Ask Candid Candace: Flight attendant fury and talking politics

Dear Candid Candace: There were jokes before the pandemic about how air travel is not what it used to be. Granted, we are no longer in the heyday of travel with Pan Am flight attendants dressed to the nines and meals that were cooked in actual ovens. However, on my two most recent flights I ran into very militant flight attendants. One offered speculation that my overhead bag might need to be “checked” because it’s a full flight. Not only was I one of the first passengers to board, but my bag was perfect in terms of dimensions. So why threaten me with this? Back in the day it was the passengers that boarded late whose bags were threatened. And speaking of threatening, the repetitive, forceful announcements to give up the empty seat next to you because it’s a full flight – really, at least ten times- was ridiculous. The flight wasn’t even full! I fear for upcoming summer travel and wonder it I should just consider renting a camper or a Divy bike instead of flying. Signed, Frustrated Former Flight Attendant

Dear Frustrated Former Flight Attendant: I couldn’t agree with you more that the heyday of luxurious air travel, at least in the U.S., seems to be in our rearview mirror. I used to love going to the airport and ‘people-watching,’ when everyone dressed up and cared about their appearance. Not so much these days. And I feel your pain about ‘angry’ flight attendants, but I have a guess what it might be all about. I feel like we’re living in a world now where everyone is walking around with short fuses. I believe it started with Covid, with all the conflicting restrictions and the orders to stay at home, take this medicine/take that medicine. We are not a society used to being told what to do. We are a nation of independent thinkers, but now, with all the confusion, the division of the country over politics, crime out of control, and more, we are very, very frustrated and rightfully so. This frustration comes out in all of us in different ways, including over-worked and beleaguered flight attendants who, sadly, get beat up (literally) more than most other professions. They see people now cramped and crammed in planes (since leg room is almost nonexistent) with little if no rights and paying through the nose for it. EVERYBODY seems to be carrying chips on their shoulders. So, my advice is, as Atticus Finch said in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” Empathy is an underappreciated trait that I wish we all had more of. I think that would be a good start. Although, there is a wonderful trend that is returning toward seeing the world from the ground. Remember the old ad slogan, “see the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet”? Count me IN! 

Dear Candid Candace: Here’s a question that may come up with others as another sure-to-be-volatile political season approaches. I have many good friends, and we enjoy each other’s company, and have done so for many years. All is good, except when politics come up for discussion. Most of them are pretty hard-core conservatives, and I am the complete opposite. I find it hard not to correct when things are said that are simply not true or badly misstated. My wife says leave it alone if you want to keep your friends. My natural instinct is to discuss, argue and, if needed, confront. Any thoughts on how to best proceed as the “political season” nears? Signed, It’s Tough Living on the Left

Dear It’s Tough Living on the Left: There’s a simple answer to your question. How much do you value your friends? If getting your own point across is more important than keeping them, then go ahead and ‘discuss, argue, confront.’ If this isn’t the case, then listen to your wife.

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