Recently, I had the opportunity to fly with Anonymous Airlines (name changed for privacy reasons). I have flown with a lot of airlines before and after experiencing yesterday's flight, I came to a realization. There are three kinds of airline crew. Rude and Cold, Professional and Tepid, and Genuine and Warm. I had encountered both cold-rude and tepid-polite crew members before, but it was only yesterday that I experienced what genuine warmth felt like.
As we were waiting to taxi away from the gate, the captain appeared in the cabin-doorway and said,
"Hi Folks! I don't mean to scare you by making an announcement like this. I am your captain, and I have *not* forgotten the keys to the plane in my other pants like yesterday. The flight plan looks good, my glasses are in my coat pocket, and I just had a Caffe Latte, so I'll stay awake for the remainder of the flight! So, time to take this baby off the ground!"The effect the captain achieved from this small standup-routine was remarkable. People laughed, relaxed and all the passengers suddenly united as an audience to enjoy the performance of the comic captain! The air lightened considerably, blood pressures dropped and the entire plane was drenched in warm friendliness. What an effect to achieve for four measly lines!
The crew was also funny and warm. Seat conflicts were sorted out with a laugh and everybody was left feeling happy and in good hands. Between this and the time that the captain actually took off, there was this sudden spurt of friendly chit chat. Never before had I seen anything like it. Everyone was mingling, introducing themselves to their neighbors, making friends and the compressed air was filled with laughter and hellos and hi there's! The planes atmosphere transformed from a 'flying-coffin' grave mood (forgive the pun) to one that is encountered in that cozy downtown restaurant with great food.
We took off on this warm and fuzzy note and the rest of the flight was smooth. Even when there was turbulence in mid flight, the captain announced
"Sorry for the bumps folks, arriving at the California tollbooth!" No resentment, no disgruntled passengers. This was the first captain I knew to get a sitting-applause on a perfect landing!
Less than enjoyable situations can be turned around by using a well chosen remark. I had experienced classroom humor before, that made the lesson memorable, but never before had I experienced the lightening of the tense air in the plane before takeoff. Humor can be used as a weapon to inflict pain, but when well used can be therapeutic!
In the footsteps of Aristotle I say,
"Anyone can make a joke -- that is easy. But to use humor on the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way -- that is not easy!"
Disclaimer: I do not have any affiliation with Anonymous, or for that matter, any other airline. This is not intended to be an advertisement of any sort. The captains dialog have been changed both for privacy reasons, and for effect. The above experience details one experience with one crew instance should not be generalized to other crew, or other airlines. (In fact, my return flight was with Anonymous Airlines with a different less-than-polite crew). Also, one should use Humor with a lot of care, in less than desirable situations. I do not take any responsibility for any backfiring due to misaligned humor.I shall not pay for redecorating the house, reconstructive cosmetic surgery,psychiatrist fees, etc.
As we were waiting to taxi away from the gate, the captain appeared in the cabin-doorway and said,
"Hi Folks! I don't mean to scare you by making an announcement like this. I am your captain, and I have *not* forgotten the keys to the plane in my other pants like yesterday. The flight plan looks good, my glasses are in my coat pocket, and I just had a Caffe Latte, so I'll stay awake for the remainder of the flight! So, time to take this baby off the ground!"The effect the captain achieved from this small standup-routine was remarkable. People laughed, relaxed and all the passengers suddenly united as an audience to enjoy the performance of the comic captain! The air lightened considerably, blood pressures dropped and the entire plane was drenched in warm friendliness. What an effect to achieve for four measly lines!
The crew was also funny and warm. Seat conflicts were sorted out with a laugh and everybody was left feeling happy and in good hands. Between this and the time that the captain actually took off, there was this sudden spurt of friendly chit chat. Never before had I seen anything like it. Everyone was mingling, introducing themselves to their neighbors, making friends and the compressed air was filled with laughter and hellos and hi there's! The planes atmosphere transformed from a 'flying-coffin' grave mood (forgive the pun) to one that is encountered in that cozy downtown restaurant with great food.
We took off on this warm and fuzzy note and the rest of the flight was smooth. Even when there was turbulence in mid flight, the captain announced
"Sorry for the bumps folks, arriving at the California tollbooth!" No resentment, no disgruntled passengers. This was the first captain I knew to get a sitting-applause on a perfect landing!
Less than enjoyable situations can be turned around by using a well chosen remark. I had experienced classroom humor before, that made the lesson memorable, but never before had I experienced the lightening of the tense air in the plane before takeoff. Humor can be used as a weapon to inflict pain, but when well used can be therapeutic!
In the footsteps of Aristotle I say,
"Anyone can make a joke -- that is easy. But to use humor on the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way -- that is not easy!"
Disclaimer: I do not have any affiliation with Anonymous, or for that matter, any other airline. This is not intended to be an advertisement of any sort. The captains dialog have been changed both for privacy reasons, and for effect. The above experience details one experience with one crew instance should not be generalized to other crew, or other airlines. (In fact, my return flight was with Anonymous Airlines with a different less-than-polite crew). Also, one should use Humor with a lot of care, in less than desirable situations. I do not take any responsibility for any backfiring due to misaligned humor.I shall not pay for redecorating the house, reconstructive cosmetic surgery,psychiatrist fees, etc.
Always good to have a warm and funny crew and people in a long flight (or even a short one!)
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