Escort Journal

Janet Barkow, American Airlines flight attendant, Reports:

Escort of Nayla Jimenez Torres from Quito, Ecuador to New York, July 19-21, 2008

Once again, under the Airline Ambassador organization, I had the opportunity to escort a young child in need of medical attention to the US. Nayla, 6 years old on Aug 2, from Ecuador, was born with only a partial ear on her right side. The Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston will be giving medical treatment for her congenital anamoly.

I decided the trip would fit well into my schedule, as I could fly to Quito, Ecuador, on Saturday morning, July 19, immediately after arriving from Sao Paulo, Brazil, spend a day of sightseeing and leisure on Sunday, before returning to NY with Nayla on Monday morning.

I was to meet Nayla and her mother at the airport around 445am for the 630am departure to Miami. The flight was due out on time in the morning and I thought all would go smoothly. Of course, not the case entirely.  More details on that later. 

I set the alarm and wake up call for 4am, afraid of oversleeping, however, I woke up on my own at about 340am.  I got the 430am shuttle to the airport and immediately saw Nayla and her mother waiting for me near the check in counter. They had gotten to the airport at 330am!  The American Airlines agent that had helped them was extremely accommodating and checked me in as soon as possible, as Nayla already had her seat assignment. I was once again on standby but most likely wouldn’t be a problem getting a seat, and thus no need to take the jumpseat.  It was very sad saying goodbye to Nayla’s mom. She had wanted to accompany Nayla but was not granted a visa to the US.

Nayla was fine for the most part. A very mature little 6 year old, traveling alone for the first time. It was only the second time she had been on a plane. Something interesting, she saw an elevator and apparently had never been in one. She wanted to try it, however, her mother did not. So, she and I rode down to the 1st floor in the elevator but I don’t think she liked it that much as she wanted to take the escalator back up to the 2nd floor. 

We passed through immigration quite easily, though I did observe the immigration officer reading thoroughly , in it’s entirety, the 2 ½ page document that gave me permission to take Nayla out of the country. We got 2 seats together near the front of economy class.  I had brought some books to color, stickers, etc and Nayla kept busy at that for awhile. She was really a very cheerful little girl. It was probably my easiest escort in many ways. It definitely was much easier than the December one to get two little boys in Santo Domingo!

She had a few moments during the flight in which she got a bit teary eyed, saying she wanted to see her mother. But then she would be fine after I assured her she would be able to call her that evening. By the end of the day she was joking around, pretending to cry and then began laughing. 

On the flight from Miami to NY she spent about 45 minutes going through my makeup bag and loading me up! And of course combing and styling my hair! It brought back memories of Kaday doing the same on our way from Senegal 4 years ago.  I was happy that she was able to stay entertained. 

Once we finally landed at 2pm in Miami we had to walk which seemed like a mile to get to  immigration! I was still hopeful to make an earlier connection to NY and therefore it was more like running than walking! Nayla kept up like a real trooper. Luckily, since I wear my uniform, it makes it easier to step up to the front of the lines and I’m not too shy about doing that! We did get on a 330pm flight to NY, as standbys, and even got 2 seats together. 

However, I did have to call my students in my 630pm Spanish class, as I would not make it home in time as planned.  They were probably happy to have the break! 

On both flights the flight attendants were very kind, but especially from Miami to NY where they brought us food from first class, as we hadn’t eaten since the morning, not having time to purchase anything between flights. We arrived safely to LaGuardia at 630pm. Waiting for Nayla was her cousin and good friend of the family, Lucy and about 6 other people!!! What a lucky little girl. 

In the short 12 hours that we spent together, of course, I got attached a bit. So, it was good that I had to hurry home to my Spanish class at 730pm, and didn’t have time to get too emotional.  The long day really passed quickly.  She is a very special little girl. It might seem like I feel I missed my maternal calling, but I know myself very well, I treasure  my independence and freedom, but so enjoy being able to have these wonderful experiences with children from around the world. I look forward to my next escort experience.

Janet, Nayla was lucky to have you!  Thank you!

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