Adventures in Flying
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19 November 2022 - Zürich
We had such an ordeal getting on our flight today that Iwona felt inspired to write about it. I enjoyed what she wrote so much that I asked if I could post it here:
10.43 sitting on the plane. Lets journal a bit. English, WHY not.
The captain has just announced that he needs an unusual paper to sign, but has a printing problem. Is there a technication on board? J/K. I am from Xerox but probably cannot help. Mmm. This is not certain- maybe I COULD!
Bradley started to laugh loudly. We were just discussing our reality that you bring all the papers but THE women with that cold smile says: not good enough, you need THIS paper...
Nobody else on the plane was laughing... we all seem to be perfectly fine with all the rules, papers, boxes... it gives a kind of security if you've got your checklist complete; everything is fine. You are safe, aren't you?
Such an Illusion, but it costs the brain less work, less struggle, less energy to be spent. We APPROVE.
We ALMOST did not make it. Why? Because of.... yes, because of THAT paper, that women, that requiremnt which is not mentioned in any airline communication... the ESTA permit. Wow. How does it happen that I have received it within one hour instead of 72? Was it the prayer, was it last night's dream (a lion being free on the street), was it the feeling of trust, was it this feeling of unconquerability because we are TOGETHER? I was surprised that Bradley's first choice was not going by himself and leaving me behind. I was touched.
Getting an ESTA approval does not automaticly mean you can fly. Why? Because Bradley called Delta and was asking about opportunities of a flight the next day- and our flight has got cancelled! 7 Min before check- in closure. WHAAAAT? This is really like a reality show where the viewer can vote, should we unblock the flights or keep them blocked? Bradley called back Delta and got ANOTHER woman on the phone. She can't see any issues. In HER system everything is fine.
What happens NEXT is that a supervisor comes (a coincidence) and gives some advice to THAT woman. To refresh.
Bingo! Voting completed. Unblocked! THANK YOU! RUN, RUN!
I am really looking forward to what happens NEXT. Please call 10000472652 to get us through the Paris airport or 10000472653 to have the French authorities pull us aside for questioning.
Bon voyage.
Iwona
