Because I’m on at least two flights per week on the same airline and between the same two cities, I inevitably see some of the same people…This certainly has its advantages at times. Last night, for example, when, upon seeing an empty first class seat, one of the flight attendants I often see found me in my normal seat and offered me the empty seat in first complimentary.

Actually, that’s not true. I guess I eventually paid for it with my flesh. Not long after we took off the crew passed through the cabin handing out containers of hot peanuts. I asked for a cup of coffee and water to accompany. The flight attendant put the water down and then brushed my tray with the cup of coffee. It didn’t spill, but she thought it had.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said. “Did that spill on you?”

“No,” I replied. “I’m fine.”

“I’m sorry,” she repeated. “I wasn’t paying attention. I was looking at your nuts.”