There's a long version and a short version... I've never been one for brevity, but I'll try...
We step onto the plane in Dallas to complete the flight to Chicago...I see the cockpit door open (don't get ahead of me here...) so I ask "Elaine", the flight attendant if the pilot would mind if I took a picture....she said to just lean in and ask..."Lou, the pilot, says he doesn't mind...but how about "I" come sit in the pilot's seat and he'll take a photo of me! I express my appreciation for "Above & Beyond", we chat briefly, I meet "Matt", the co-pilot, and, with a broad smile I'm off to find seat 9A and tell Ken my exciting news...I have my "Photo of the Day"! ("I" should stop here, because this [basically] is what I had.) ("You" can stop here if you think that sums this up...)
"Off we go, Into the Wild Blue Yonder..." ...I'm taking photos from my window seat...I take some of Ken and me...dreadful...so I delete them...(Note to self...next time wait until they're on the computer...) I think the camera has a glitch because it seems to be taking too long...remove the batteries to re-boot it...to discover my last pictures were as we were landing in Dallas 90 minute prior to that moment...My photo memory totally dashed!
Upon landing in Chicago and deplaning, I humble myself and determine "to eat crow"...I tell "Elaine" what I did, and without calling me an idiot, she said to wait for the passengers to leave and I could ask again. I totally realize I was now imposing, but Matt said to climb back in and he'd take the photo for me. So here you have it...safely delivered to Chicago and a (second) photo moment as well!
I gave Matt this link and hope he, Lou and Elaine realize how VERY MUCH I appreciated the generous gesture (twice)! Ken and I are American Airlines frequent flyers and have often had some especially nice experiences.
Haha! Quite the story, Louise. And what an experience. You'll remember this one for a long time, huh!! Have fun in Chicago. Visiting your daughter and family, I think? When do you fly to Lunenburg for the summer?
@aglennc For a VERY long time! Yes, daughter, Heather's family. We'll be back here in Chicago in mid-June & then go to Lunenburg from here. Thanks for sharing the story with me...idiot though I was, I know!
@Weezilou I think it's pretty funny, myself. Actually, it's your description that is funny. The photo is a "keeper" -- no pun intended for your experience -- and, as said, quite an experience.
Fun Story , Great Photo and good for YOU for imposing (though I'm sure they didn't mind). So much nicer to have this great memory... than to be left kicking yourself in the butt!!
You are just too much fun! Loved both the short and long story that accompanies this picture. I always find it amazing that from that little space, a huge aircraft is taken into the sky.
@lisatown Bingo! If I wasn't on this site, I might have shrugged, but once I saw the possibility for my day's image, I was willing to eat humble pie! @lyndemc I said to Ken that I was surprised the pilots had such a nice view out the front windows (giving "him" the opportunity also to think me an idiot!) Who knew...I just thought they flew with all those gauges!
I think somehow he knew how devoted youere to this project and what it meant to you. How could he refuse such a smile anyway, and of course a sheepish grin with poor, sad looking eyes. Just assuming you were very determined to get another photo for your records
Wow I just saw this and read the story. Good for you for taking the picture a second time. It's great by the way and you look beautiful! That's the sign of a great photographer if you were a reporter you would be required to get a photo it's what makes the story.
A good ad for AA customer service! It's certainly a great picture of you. I commend you for persevering and getting the second shot. I'm reading backwards so of course now I am with you at the start of your visit to Chicago.
This just proves that you'll never get the opportunity if you don't ask... Most people just assume the answer will be no. But you ASKED...not once but twice! I love your self confidence! :)
@lyndemc I said to Ken that I was surprised the pilots had such a nice view out the front windows (giving "him" the opportunity also to think me an idiot!) Who knew...I just thought they flew with all those gauges!