Giving Up a First Class Seat

Written By: Kim - Apr• 06•13

This week, my daughter and I went out of town overnight, but we were unable to secure airplane seats together. She is 12. Take offs and landing makes her a little nervous. The gate agent was unable to move us because the United flight was booked. The flight attendants said they would ask the person sitting next to her. He said yes, so I moved back to economy plus and he moved in to my first class seat. That’s right, people. I gave up a coveted first class seat to sit by my child. And please know that I don’t earn enough frequent flyer miles to even come close to any elite status. The stars simply aligned and it was easy for this trip.

photoMy daughter watched from our front row economy plus seats how the first class passengers received their drinks in real glasses; were given hot lemon-scented towels to wash their hands before and after they ate, and finally a plated real breakfast. The realization that I gave up a comfortable experience to sit next to her set in. She asked me why. The answer is simple: because you are my child and you needed me.

But the United Airlines flight attendants who helped me facilitate the switch took care of us. After the first class passengers were fed, they asked if either of us would like a danish or croissant. Did they have to do that? No. Was it a big concession for giving up a first class seat? No. But, their small act of kindness reminded me that despite our propensity to be cynical about the human race, more people are kinder than we give them credit.

And the next time I have to fly, which airline will I choose? United.

Well Said My Fellow American

Written By: Kim - Apr• 28•12

Earlier this week, I traveled to Orlando, Fla., for DigitalNow 2012, which is an amazing conference for association professionals. The most pleasant cab driver from Washington Flyer picked me up at my home.

Originally from Pakistan, he immigrated to the US 15 years ago. He received his US citizenship a couple of years back. He wants his 7 year-old son to attend West Point. His naturalization ceremony was held at Thomas Jefferson’s home in Monticello outside of Charlottesville, Va. I cannot think of a more perfect spot than the home of the father of the Declaration of Independence. 

I often ask my cab drivers if they seem open to conversation and who often hail from other countries what they miss most about their home. I had a cab driver last December say that, “America was his home” even though he originated from India. What a powerful and moving statement that was.

My conversation this week yielded the same, powerful response: “I have not returned to Pakistan in the 15 years since I left.” Powerful words which testify to why America opens her arms. We were a country founded on immigrants. The Statue of Liberty’s poem holds powerful words for Americans to remember. This is not a post about immigration reform. I am simply reminded by a new American what it means to live in this amazing country:

Anyone can come to America and is offered the chance at a better life. In Pakistan, when we go to a movie, the announcement beforehand reminds everyone to look under our seats for any signs of a bomb. I came from another country and my son has the chance to attend West Point or any other college. There are not many countries in the world where you can argue with your politician and still be alive to tell the story the next day. The founding fathers guaranteed citizen’s rights that many other countries, even now, do not enjoy. The founding fathers were pretty smart.

Well said, my fellow American. Well said.

So remember: It’s your Constitutional right and duty as an American citizen. Get out and vote. I know my cab driver does.