Breaking Up Is Hard To Do!

   Thursday evening turned into a tough one
for a bunch of people who, for the most
part, didn't know each other two weeks ago!
   That's when we held our "Farewell Dinner"
for the great gang that just completed the
Thompson Travel tour of National Parks.
    Our crowded restaurant made it hard for
one on one "Good Byes." But I believe
everyone on the trip became a sort of
"family" during our travels and came away
with three things.
   New friends. A real appreciation for the
beauty of this great country. And the sure
and certain knowledge that it is impossible
to know exactly when the airplane you're
suppose to be on will actually take off!
   In my case our small party made it to
the airport in Phoenix, Arizona with just
about 10 minutes to get our boarding passes,
clear security, and board the plane.
   In that case, of course, the airline was
right on time.
   When we arrived at our next airport
(in most cases you simply can't get on
one plane to get where you're going)
we were early.
   We waited by the gate from whence
he were to leave. But when we asked
the attendant why no one was boarding
she explained (then announced) that
the flight had been moved to another
gate.  We were so glad she decided to
share that interesting bit of information.
  We still got there in plenty of time.
   But,in those cases. when the passengers
are ready......... the flight will be delayed!
  The crew was delayed by bad weather
in another city. (Why can't the crew be
in the city from which they're leaving?)
    Of course while you're waiting you
can get a sandwich...if you'll willing
to shell out the $9.95 for a ham and
cheese that's at the stand that's already
on your side of the Security screening
station!
   Then ,it seems, the airline had recently
installed new equipment to improve
the flying experience somehow. But it
wasn't working right!
   I don't ;like to be the one to break
this news.....but if the equipment
isn't working right my "flying
experience" isn't improved. It's just
delayed!
   Out side the restaurant where our
travelers enjoyed their Farewell Dinner
there stands a statue that, I believe, every
airline executive should see and think
about.
   The monument is a tribute to the
Pony Express !
   It sure looks fast compared to some
airlines these days!
   Hope you're always on time and that
all your NEWS is good!