Anonymous wrote:Four falcons being carried, on the arms of four handlers, into Business Class on Etihad (was living in Dubai, where apparently some Emiratis are really into falconry).

They put platforms at the level of the TVs so each bird could rest there. It was funny because the platforms meant that the top of each bird's head could be seen over the seat. The falcons were very well-behaved, much more so than the shrieking toddler another family brought.

Maybe it would help if they blindfolded the toddlers like they do the birds.

Three weeks ago I saw a number of women wearing burqas in the Minneapolis St Paul airport. They were not together.

Anonymous wrote:I was waiting at the international arrivals at Dulles when a regal African man came out and a group of people waiting in traditional clothes starting playing drums and instruments. It turns out he was a religious leader.

Was this on July 23? If so, I was there too. It was fun to watch and we all clapped when the musicians took a break. When the man came out he was at least a head taller than everyone else and showed no surprise at this welcome. I heard people whisper that he was a Nigerian prince.

Anonymous wrote:Again, years ago, Jane Pauley while still on The Today Show waiting in the taxi line with the rest of us. That would never happen today.

Why? I’ve waited in line a couple times with Wolf Blitzer and Newt Gingrich (not at the same time). But they must both have property or family in Miami/Ft Lauderdale.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:American dads drinking beer on the airport playground (supervising their kids) before a morning flight back to the US from Europe.

Why is this weird?

Because it's so incredibly gauche.

I think Americans have this idea that parents drink on playgrounds in Europe--this is not true, parents drink in restaurants/bars that have seating adjacent to the playground. You _do not_ take your beer over to the playground and stand there drinking while you hover over your kid. First, because drinking alcohol in the actual playground is viewed as trashy AF, and second, because European parents let kids play by themselves on the playground, none of this strange American custom of constantly interceding and tellings kids how to play (?!) on a playground

Anonymous wrote:American dads drinking beer on the airport playground (supervising their kids) before a morning flight back to the US from Europe.

Why is this weird?

American dads drinking beer on the airport playground (supervising their kids) before a morning flight back to the US from Europe.

I got to pet one of the PDX therapy llamas earlier this year. It was awesome, but still a little strange:

https://www.wweek.com/culture/2024/02/14/therapy-llamas-strut-our-airport-hallways/

Again, years ago, Jane Pauley while still on The Today Show waiting in the taxi line with the rest of us. That would never happen today.

Years ago, at Seattle’s airport, family groups getting to meet their internationally adopted babies.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:About ten falcons each tied to their own business class seat on Emirates flying from Dubai to NYC.

you win.

The falcon stories are the best. What a thread. And I bet the falcons look out the windows and are like "we are CRUISING and my wings aren't even tired!"

At the LGA terminal B Chase Sapphire lounge the other night, one of a fivesome of flashy, drunk 40-something girls’-week travelers experiencing weather delays locked herself in a unisex bathroom with a sketchy guy who looked like Lee Harvey Oswald, worrying her friends — she emerged somewhat later looking the worse for wear and tear, makeup smeared, and complaining about a missing contact lens. Then the guy came prancing out with a spring in his step. American Express lounges are so boring by comparison.

Anonymous wrote:About ten falcons each tied to their own business class seat on Emirates flying from Dubai to NYC.

you win.

Thc store in Charlotte I believe

Four falcons being carried, on the arms of four handlers, into Business Class on Etihad (was living in Dubai, where apparently some Emiratis are really into falconry).

They put platforms at the level of the TVs so each bird could rest there. It was funny because the platforms meant that the top of each bird's head could be seen over the seat. The falcons were very well-behaved, much more so than the shrieking toddler another family brought.