Barack Obama’s Inauguration at 35,000 Feet

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When we booked our United Airlines flights to and from Zurich months ago, I certainly gave no thought to the fact that the day of our return, January 20, 2009 was Inauguration Day! Not only was it Inauguration Day but the return flight was connecting through Washington Dulles Airport a few hours after his swearing in. Augggh….visions of heightened security and lengthy delays were flashing through my mind. And yes, even in Zurich, they scanned my laptop for explosives, and all passengers underwent more than one security check. Understandable…

Fortunately, I had an unworn, pristine clean Chicago t-shirt to proudly wear home and ex-Marine and I scored Business Class upgrades on United. The flight between Zurich and Washington Dulles happens to be one of the few that has been reconfigured with huge, individual monitor screens, video on demand and completely flat seats. Give a yell for United…Go…United!

Somewhere between Greenland and Canada at 35,000 feet, the Captain made Barack Obama’s swearing in available on the Flight Deck Channel. Even with all the static on the channel, this was a historic, emotional and tear filled moment for the planeload of crew and passengers. ex-Marine and I sat in our seats crying along with others and could only say, God Bless America and President Obama. Let’s hope this day helps bring about a new world filled with peace and prosperity…