Shannon's pub outside of gate D11 at Baltimore/Washington International Airport. That's where I've plopped myself down, beer in hand, to wait for United Airlines flight 307 to Los Angeles.
For those of you who have been following this blog, you'll know that I'm en route to Long Beach for the Aircraft Interiors Expo and co-located World Airline Entertainment Association conference and exhibition, which will get kicked off tomorrow.
It feels slightly ironic to be travelling United steerage class - $15 poorer after checking in a bag - to two events that showcase the latest and greatest in in-flight technology and cabin amenities. Sure, United lays out the red carpet for its first-class passengers, but I know what's in store for me on this venerable Boeing 757-200. A costly sandwich and some severe leg cramps (no, I haven't picked up those DVT stockings...yet).
As I prepare to walk the floors of both shows, where I will momentarily bask in the glory of leather lie-flats, iPod connectivity and the odd glass of bubbly, I'm reminded of Al Pacino's memorable speech in the Devil's Advocate (tell me I'm not the only one who loves this camp). "You can look but you can't touch. You can eat but you can't taste. You can taste but you can't swallow."
And, if I may add a final line - " You can swallow that beer but it's gonna cost you."
Hopefully you'll tell the RGMAS about the IFE on your UA transcon and - all that way in single-aisle steerage - about the legroom (with or without the DVT hose) and IFE. And how did AIE/WAEA mark 9/11?
BTW, Shannon's Bar - that beer surely must be a pint of G?
Tis indeed my friend.
Oh, and to answer your prior question. AIE/WAEA had a moment of silence.