One of the things I love about flying is getting to meet cool people. It’s also one of the things I dread, when your seatmate or nearby passengers are just complete jerks. I’ve met some amazing people on airplanes, from big-time celebrities (here’s a photo page of some of them) to just down-to-earth, hard-working folks. You just never know who you will be seated next to or if the person next to you is a star athlete … like what happened to Sandy Hawkins Combs when she sat next to Travis Hunter, the former Colorado Buffaloes cornerback/wide receiver and the No. 2 overall draft pick chosen by the Jacksonville Jaguars. RELATED: Want to Sit Next to a Celebrity On Your Next Flight? Sit Here
Combs wrote: “I had the most wonderful flight home from Denver. I met the nicest young man who sat next to me. He offered to put my bag in the overhead compartment and helped me with my tray. He was always polite, saying ‘yes ma’am’ or ‘no ma’am.’ Anyone would be proud to have him as a son or grandson—so polite. People walking by were saying congratulations, great job, or even taking pictures. I turned and asked him, ‘Who am I sitting next to?’ I looked at his Jaguar pants, smiled, and asked, ‘Are you an athlete?’ He smiled and said, ‘I’m Travis. Yes, I was drafted by the Jags.’ I already told my sons I want his jersey. He’s so humble and down to earth—I would have never guessed he was a professional athlete. JACKSONVILLE JAGS, you did good! I will be buying tickets. United Airlines, thank you for my seat assignment!”
The comments on social have been all positive with remarks like this: “Love stories like this, I’m going to root for this guy!” I feel the same way.
There’s something about flying that can bring out either the worst in people or the best. I’ve also noticed it opens people up. I’m not sure if it’s because we’re all at the mercy of the pilots, mechanics, aircraft manufacturer and Mother Nature or what but once you get talking to someone, people often reveal a lot of personal information that they normally wouldn’t.
I do realize that not everyone wants to chat and occasionally, I’m one of them (if I’ve had a really long day and just need to sleep or catch up on work) so I know the signs of when to stop talking. Usually, wearing earbuds or headphones will do the trick. But I almost always say hello when I take my seat or when my seatmate does, just to be courteous. And I almost always help people who look like they need assistance with their bags.
How about you? Have you ever sat next to a star athlete, celebrity or just met a really nice person that you had an in-depth conversation with?
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