We sit shoulder to shoulder in the cramped cabin, buckled into our tiny spaces.
A crew member goes through the emergency procedure, her arms shooting forward then out the sides. A group of young men, already in the party spirit yell ‘I must, I must, must improve my bust!’
Businessmen sit reading, ignoring. They’ve seen it so many times. Three nuns listen attentively, fiddling with their Rosary beads. A child struggles and shrieks, attempting to make a break for freedom
A honeymoon couple, oblivious to the stewardesses dire warnings gazes into each other’s eyes. An elderly man fiddles with his hearing aid and shouts to his wife’s embarrassment ‘she’s mumbling’
Another demonstration ends. She packs away her kit and takes her seat for yet another takeoff.
Some continue reading, others probe under their seats to ensure they do have a safety jacket. The nuns stare ahead and the child gives up its struggle. The old chaps hearing aid whistles and the lads shout for drinks. The loving couple havn’t moved an inch.
Words 172
For Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers where the photo s provided by Yarnspinnerr
For as many times as nuns have been depicted on airliners, I’ve never seen one in my travels.
Now you come to mention it, neither have I! Cheers James.
Fly into Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador. You’ll likely see some in either one. Perhaps all over South America – I’m not sure. I do see them more often on domestic Ecuador flights than on international flights so perhaps they dress differently when traveling internationally? Hmmm…
Oh, The Flying Nuns. Now we get to watch, or not watch, on our personal screens.
I prefer that method! Thanks Denise
I sometimes wonder why they bother with these demonstrations anymore, no one pays the slightest bit of attention to them and in the event of a crash, we all know our chances are slim!
Indeed, Que sera sera!
I agree with IK. Probably some rules by the aviation regulatory authorities – but it is time certain modifications are made to the practice. Loved your take on this.
I’m a frequent flyer on Emirates and theirs is now on screen, so it’s not so obvious you are ignoring it! Cheers YS
Love the careful observation of your story Keith. Very visual, and so recognisable. I think that even passengers who pay attention still wouldn’t know ‘the brace position’.
Haha! You are probably right! Thanks so much, WWM
Hi Keith – the thought of those sorts of plane trips horrifies me … I am getting elderly! Perhaps the need for a hearing aid is due – so I can block the noise out … I certainly don’t need it or them! Bust improver … some need them! Cheers H
It’s the worst bit of the flight for me! I also feel a little sorry for the stewardesses.
Lovely bit of observation, You have reminded me of why I just do not like flying.
I love flying, but not those lectures! Thanks Mike
A demonstration i hope i don’t ever have to see again, although i can picture all of these people you have painted.
I’m due another one very soon! Thanks, Mimi
Hahahaha! That is pretty much what happens when the stewardess gives her beginning of flight safety spill. Great story!
That’s what I thought PJ! Thank you.
You “painted” a picture of it perfectly!
no one pays attention to these demonstrations , I can imagine the plight of the air hostesses
They probably dislike them as much as we do! Cheers Akshata
That’s true! No one pays attention to the demonstrations. Nice depiction of varied characters.
I have t admit I don’t! Thanks, Shivam
The observations were so well described! 🙂