ATL Airport…

AirLady #1: Can I help you?

Me: I’m trying to get an earlier flight home.

AirLady #1: Let me see your ticket.

I had it over. She looks it over. Then looks me over. Then hands it back.

AirLady #1: Yes, we can help you. Please enter the line.

I’m the only one in line.

But I stand there waiting.

6 people are waiting to help me. Unfortunately, none of them look up. So I give a subtle, southern cough.

AirLady #2: Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you, please step up.

Me: No problem. They discriminate against the short man around here. These are some of the highest counters I’ve ever seen!

AirLady #2 (grins.)

I’m working the magic, this is going to turn out OK.

AirLady #2: What can I help you with?

Me: I’m trying to get an earlier flight.

AirLady #2: Let me see your boarding pass.

I hand it over.

She types.

AirLady #2: Yes, we can get you on a flight. It will be $50.

Me: Oh, I just want to do standby.

AirLady #2: (Whispering) We aren’t supposed to mention standby. It doesn’t really exist.

Me: (Whispering) That’s weird because I flew standby to get here 4 hours early.

AirLady #2: I know. It’s strange like that.

Me: OK. I will go down to my gate and ask there.

AirLady #2: That’s a good idea.

I walk 60 feet down to the gate.

I approach AirLady #3 at my gate.

Me: I’d like to see if I could get on this flight.

AirLady #3: Sure. Let me check…. uh-huh, looks to be room. I can’t confirm it yet, but I can put you on the standby list.

Me: (whispering) that doesn’t exist.

AirLady #3: (Smiling) That’s right. I’ll put you on the waiting list then. Listen for your name about 20 minutes before boarding.

Me: Thank you nice AirLady.

Note: These conversations are first posted in Facebook. If you would like to read comments from friends, go to…

http://www.facebook.com/PaulEvansImpact/posts/397922050251398