I had run a bit late in getting to Reagan Airport, but fortunately, the outside luggage check-in had no line, so I quickly checked my bag and headed toward security. The line for security wasn't too bad either, nothing like the winding snakes I often would hit in Terminal B, so by the time I made it to my gate, I still had an hour before flight time. I grabbed a book and started reading, comfortable with the fact I had an exit row seat, so I'd avoid the cramped seats for the two and a half hour flight to Memphis.
I read for about forty-five minutes and then heard the call for courtesy boarding for First Class passengers. Putting my book away, I headed toward the counter, waiting for the courtesy boarding to continue with the frequent flyers. I quickly found myself huddled in a group of obvious businessmen and businesswomen, but oddly, I spotted an older couple in our midst. They were a bit slow moving, so I figured they were those who needed a little more time down the jetway.
In just a few moments the airline continued the courtesy boarding and I walked down the jetway and stepped onto the plane, finding my exit row window seat and quickly slipped in. Since the exit rows and the seats toward the front are held for frequent flyers, I expected several business people to slide in the spacious seats next to mine, but instead, the old woman sat next to me and her even older husband sat at the aisle seat.
It took some time for the rest of the plane to board, so I grabbed my book and started reading again. I got so engrossed that before I knew it, I felt the plane lurch backwards and then move out to the taxiway for the short trip to the runway. After a short wait, we took off and I returned to my book. The plan quickly reached altitude and the fight attendants served the beverages as many on the plane became engrossed in reading, or fell asleep. I could even hear some snoring when the old lady next to me leaned over and said, "I'm sorry about his snoring. I sit next to him on the plane for company and he goes to sleep on me, how do you like that?"
I smiled a bit, wanting to get back to my book, but as she continued looking at me I felt like I had to say something. Finally I said, "Yeah, I don't know what it is, but flying can be very tiring."
"But you're not sleeping," she said and then reaching her hand to me she continued, "I'm Ethel by the way."