In the unlikely event of a water landing...

I can guarantee you that at 3:20 on 1/15/2009 the people no one on flight 1549 actually thought that there was a chance of a water landing. As a veteran of a 150+ flights a year for the past 10 years, I can honestly say the only time I have ever thought a water landing was possible was when flying overseas. That flight has actually changed me-- although in a very small manner. When I fly, I've always taken my shoes off when in the air. It's more comfortable for me. I have always been very mindful of leaving my shoes on until we're in the air, and then remove them. By in the air, I mean wheels up, but pretty much still over the airport property. Now I'll make sure that I leave them on until we reach 10,000 feet.

I join in everyone else in lauding the flight crew, ferry crews and first responders for doing their jobs. I would hope that would cause people to treat flight attendants with more respect showing that they are not there to serve drinks, but for safety. Unfortunately, on my first flight since then, nothing could be further from the truth. Peoples rudeness just amazes me. Now it's not everyone, and not even most people, but just one person is all that it takes.

You may have heard recent news stories that this same aircraft, flying the same route with the same flight number had engine issues just 2 days before. I have to imagine that this aircraft was thoroughly inspected and did fly for two more days before this happened. I can't imagine that anyone employed by an airline would let that go.

I have always appreciated everyone who work at the airlines that make my travel as uneventful as possible. In fact, when departing an aircraft, I always say thank you to the Flight Attendants or other crew members standing at the door to the aircraft, and I really do mean that. It's not just them that I'm thankful for -- Everyone from the flight crews who I see and have direct dealings with to the maintenance workers who I never see, but greatly rely on. This incident only goes to reinforce that appreciation.

To the crew of flight 1549, and everyone involved in air travel, thank you for doing your jobs as well as you do.