An Airplane Trip

Madeline: There seems to be some delay. Our plane is supposed to leave at 2:10 and it's already 2:20. Wait! That's our flight they are announcing over the loudspeaker now: Flight 620, Gate 14.

Juliet: You have the tickets.

M.: Come on! There's a line forming. If we hurry we can have our choice of seats when we get on the plane. I like to sit in the middle of the plane.

J.: (obviously ill at ease) Do you want to know something? I'm beginning to feel a little nervous.

M.: There's nothing to get nervous about.

J.: This is my first plane trip. I used to travel by train or by car... Maybe I'm not going to like it.

M.: There's nothing at all to worry about. Once you're up in the air it's just like sitting at home in your own living room. Here, take your ticket. You have to show it as you go through the gate.

J.: Do I need my passport?

M.: Not here. You show your passport in Miami when we arrive.

Airplane hostess: Everyone, please, fasten your seat belts. No smoking. This is Flight 620 now leaving for Miami and arriving to Miami International Airport at 3:30 standard time. We shall fly at an elevation of 5 thousand feet.

J.: (looking around) I don't see what the idea of seat belts is.

M.: You're supposed to fasten yourself firmly to your seat in case of an accident. Otherwise you may be thrown against the seat in front and injured.

J.: But if the plane catches on fire I won't be able to get out either.

M.: Nothing like that ever happens, Julie. You're beginning to make me nervous. Why don't you take one of those books we've bought this morning? Probably reading could calm you down... Let's see what we have... The Black Mask, Love Forever, Death in the Clouds... oh, ... no, this book is not for you. Aha..., this one may interest you: How to Torture Your Husband...

J.: No, thanks. I've got my own system... Why, what's that terrible noise?

M.: You shouldn't shout like that, Julie. Those are the motors. They're warming them up. We're about to take off. Look! We're starting. Isn't it thrilling? Now we're leaving the ground... Julie, stop clenching your teeth and open your eyes. We're already in the air and you are completely safe and sound. Look down below and see how pretty the city looks from the air.

J.: I may get sick if I look down. Heavens, what was that? The plane stopped suddenly.

M.: That was probably an air pocket. Every time a plane strikes an air pocket it always dips a little.

J.: Now ear hurts. It's just cracked terribly. I suppose that's the atmosphere

pressure. How high are we?

M.: I've heard that if you open your mouth and swallow hard, your ears won't crack.

J.: (between swallows) How many things can happen to you in an airplane.

M.: Nothing serious is going to happen to you. Thousands of people travel by plane every day and nothing happens to them. Be a little philosophical. When your turn comes to die, you'll die - and not before.

J.: But suppose today happens to be the pilot's turn?

M.: Then the co-pilot will take over. These big planes always carry two pilots. Now, please, sit back and relax. We'll soon be in Miami and all your troubles will be over.