Airport Minute Podcast

Summary After getting yelled at by Bert Weatherby, Peter Coakley looks at Tanya. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Livingston, that he got made at you,” says Coakley. “It was all my fault.” “Never mind,” says Tanya. “He’ll get over it.” Tanya turns and looks at her desktop. “The man was one of the last to go aboard, […]

Summary Vern asks Captain Harris if he ever thought about “doing something” about his three unplanned kids before they were born. “No,” says Harris. “Let me tell you something: I love all seven of them, but the three we didn’t plan? Boy, they turned out to be something really special.” Vern ponders that one, but […]

Summary Gwen’s in the cockpit, talking to Vern about Ada Quonsett. “We’ll report,” says Vern. “They’ll grab her in Rome, so until then, why make the old girl miserable?” “You know, Captain?” says Gwen, “you’re a real nice person.” Gwen leaves the cockpit. Harris looks at Vern. “I didn’t know you’re so fond of old […]

Summary Gwen continues to eavesdrop on Ada Quonsett, who’s talking to Mr. Davidson in 23-C. “My late husband played the violin,” says Ada. “Not professionally, but he was very good. He once played the Minute Waltz in fifty-eight seconds!” Gwen resumes her walk through the Tourist Class. She opens the curtain to the rear coat […]

Summary Gwen closes the curtain separating First Class from Coach and surveys the cabin.  She’s stopped by Mrs. Schultz. “Oh, Miss, ” says Mrs. Schultz, “The Captain said we’d arrive on schedule…” “That means we’re going to make up for the hour’s delay!” interrupts Mrs. Schultz, smiling. “Father,” corrects Schuyler Schultz, ” with a ground […]

Summary The Cleveland dispatcher is describing stowaway Ada Quonsett to the Flight Two crew over the radio. “Wearing a brown hat with a brown pom-pom, tweed coat with black velvet collar,” says Cleveland Dispatch. “Name: Mrs. Ada Quonsett. Determine and confirm. ” Harris responds, “Will check and advise.” Harris puts down the mic. “I don’t […]

Summary Vern is making an announcement over the PA system.Their ground speed is 620 mph. “We’ve reached our cruising altitude of thirty-three thousand feet,” says Vern. “The temperature outside is a pleasant fifty degrees below zero.  Our route tonight will take us over Toronto,  Montreal, Cape Race, St. John Newfoundland,  across the Atlantic, reaching the […]

Summary Guerrero is lighting one cigarette off another as he finishes a pack. Ada is concerned. “Now, there’s nothing to be nervous about, ” says Ada to Guerrero. “I’ve flown thousands of miles, and I can tell you it’s a lot safer than crossing the street.”  Guerrero keeps smoking. Flight Two continues flying over the […]

Summary Trans Global Two steers from the taxiway onto Runway Two Two. “Global Two, Lincoln Tower, ” says a controller, “Cleared for takeoff.” The 707 throttles up. D.O. Guerrero nervously clutches the briefcase in his lap. “This is Global Two,” says Vern, “Rolling.” The 707 picks up speed, rotates off the runway, and climbs into […]

Summary Inez wanders away from the windows of Gate 33, before taking a seat in the empty waiting area. As the 707 taxis away, Gwen is narrating the safety briefing, while Stewardess Maria models the flotation vest. Maria points out the exits while some of the passengers pay attention. Several passengers are featured during the […]

Summary Inez is trying to find out if her husband is aboard Flight Two. The gate agent isn’t cooperating, because it’s against the rules. “He hasn’t been well lately, ” says Inez. “I just wanted — to make sure he got on board safely.” She smiles at the gate agent. “His name’s D. O. Guerrero.” […]

Summary One of the ground operations crew radios Flight Two. “Clear to start Two,” he says. Anson picks up his microphone. “Turning Two,” he says. Vern presses the Ground Start on the overhead panel for Engine Two. Outside, Engine Two spins up. Anson radios the ground crew, “Okay to start One?” Meanwhile, Inez is at […]

Summary Vern tells the Ramp Supervisor the engines are running, burning fuel. “Precious fuel we’ll need in the air tonight,” says Vern. “I know, Captain,” says the Ramp Supervisor. “Now,” says Vern, “Unless this plane leaves right now, I’m going to shut everything down, and we’ll send for Fueling to top off our tanks, so […]

Links WEBSITE 2-MINUTE TERMINATOR Like The 2-T Facebook Page Follow 2-T on Twitter QUESTIONABLE Like The Questionable Facebook Page Follow ‘Questionable’ on Twitter Summary Peter Coakley picks up the phone to call the other airlines. It’s upside-down, so he stops and turns it right-side up. Meanwhile, Flight Two is still at Gate 33. “Forward Jetway […]

Summary After sealing the aft door on Flight Two, Stewardess Ruth walks into the Tourist Galley. Ada peeks out the lavatory doorway, and watches Ruth walk away to the forward end of the cabin. Ada nonchalantly grabs a copy of Vogue from the magazine rack, and walks up to Row 23. “Twenty Three B?” Ada […]

Summary Harry Standish and Tanya have joined Mel in the cafeteria. Harry is explaining about the man with the briefcase, and how smugglers are nervous  “when they land, not before they take off.” “This guy was really shaking,” says Harry. “Well,” says Mel, “If this guy is a smuggler, and a trembler, Italian Customs will […]

Summary Ada is working the Wallet Trick with the gate agent in front of Flight Two. “Blonde hair, no hat, camel’s hair coat…” says Ada, waving the wallet. “I’m not allowed to accept a wallet with money,” says the gate agent. “See the stewardess, please.” Tucking the wallet back into her handbag, Ada smiles,  peers […]

Summary Tanya is looking over the manifest of Trans Global Flight Two at Gate 33. There are only two no-shows for the flight, in first class. “They’re on their way,” says the gate agent. “They’ve been waiting in the Commanders’ Club.” Meanwhile, Harry has been waiting by the Jetway for Tanya to finish so can […]

Summary Ada Quonsett, hiding in a phone booth across from Gate 33, watches the activity at the gate counter intently. Marcus Rathbone wanted a seat in the fourth row, but none are available. “Well, I’m terribly sorry, sir,” says the gate agent, “but this is the best we can do.” He holds up a boarding […]

Summary D.O. Guerrero is buying flight insurance at Lincoln International Airport from Bunnie, the saleswoman at the insurance counter. Bunnie asks what the policy amount Guerrero is considering. “$150,000,” says Guerrero. “That’ll be five dollars,” says Bunnie, filling out the form. She points at a sheet on the counter. “But for $2.50 more, you could […]