Sara Smith Esch – Flight Attendant
A variety of things nudged Sara Smith Esch to “Fly the friendly skies” with United Airlines.
“What was the lure? The need for change, flying sounded fun, travel was involved, meeting people from all over the globe and viewing the world from 30,000 feet sounded amazing. I was hooked.”
A 1972 graduate of Clinton High School, Esch spent seven years as a flight attendant with the airlines, starting in 1979.
Training for the airline position was conducted in United’s training facility in Chicago. Students from all corners of the country were part of her class.
“Learning the ins and outs of each aircraft, safety procedures, and emergency training were all part of the process,” said Esch.
Initially based in Chicago and later in Denver, CO, Esch experienced a new lifestyle as she flew domestic flights for work and spent her free time traveling the globe.
“Two alarm clocks, different time zones, different cities and states, and living out of a suitcase became my new norm.”
The passenger manifests sometimes included well-known individuals. John Travolta, Dick Clark, and Donnie Osmond had seats on United flights with Esch’s crew.
The stories of ordinary people who booked flights are equally memorable.
Tapping sounds from a restroom on an all-night flight caught the crew’s attention. Esch recalls the story this way:
“I opened the door and to our amazement was a small girl, dressed in a ruffled dress with black patent shoes and white lacey socks. She had pulled down the lid on the toilet and seat and was standing on the top of it tap dancing while watching herself in the mirror. She was adorable! We all smiled, closed the door and let her tap away.”
A couple bound for an anniversary trip to Hawaii left a lasting impression. Ted and Rose were touched with Esch’s gift of two wine glasses attached to a bottle of champagne on behalf of United. A week later, Ted and Rose had seats on Esch’s flight for their trip home.
“Rose placed an object in my hand. It was a beautiful conch shell from Hawaii. They had brought it back, hoping I would be on their flight home. It is a gift I have kept all these years along with the fond memory of these two, kind people.”
After seven years, Esch left her job as a flight attendant to explore other avenues.
“I am still in touch with my United friends and the friends I met along the way. The interesting and diverse people I met and the beautiful world I’ve seen has given me wonderful memories I will keep forever,” said the former flight attendant.
Recent Comments