Prepare for Takeoff

If you’ve ever wondered about that long line outside the door of Terminal One at Los Angeles International Airport, here’s the skinny: Due to sparse interior space, those flying on America West, Southwest and U.S. Airways can usually count on a wait at the sidewalk. We stopped to commiserate on a busy summer travel day.

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Alex Tijerina

Retired military sergeant; student

Los Angeles

Share your personal baggage

with us.

I’ve got a hanging bag for a carry-on and checked two bags with clothes.

What was your scariest air travel experience?

I was on a Flying Tiger Line flight, coming back to the United States from Korea. We hit an air pocket and the plane dipped down hard. Everyone was screaming.

How do you pass the time on the plane?

I read magazines or a newspaper. I talk to the people next to me. I ran into [Hall of Fame] football coach Don Shula, who was checking out

my wife.

What’s your favorite airplane food?

Peanuts. I wish they gave you more. It’s a guilty pleasure.

How would you redecorate the flight cabin?

I’d change the recycled air. You’re breathing everybody’s germs.

If they had airplane karaoke, what flying-related song would you sing?

“Free Bird.”

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Evelyn Sanders

Psychiatric technician

Redlands

Share some personal baggage with us today.

One bag. I don’t want to check bags. I like to travel light with just clothing and jewelry.

What was your scariest air travel experience?

I went to New York in April, and it was rough. My traveling partner threw up and passed out. They had to give her oxygen.

When you walk the corridors of airport stores, what do you break down and buy?

I buy romantic novels and Ebony magazine. I might buy some coffee.

Most appalling behavior you’ve seen on a plane?

I sat next to a guy who was reeking of alcohol and had slurred speech. He tried talking to me, but then I pretended to go to sleep.

If they had airplane karaoke, what would you sing?

That song from Abba that goes, “Fly high . . . I’m a bird in the sky.”

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Chuck Fabian

Self-employed in garment business

Long Beach

Share your personal baggage

with us today.

Four bags, including my wife and daughter’s bags, and my daughter’s fishing pole.

What was your scariest air travel experience?

I was going to be on an American Airlines flight out of O’Hare airport in 1979, but missed the flight. The plane crashed as it took off, and one lady and I were the only survivors because we’d missed the flight.

When you walk the corridors of airport stores, what do you break down and buy?

I’m in the clothing business, so I don’t buy anything. There’s no Nordstrom for my wife.

Most appalling behavior you’ve seen on a plane?

I was coming home from New York on Thanksgiving, and a man died three seats behind me when we were taking off. Some people cracked jokes.

If they had airplane karaoke, what would you sing?

I’d watch my wife sing “Fly Me

to the Moon.”

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Joy Brown

Business owner

Phoenix

Share some personal baggage

with us today.

Four check-in bags and four carry-ons. My husband and I are on

layover from Hawaii. We went for our anniversary, so we’ve got clothes, golf clubs and souvenirs.

Weirdest air travel experience?

My husband and I came in to L.A. at 1 a.m. The terminal was empty. There were a lot of transients, not much security.

When you walk the corridors of airport stores, what do you break down and buy?

I collect key chains and magnets.

Most appalling behavior you’ve seen on a plane?

Passengers who don’t put their seat backs up when you’re trying to eat behind them. And people who don’t take care of crying babies.

How would you decorate the

flight cabin?

I’d do a tropical theme for the islands, or cityscapes for East Coast-West Coast trips.

If they had airplane karaoke, what flying song would you sing?

I don’t know any. I listen to jazz.