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"Something interesting happens in my life every day! You guys so rock!" —CECIL BILBO bags could be checked all the way to Dallas. I expected an instant "that's not possible be- cause the tickets were purchased separately" response. Instead, the agent was able to do exactly what I requested. I was more than impressed and extremely thankful. Erik Alfonso Nilsen, McKinney, Texas A.P. RESPONDS: You know, Erik, my wife had a very similar experience with British Airways when she was trying to fly home from London. She had a business-class seat, the flight was canceled, and the gate agent literally put her in the same seat (number and everything) on an AA flight. You, she and I — and everyone in the AA family — are all big fans of the Joint Business Agreement. You'd re- ceive the same service from Iberia, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, LAN and Qantas. WHEELS UP "Wheels up" has two connotations in the airline industry, one referring to taking off and the other referencing storing bags in the overhead bins. I would like to suggest a standing ovation for all the flight atten- dants who can now add "baggage handler" and "general engineer" to their résumés with all the lifting, positioning and utilization of every possible nook and cranny to accommo- date the multitude of passengers' carry-ons — I am guilty myself. Time is of the essence, and I am always amazed at the quick work that they do. So thank you to all the flight attendants, and please take your seat as this flight is now departing. James Smith, Lucas, Texas { CARVE A TURKE Y } turkey for all to enjoy, and I had secured a carving job for many Thanksgivings to come. David Fellows, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Since I only prepare the Thanksgiving meal every other year, I always need a refresher on carving the holiday bird. I placed my Ameri- can Way magazine on the kitchen island as I began to carve the turkey. When the family arrived 20 minutes early and uncovered my secret, the rest of the day was a joke about what other holiday cooking tips I had bor- rowed from your magazine. James Cross, Grapevine, Texas READER RESPONSE TO Jordan Rane's Nov. 15, 2011, "Itinerary" article, "How to Carve a Turkey," which gave step-by-step instructions on how to slice your holiday bird, made many readers' mouths water. We thought it only necessary to share some of these letters. Regretfully, our family Thanksgiving celebra- tions have lapsed since our parents passed away three years ago. We all had simply gone our own ways, until my oldest sister put her foot down and insisted we all go to New Mexico. The kitchen was full of children all excited to see the turkey properly sliced for all to enjoy. Of course, the three sisters looked at the three brothers and asked, "Which one of you is going to carve the turkey?" Silence came over the crowd with the stark realiza- tion that none of us had ever attempted this hallowed ritual before. This was the supreme right of my dad for 50 years, and no one even remotely considered taking this responsibility from him — not while he was alive, anyway. At that moment, with the awkward hush in the kitchen and a tender turkey ready to go, I recalled the article. I shouted out, "Bring me the bird!" In minutes we had a nicely carved You hit the nail on the head when you said, "Any holiday procedure that involves leering guests and a large knife is naturally intimidat- ing." After a couple of read-throughs, I felt like I could shake the butterflies and carve the bird with confidence. There was just one small detail you failed to tackle: Exactly how was I supposed to tell my father-in-law that I would be carving the bird? I guess I'm on my own there! Antoine Drye, New York All day we salivated over the smells coming from the kitchen. My brothers and I helped peel potatoes, chop nuts, stir gravy and run to the store, but there is a moment, every Thanksgiving, when our mom turns around with an expectant gleam in her eye to find her kitchen completely abandoned. The magic words she uses to clear the kitchen? "Who wants to carve the turkey?" With a trusty American Way magazine page in hand, her soon-to-be-favorite son — me — stayed in the kitchen, confidently took up the carving tools and sliced it up just right. Mom was so proud, my siblings were amazed, and everybody had a great meal. Tim Schirack, Tucson, Ariz. DESIGN DIRECTOR DAVID W. RADABAUGH RESPONDS: You're kind to consider the welfare of our crew. If we were all just a little more thoughtful, I'm sure the boarding process would be quicker and far more pleasant. MY FAVORITE SYMBOL The first thing I do when I take my seat is to look through the magazine. Besides the content, which is always diverse and engag- ing — I can always find something interesting and useful in the magazine — it has become a symbol of my favorite airline and a great way to begin my flight. It is the American way to fly home — a terrific airline, fantastic crew members and an excellent magazine to crown it all. Alexander Gorev, Alexandria, Va. SENIOR EDITOR ANNA FIALHO RESPONDS: Thanks so much for your letter. It always makes us happy to hear from our loyal readers that they love flying American Airlines — and how much they enjoy reading our magazine! We hope you'll continue to fly the skies on AA and that American Way continues to be the symbol of your favorite airline. WHERE TO NEXT? My favorite part about flying is the world maps in the back of the magazine showing all the places American Airlines flies to — and consequently, all the places I want to go. Thanks for inspiring me, one flight at a time. Meredith Campbell, Boulder, Colo. MANAGING EDITOR TRAVIS KINSEY RESPONDS: One of our favorite things to do is daydream about trips we're going to take as well. So, we definitely understand the appeal! Missed it in the magazine? The articles referenced above are available online at AA.com/americanway AA.COM/AMERICANWAY JANUARY 15, 2012 13 ILLUSTRATION: KAGAN McLEOD

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