margaret

There’s a lot of people travelling business-class.  I suppose they’re being paid for by employers.  I couldn’t believe it when I saw the difference in fares between business and economy.  Of course, they get preferential treatment, onto the plane first and probably much better space.

            The inside of the plane is huge, seats going off in every direction – much bigger than the one to Paris.  The stewardess is trying to lead me to a seat but I’m not going to be pushed in where it suits her.  I wonder where that young teacher is sitting?  It would be good for me to sit next to her and reassure her.  Not that I’ve much experience of flying but it’s common sense really.  Planes flying all over the world quite safely – though there were those incidents last year, both Malaysian Airlines.  Better not to dwell on that sort of thing.

            Heavens, there’s not much legroom, is there?  And the seats are very close together.  I’m going to sit on the end here whatever that chit of a girl says.  I’m not as slim as I used to be and I need a bit of space.  Besides I’ll need to go to the ladies at some point and I don’t want to have to squeeze past other people.

            Oh, there’s a little boy on his own over there.  I wonder if I ought to sit next to him and look after him.  I’m good with children.  But there don’t seem to be any seats free.

            The stewardess is chivvying me to put my bag in the overhead locker but I haven’t finished getting out what I need – my book, and pills in case I need them, and my peppermints as I might get a throat tickle – nothing worse than people coughing in such a small space.  It’s no good trying to hurry me, dear.  All in good time.

            They’re doing the safety stuff now.  Well, I don’t suppose it’s any different from when I flew to Paris and mostly commonsense.  Of course, it’s all health and safety these days but when you’re in charge of a class of five-year-olds, you’ve got to keep your wits about you.

            Right, I think I’m ready now.  Settle down to snooze, only the man next to me has got his elbow on the armrest.  One good glare should remind him to give way to a lady.