On The Road Again

This week put me on the road again. And unlike Willie, I could have waited to get on the road again. This week is Phoenix and El Paso, then Albuquerque. Seeing people who are customers, listening to their complaints (unfortunately, most are legit) trying to build the brand, develop customer loyalty, riding with reps, hauling bags from one airport to another. Let me just say that those of you who follow this blog, but basically stay at home, this is not as glamorous as it looks.

For instance, I took American Airlines to Phoenix, completely full flight. Previewed our line to a major customer, then took the bag and hopped on a Southwest (or Southworst) flight to El Paso. Only an hour, no biggie. For the first time EVER my boarding pass said I was the lead cow for the cattle call, that's right A-1. Of course there were 5 or 6 blue-haired pre-boards, and about 10 crew headed back to El Paso, or Dallas or wherever, but other than that small group of 15 or so, I was first. So, being the seasoned traveler I am, I passed on all the seats at the front and headed for the Exit row, more leg room, I can actually get out my laptop and work without fear that the guy in front of me will tilt his seat all the way back and sever my spleen. Stowed my stuff and waited and hoped that everyone would understand good airline etiquette and sit somewhere else.
The flight filled up, and just at the end a rather large man asked if anyone was sitting in the middle seat in the exit row. Brain racing for way to say "yes" this seat is taken, but nothing came to mind, mumbled my "no" pasted a smile on my face, as he dumped his two bags into the seat and onto the floor.
Now the maneuvering begins. I'm on the aisle, but managed to claim both armrests. He finally seated himself, realized there was no room on either side for his arms, so he folded them across his chest. He is much taller than I am, so now I realize I am sitting under his armpit, it is hot there. So the dilemma begins. Can I hold my real estate for the 1 hour 13 minute flight? Do I want to? Now his knee is edging over into my space, do I nudge him back into his allocated space? So I spend the flight trying to give him as much space as possible, while trying to keep my space relatively intact. Forget the laptop, I was afraid to move in case he homesteads the rest of my seat. The final insult came as we were de-planing, I saw his baggage claim check and he had B-13 as his boarding number. A-1 had to put up with a B-13. This is just not right.

Pretty glamorous stuff this travel. Meanwhile I fret and pray over my grandson in NICU, my kids and of course my bride. Being on the road gives me too much time to let my imagination run, to feel helpless about the truly important events. Big guys and small seats are just a part of life.
As my bride will probably tell me, "get over it"
But I reserve my God-given right to complain about it.

Anyway, Godspeed out there.
Don