Most unforgettable passengers of flight attendants

Airline flight attendants, stewards and pursers together with pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers, live a life most people can only dream about.

They fly to the most desired destinations of the world, stay at city center hotels and idyllic resorts, do the tourist attractions and see natural scenery. They get to explore historical places and religious sites where they may whisper a little prayer, perhaps even light a candle. They get to try exotic food and enjoy regional wines; study the treasures of museums and examine rare finds at local flea markets. And they shop here, there and everywhere.

They are living witnesses to the world’s distinct lifestyles.

Aside from all this, they get to meet interesting and endearing passengers on board their flights.

So one recent weekend I posed a question to some members of the executive committee of the Association of Former Flight Attendants of Philippine Airlines, an organization engaged in outreach programs for street children and raises funds for the elderly. I asked them: After flying millions of miles, who is the passenger you will never ever forget?

Amid the chatter and laughter, the discussions and the deliberation for the club’s Grand Global Reunion of all its members scheduled for January 5 next year at the Manila Hotel Grand Ballroom, they shared their choices.

Let’s listen in.

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AVELYN GIMENEZ JAHNS, a flight stewardess from 1976 till 1987, met on one of PAL’s European routes her future husband, who later became the airlines’ First Million Miler. Maintaining residences both here and abroad where they entertain friends such as Anthony Quinn and Juan Antonio Samaranch, the couple travel extensively, meeting engaging persons such as Shirley Maclaine at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and Apollo 13 astronaut Buzz Aldrin while on a cruise. Avelyn operates a flower farm propagating seedlings brought in from foreign lands.

"I had the chance to have on board some of the leading European movie giants on their way to attend the Manila Film Festival. One person that easily stood out in the group and one I can never forget was the talented, quick-witted Italian actor Franco Nero who gave me a surprise kiss while the crew was resting. Closer to home, I was deeply impressed with General Carlos P. Romulo. I found in him the qualities of a hero. A real hero in my book."