So, if you didn’t read yesterday’s post about the grandmother that had been absent from the friendly skies for the last 25 years, click here. This is Part 2 of the story.
I had just started taking beverage orders and delivering waters to my customers, when I hit granny’s row. She ordered an orange juice, and then proceeded to tell me about her grandson, who was going to be on American Idol tonight, and wanted to know how to watch it. Of course, it wasn’t an easy answer.
First, the satellite feed we follow is off of New York time. Of course, it’s the master-base. So, I had to explain what time she could see it, on what channel, and the like. It didn’t help that there were 4 hours until the show aired, and other channels were running commercials about it, or reporting about it (like Extra) and I don’t think she understood the concept of entertainment television or commercials. She was freaking out the entire flight about missing this American Idol episode.
Every time she would get up from her seat, there was *always* something. First, to unscrew the top of her bottle of water. Another time to just get an empty cup, instead of the one I filled with ice, and many other times to tell me about American Idol…which, she didn’t believe was a “reality” TV show. Oh well, you win some, you lose some.
Honestly, it is hard to even describe how this flight went, but my crew was sympathetic and even took some of the brunt of her gushing about American Idol. (Thanks Hector and Barb!)
Apparently, her grandson won some competition in Long Island and was invited to sing the National Anthem for some hockey team, and then tried out for American Idol. Of course, from what I was told, this was the 50 people eliminated to 24 people. I honestly thought, “I hope he gets picked, because I do NOT want to deal with her if he doesn’t make it!”
Now, I’m not a mean person, but seriously, it’s a huge longshot to be 1 of 24 finalists on American Idol. I don’t even watch the show, because I personally think it is rigged. But, she was gushing.
About 30 minutes before the show was about to air, my FA gal-pal came back and told me of the request that was bestowed upon her from the AI Granny, which was, for me to announce over the PA System, about her grandson being on American Idol tonight, and to please watch.
OH…HELL…NO!
I’m sorry, I am a man of few words when it comes to PAs, because, when I hear a talkative anybody, the first thing that comes to mind is that they like to hear the sound of their voice. I’ll make whatever announcement that needs to be done, but I am not going to make an announcement, interrupting everybody’s TV viewing experience, for YOUR no-name grandson. *END OF RANT*
So, I naturally had to go talk to her in person, and tell her, in my best “bullshit” voice:
“I’m sorry, I would love to give you and your grandson the attention that you both deserve, but our contract with our TV provider, in addition to airline policy, does not allow me to endorse a particular channel or show for people to watch, as neither are an official sponsor of American Idol or Fox.” She fell for it. Honestly, I’m sure there is SOME rule out there, but I don’t need to be advertising, especially without compensation.
Sidebar: Crap, I didn’t realize I was rambling for THIS long…why didn’t anybody stop me? I guess I’ll continue, because the story gets better…
Well, as we continued her conversation about her grandson, she asked if she could ask other people (herself) to tune into the show…I was like, “I’m sorry, we don’t support solicitation of any kind on board the aircraft.” Unfortunately, the pilots needed to potty, so I got locked behind the barricade and she went to each and every of our 25 rows and asked them to watch, and explained what was going on. Thank GOD people didn’t complain…I would’ve hated to shut her down…NOT!
Finally, it was time for American Idol and in the first 10 minutes, her grandson was chosen for the Top 24. (Don’t ask me who he is…I really don’t care, and don’t even know!)
She was hootin’ and hollarin’ after he was selected and that was it…of course, I did end up buying some drinks for the people around her who patiently endured her pleas and conversation about this event.
All I have to say is: What a fucking whack-job!
prick
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