My Inaugural Trip!

I graduated flight attendant training at the beginning of May, but I was not required to work until June 1st. I chose not to let my airline assign me trips, and instead to choose my own trips. I was allowed to pick up two total trips for the month of May.

I decided I’d really like to pick up a special dreamy trip. I hoped for two things: 1) To go someplace dreamy and cool. 2) To see some friends.

Y’all, I hit the jackpot when I got both! On the day of graduation, I went into the app that is used for trip assignments and I picked up a trip to Kona. It was a 6 hour flight to Kona, a 24 hour layover, and then a 6 hour flight back.

SEA -> KOA -> SEA

Flight attendants dream of 24 hours + in good locations! I was stoked.

Then I went to social media and asked if any friends lived in Kona and if they might like to see me. My friend John said he’d love to see me.

John and I met 21 years ago in Townsville, Australia. We did hang out a good amount there, but I haven’t seen him in 21 years, and we’ve only been in touch via social media. I reached out to him to make plans and then….

THEN John said he’d TAKE ME FOR A HIKE!

What??? I couldn’t have asked for anything better! Dreamy location + friends + an outdoor activity?????

So, the trip came, I anxiously introduced myself to my crew. They were all friendly and kind and helpful. The passengers were all super happy to be going to Hawaii, and no major problems occurred on the flight over.

The next afternoon, John came and got me at my hotel. John lives 90 minutes from my resort. How kind of him to be willing to come see me! It was great catching up with him. I remember getting along with him when we were teenagers in Australia with the exception of one time that I stepped on some coral that he was collecting, but as we chatted, I was able to recognize what a thoughtful and kind human he is. He took me on a hike over lava fields to beautiful nearly-empty white sand beaches. We saw a sea turtle out swimming, dolphins, and goats. We swam, we ate fresh lychee, and we chatted. It was wonderful!

John dropped me back of at the hotel where I napped and ate dinner to prepare for a red-eye flight back home.

Again, other than a few grumbles because red-eye flights are hard, the passengers were easy to deal with, my crew continued to be pleasant, and the flight back home went fantastically. I also learned more from my crew about things to do near the resort in Kona, so that I’ll be ready the next time I go back!

This was the perfect trip to start off my new career, and I’m so grateful I got to go!

A HUGE thanks to John and his partner Heidi (who I didn’t get to meet this time, but who sent some treats for us). There have been many times when I’ve thought I should get rid of social media, but what keeps me holding on is the connection to friends from far away. +1 for Facebook this time!

Seriously, friends, make sure I know where you live so that I can see you the next time I’m in town!