Right before we stepped into the aisle to make our way to our seats, a pretty flight attendant tapped Justin on the shoulder. “Would you like a tour of the cockpit?” she asked, winking discreetly at me. “We’re not allowed to do this, but the captain said you can come and check it out.” Only moments earlier, I had mentioned to one of the crew that it was Justin’s first time on a plane. As the rest of the passengers squeezed past us, many of them with carry-on bags that looked way too big for the overhead bins, Justin exploded in a mile-wide smile. “Sure!” I thought it was unusual, in light of the security aftermath of 9/11, that the crew allowed Justin in the cockpit, but we definitely appreciated the gesture. Surrounded by an endless array of buttons, lights, and switches, the captain and co-pilot gave a brief overview of the flight systems. Spellbound by the flashing lights, Justin didn’t say much except “Cool” and “No way!”
