLEY

Hawaiian Airlines is the only airline I have ever utilized for flying to or from my island home .. I would never consider any other.  I feel the same about flying to and from France .. Air France being my carrier of choice. 

From the first welcoming "Aloha" or "Bonjour" as I board a flight,  it feels as if I'm already "there".  Both airlines are excellent representatives of the very special places they fly to and from on a daily basis,  and both airlines are clearly reflected in the warm and professional demeanor of their "front line representatives" .. their awesome Flight Attendants.     

This post is to honor the Flight Attendants .. all of them, from every airline around the globe.  If you know a Flight Attendant, please take a moment to share this with Him or Her and let them know how much you appreciate their :

Warm Welcome as we board the plane

Tireless efforts as we slumber in our seats

Special attention to the scared child on a first flight

Willingness to accept responsibility for our safety

Flight after flight with "coughers" and "sneezers" and who knows what

Food service

Trash pick-up

Necessary paperwork

Acceptance of being the  "Unnecessary Complaint Recipient" 

Tolerating the Horses Ass that won't shut up during the safety presentation


Always followed by ..


A beautiful "Aloha" or "Au revoir" as we depart ..

our "Magic Bird"

their workplace ..



Their job is difficult .. their stamina, incredible.

To fully appreciate the welcoming smile of a Flight Attendant, all one need do is think about how tiring a trip can be .. planning, making our way to the airport, then sitting in a seat for hours that is most assuredly not as comfortable as our favorite easy chair.  I suspect every single one of us has, after one flight or another, complained that we are "beat up" and just want to get some sleep.

Our Flight Attendants suffer these same inconveniences .. 

while they work

.. with the public

 (some nice "public")

 (some not nice "public")

But they are expected to "keep on smiling " .. nice or not ..

.. and they do.

Even though this post is dedicated to all Flight Attendants, it was "stimulated" into existence by three Hawaiian Airlines Flight Attendants,  John, Karen, and Lesley, on a recent flight from JFK to HNL. 

My first "airplane ride" was at the age of seven, when I traveled on a twin engine tail dragger from Denver to Oklahoma City .. I believe it was on Frontier Airlines.  I flew alone and will never forget the kind and reassuring energy I received from that "Beautiful Lady in the pillbox hat" who was our Flight Attendant.  I have flown many, many miles since that day .. more than most, I suspect .. and have never forgotten her.  Through the years, it has been a blessing to share special moments with those who care for us as we streak across the skies overhead .. and through the years, it has been an honor to enjoy that same "caring" lavished on me and my fellow travelers .. the same "caring" I enjoyed as a small boy .. first alone and afraid .. then protected and nurtured by that very special person, our Flight Attendant.

John, Karen, and Lesley

You took me back

You warmed my Spirit

Every moment aboard that flight .. from "Aloha" to "Aloha" was Superb

Your genuine caring

The unmistakable "want" to please Your guests

Your brilliant smiles

Your attention to detail

Your impeccable timing

Your exuberance and positive energy

These traits can't be faked .. these traits come from good people who wish happiness on others.  I say without hesitation .. John, Karen, and Lesley, you ARE the best of the best.  Anyone fortunate enough to be on a flight you are attending will immediately know they are a part of something special .. touched by a group of individuals who love what they do, love the company they represent, and love the people they serve. 

Mahalo Nui 

John, Karen, and Lesley

I was honored to be on your flight.

No matter where one sits on the plane ..

When there are Flight Attendants like you aboard ..

Every seat is ..

First Class !

from Kauai to Paris .. and all places between

Mahalo et Merci Flight Attendants,
Bill