An Airline Story

I've said it before, but I must say it again, "I love Southwest Airlines."  I don't mean to offend my sister, who works for another airline. I do intend to inform Frontier Airlines that I don't plan to fly on their animals any time soon.  I'll explain how wonderful Southwest's customer service is, and how not-so wonderful theirs is.  (Story to follow soon.)

Last Wednesday, my mother-in-law and I prepared to board our 5:45 p.m. flight.  We were headed home to Denver after spending 8 days in Arizona for Thanksgiving and a wedding.  When called to preboard, I grabbed my mother-in-law's carry-on bags in addition to mine and we walked towards check in.  In passing the wheelchairs, she somehow caught her leg on a piece of exposed metal holding the foot rests.  Before she even pulled her pant leg up, I knew her leg was bleeding.

My mother-in-law, Elizabeth, is 84 and on blood thinners.  It doesn't take much to tear her skin.  I immediately asked the attendant taking the boarding passes if there was a first aid kit somewhere and explained what happened.  She said one of the flight attendants would have a bandage.

I assisted Elizabeth into the front row of our aircraft, and asked a flight attendant for help.  It was obvious at this point, that she was bleeding quite a bit and needed more than a bandaid.  The flight attendants were very kind, called paramedics, and did all they could to make us comfortable, in spite of a delay in the boarding process.  Even the pilot came by to offer words of encouragement.

After wrapping her wound, the paramedics offered to take Elizabeth to the hospital.  Just wanting to get home, she asked that she be allowed to remain on the plane.  The boarding process resumed. 

In spite of a nearly full flight, the seat between Elizabeth and I was left alone to allow her to elevate her leg.  Once all of the passengers were finished boarding, our flight took off a few minutes late.  Throughout the flight home, the flight attendants continued their compassion and helpful assistance.

At one point, Elizabeth became cold and began shaking.  Darlene (or Darlena) one of the flight attendants offered her a cup of hot tea, but she couldn't find any decaffeinated.  Darlene then looked through her own purse, retrieved a bag of peppermint tea, and graciously offered it.

The pilot landed the plane on time, in spite of the delay we caused.  We arrived safely and were able to see a doctor close to home.

 Employees of Southwest Airlines went above and beyond their normal duties with a cheerful attitude.  This is a sign that they enjoy their jobs in a rewarding, positive work environment.  Hats off to Southwest Airlines for making travel so pleasant.


"Treat others just as you want to be treated." Luke 6:31