JOBS: #16: Flight Time

Today, I have over 2 million paid flight miles…for three decades we never paid for family vacation airfare. And often free Hilton based on diamond status.

I’m sure many have more.. credit cards etc. I earned my miles the hard way: butt in seat.

I loved it when the pilot would come out and say hello to the 1Ks.

Two examples of how my earned status Played out

I was late…and plane was at last gate: I was running. A gate agent yelled, “where to?” I replied “chicago”. I got to gate but gate and plane were closed… I waved to the pilot … saying good bye. Next thing I know, they had pulled jetway back to the plane and let me board… on occasion they’d do something special.
I wanted to get home so changed my flight Even Though it was a middle seat, last row. The flight attendants would read the manifest to know where 1K, Global fliers were. One was reading the list and did a double take — exclaiming “Mr Petersen, what are you doing back here?” I explained I was happy to be on the flight. She replied,”well drinks are on the house for the back due to mr p.”
on one flight, the pilot was playing abbey road in the cockpit… as I walked on I commented to flight attendant that we were at that moment listening to the only drum solo recorded by Ringo Starr. She tells this to the pilot who comes out and we talk Beatles a bit… loved it.
I played a game: if pilot hit the brakes hard I’d guess navy pilot vs air force.. and I’d ask as we deplaned: I’m running about 90% correct.