Can I Go Home Now? — Mary Williams

Sometimes change is good. Sometimes it's necessary. And, sometimes it is so frustratingly unpleasant that the only way to survive with a modicum of manners is to replace the horror with humor. In this collection of over fifty of her newspaper columns, Mary Williams shares insights into the travel industry. Working as a flight attendant for more than twenty years has given her a close-up view of customer's attitudes toward the entire flying experience. They've changed. "What not to Wear on an Airplane" touches on major differences in travel attire; fewer people wearing dress-up clothes, more showing up undressed. "When Pigs Fly" explains how cabin pets have evolved from movie star's toy poodles to, yes indeed, pigs. "A Primer on Proper Conversation", "Do as I say, Please" and "Phone Nazi" offer tips on making everyone's trip safer and, perhaps, more enjoyable. And, "Top Ten Ways to Aggravate your Flight Attendant" explains how not to get upgraded to first class. Not all of the columns are about flying though. "She used to be my Girl" and "Middle Dog Syndrome" are dog stories. "Vulture Vomit" and "Return to Kanab" discuss the varied rewards of volunteering. Several columns are reminders that life in the fast lane isn't necessarily a good thing, that nature is truly a gift and travel can still be enjoyable. Some of the columns are meant to be shared. "Top ten list for a long Flight", "Are you an Owl, Panther, Peacock or Dolphin" and "Remembering the Good Times" ask questions that are appropriate for any conversation. The book itself is a great icebreaker. Feel free to carry it with you on your travels, discuss it with your seatmates and leave it in the seatpocket if you wish. You may brighten someone's day and that's the best kind of change.