Flight attendants are a diverse group. We have flexible schedules with potentially lots of time off. This allows us to be something other than “just” a flight attendant. It allows us to have a side hustle. Although I’m not sure being a flight attendant isn’t THE side hustle. Regardless, I have flown with attorneys, nurses, realtors, professional cheerleaders. Some flight attendants own their own businesses: a winery in California, a flower farm in Maine. And once upon a time, many years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of flying with the Agent Protocol for the State of Georgia. That was her title. I’ll never forget it because I was duly impressed.
“What is an Agent Protocol for the State of Georgia?” I asked. “Do you have a badge?” “Diplomatic license plates?” It sounded so official, so important.
Oxford Language Dictionary: Pro-to-col (noun) the official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions.
Basically, she was in charge of briefing politicians in manners and customs. WOW! That’s a lot of responsibility, not to mention, knowledge. And how did she learn that? I’m pretty sure one cannot major in etiquette. Although, I don’t think that would be a waste of our tax dollars. Regardless, I can’t remember exactly how she came to be Agent Protocol, but I do remember this.
My flying partners and I were all gathered around her, enthralled. One of us asked her, “What do you do when you have a rude passenger?” Her response, “I don’t even see it.”
Since that day, whenever I encounter a rude passenger, I try to channel the Agent Protocol of Georgia. I tell myself, “I don’t see it.” I DON’T see it” I DO NOT SEE IT!”
This is exceedingly hard to do.
In flight attendant training, they told us to pretend we’re throwing a party and that our passengers are our guests. But that doesn’t really work either. Because sometimes I think, “I wouldn’t invite these people to my party.” But then I stop myself and mentally chant, “I don’t even see it.”
Does it work? Not really, but maybe all the redirected thinking helps shift the focus a bit? Whatever gets you through, right? Distraction, denial, or just knowing the party will be over in a few hours.
Georgia on my mind.
Such a beautiful history.
And such an ugly history.
Just like all of America.
Unfortunately, I do see it as well.
But also see the bright side, which is a much bigger side!
I wonder if every state has an Agent Protocol!
Maybe we should add that to ALL school curriculums.