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Welcome

Friends,

Happy Saturday.

A quick writer’s note: yesterday, I referenced my two- and three-year-old, only for my wife to remind me as we got into bed that our youngest is actually one (not two). To be fair, she’s almost two. I’ve since corrected the original. Thank you for bearing with my dad-brain.

Now, onto today: while my real life took me back onto the ground, I spent two amazing years flying for United.

It was an experience that—at the risk of sounding dramatic—truly changed my life. I am excited to share a little more about it here (589 words today) with you.

Let’s get going.

Links

Flying home from Christchurch at 6:45 AM.

United begins installation of Starlink Wifi.

I fear whoever wrote this does not know how to read a balance sheet #AAL.

Dining on Four Seasons new Yacht product looks solid.

This is interesting at the very least #Delta.

Story

I worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines from 2015 to 2017—and it was wonderful.

There is a lot to say about the job of boarding planes and serving drinks in the sky. And like most things, it had its distinct challenges and long days. But unlike many things, it was largely fantastic.

There are so many true professionals at United Airlines: incredible individuals who care about their passengers and one another. It was a privilege to work alongside them.

I could go on, but since it’s Saturday, I’ll keep it short.

In November of 2015 I picked up Brussels, and joined a very senior New York and Washington based crew for the 3-day trip from Newark. It was memorable: the tragic Paris attacks occurred the day before our departure, and we had a cancellation on the return due to a compressor stall on our inbound 777.

That cancellation led to an extra night in Belgium, where I learned (the hard way) that Champagne and Cognac don’t mix. Aside from getting sick, that part was almost funny.

Most of the crew had been with United for decades, the most senior having flown with the airline for almost 50 years. They were remarkable, storied people.

And they loved serving others.

I think about them often in my work and travels today. Serving others is a gift and a conscious choice—it requires listening and grace under pressure. Not every crew was like this (if you fly often in the U.S., you probably agree)—but many were.

And I am grateful for their example.

Big Picture: Expect more flight attendant stories here. But for today, thanks for letting me share a little about my time in the friendly skies.

Happy flying.

Remember, this life you are living has meaning. Thank you for reading. I am grateful you are here and would love to hear from you. If you'd like to write me a note, simply reply to this email. Otherwise I'll see you in the next issue.

Be well today. -Tommy

P.S. If I can ever help you plan your next travel adventure (slash help make your points go farther), I’d be delighted. You can schedule time together here.