Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1541377
4. What's your most memorable passenger interaction? My most memorable interactions were with famous people. Brenda Lee, best known for her holiday classic "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," was one of the most gracious. She was easy to talk to, and just a month after we met, she sent me a signed autograph along with her greatest hits. I was thrilled! Paula Abdul and Little Richard were two others who stood out for their kindness. 5. Do you have tips for handling long flights and jet lag? My number-one tip is to stay hydrated. The cabin's dry air and low humidity can cause your body to lose moisture. Bring a water bottle, drink electrolytes, and don't be afraid to ask for something to sip. Proper hydration is good for sleep, too. If you have a long or overnight flight, try to rest to avoid jet lag. Some great ways to help you get quality sleep are to eat an adequate dinner, do stretches, and practice a calming routine to induce sleep. Read a book, listen to soothing music, and turn off screened devices. Use a sleep mask, neck pillow, blanket, and earplugs to create a bedlike ambiance in the sky. 6. How has air travel changed over the years? Flying has dramatically changed since the 1980s! When I first started, the check-in process was much more relaxed. Passengers could walk up to their gate about an hour before their flight. Their friends and family could also visit with them at the gate until boarding. There were smoking lounges in airports, and smoking was even permitted in some airplanes. Plus, everything was on paper back then—carbon-paper tickets and boarding passes, which required more personal interaction. Today, technology plays a big role in the whole air travel experience. It makes things more efficient and practical, but I miss the relaxed, shared joy that once came with flying. 7. Is there anything you'd like passengers to consider while flying? When you spread kindness, you receive kindness in return, so be respectful to your cabin crew and fellow passengers. I bring small treats for the crew and gate agents when I travel. They never expect gifts, but giving something small as a token of appreciation can set the tone for their entire shift. COMING HOME MAGAZINE 29