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Yougottabekiddinme!: Memoirs of an Airline Gate Agent
Here is a sample of the types of stories (both funny and weird) in this book and why the reader will say many times over, "Yougottabekiddinme!" "I was working in Kansas City [MCI], assigned to baggage service that day. Baggage service wasn't my forte, but I worked with people who were really good. I am in position at the front desk to take care of walk-ins, and this young lady came in, and she was really distraught to the point of tears. Her eyes were red and wet. Obviously, something was wrong, and I asked her what was the matter. She said, 'I've just come in, but my pet didn't.' I tried to comfort her, telling her the pet would probably arrive on the next flight, that it probably misconnected. She then said words I'll never forget. She said, 'No, you don't understand. The kennel is here, but my dog isn't.' OMG! I didn't hear what I just heard. I literally could not believe what I heard. Stupidly, I said, 'What?' She said, 'My dog's not here. The kennel is, but he's not.' I asked if she was sure it was her kennel. She said it was. I dropped what I was doing and called for someone else to come out and watch the front desk, and we went to the claim area. Sure enough, her kennel was there with her name all over it and no dog!" Yougottabekiddinme! You'll find the rest of the story inside! Believe me, truth is stranger than fiction. Have fun!
214 pages, Paperback
Published September 24, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 26, 2021
A unique and insightful read.
It made me more aware of my ignorance about the aviation industry, and it is not common for me to read memoirs of this kind. So many concepts were explained here that I didn’t even know existed. And I know I am not the only one.
That’s why this book is so powerful to me and plays a big part in my life as a growing adult. My privilege has left me with less knowledge of the monetary costs of flights and the true nature of the jobs of flight attendants. I loved how he mentioned that one customer disabled the smoke alarms and proceeded smoking. This same person even threatened to kill the crew and everyone else boarding the plane. I loved how they responded with ease, calmness, and professionalism. There is truly so much more to them than just being cabin crews!
It made me more aware of my ignorance about the aviation industry, and it is not common for me to read memoirs of this kind. So many concepts were explained here that I didn’t even know existed. And I know I am not the only one.
That’s why this book is so powerful to me and plays a big part in my life as a growing adult. My privilege has left me with less knowledge of the monetary costs of flights and the true nature of the jobs of flight attendants. I loved how he mentioned that one customer disabled the smoke alarms and proceeded smoking. This same person even threatened to kill the crew and everyone else boarding the plane. I loved how they responded with ease, calmness, and professionalism. There is truly so much more to them than just being cabin crews!
November 26, 2021
The aviation industry has presented many faults and issues, just like any other industry. This memoir emphasized not only its negativities but also its positivity.
I have honestly never felt so powerless in the contents of a book. The author shared an experience when they were given a job to serve an important passenger with no questions asked, Mr. So-and-so. A situation happened that involved violating this mandate which could possibly lead to the breaking of the million-dollar negotiation between the author’s airline and conglomerate representative. I loved how this emphasized the importance of colleagues and the justifiable treatment of the crew. Casperson’s airline only asked him to write a letter of intent directed to Mr. So-and-so for his response towards the situation.
I am living for the storytelling and organization of events!
I have honestly never felt so powerless in the contents of a book. The author shared an experience when they were given a job to serve an important passenger with no questions asked, Mr. So-and-so. A situation happened that involved violating this mandate which could possibly lead to the breaking of the million-dollar negotiation between the author’s airline and conglomerate representative. I loved how this emphasized the importance of colleagues and the justifiable treatment of the crew. Casperson’s airline only asked him to write a letter of intent directed to Mr. So-and-so for his response towards the situation.
I am living for the storytelling and organization of events!
February 18, 2022
I have always been a fan of everything related to aviation. I just find it amusing how they are one of the greatest breakthroughs of modern technology. There have been many published articles about how much money one can have if they start investing in the aviation business. And just like most businesses, there are companies who only care for the profit and not the service provided.
Yougottabekiddinme! Memoirs of an Airline Gate Agent by John Casperson talks about just that. He mentioned how these companies are so focused on profitability that they already lacked dignity to a new dimension. CEO Michael O’Leary announced in 2010 that they would charge toilet use in their planes and even considered vertical seating on flights, given at lower rates. I love how the author exposed not just the beauty of the industry but as well as their profanities. Great read!
Yougottabekiddinme! Memoirs of an Airline Gate Agent by John Casperson talks about just that. He mentioned how these companies are so focused on profitability that they already lacked dignity to a new dimension. CEO Michael O’Leary announced in 2010 that they would charge toilet use in their planes and even considered vertical seating on flights, given at lower rates. I love how the author exposed not just the beauty of the industry but as well as their profanities. Great read!
February 18, 2022
This is a surprisingly fast-moving, interesting, and easy-to-read memoir. The last of which I’d never believe could be true, up until statistics were shown to support claims. The most notable theme of this is how people overlooked the sales and coupons given by airlines. Most thought of it as a loss of sales, but they greatly benefit from this.
Aviation profit is a timely topic for discourse, considering that the pandemic has forced numerous airline businessmen to file for bankruptcy. Since the memoir of Casperson that is dated back to the 1960s, inflation of airline prices has tripled, making flying, even in economy class, expensive.
This is the reason why Yougottabekiddinme! Memoirs of an Airline Gate Agent is so relevant in the world we live in. It gives more attention to issues that are generally ignored by the greater public.
Aviation profit is a timely topic for discourse, considering that the pandemic has forced numerous airline businessmen to file for bankruptcy. Since the memoir of Casperson that is dated back to the 1960s, inflation of airline prices has tripled, making flying, even in economy class, expensive.
This is the reason why Yougottabekiddinme! Memoirs of an Airline Gate Agent is so relevant in the world we live in. It gives more attention to issues that are generally ignored by the greater public.
February 22, 2022
Thoroughly contemplated and very well written!
Yougottabekiddinme! Memoirs of an Airline Gate Agent is an impactful memoir that presents different possibilities in the aviation industry. One highlight that I would like to talk about is the seniority of flight attendants. Those who were longer in the industry are given more privilege, pretty much the same with other industries.
I found it fascinating that they express seniority in a different way. For some reason, it comes with age. In the aviation world, seniors are paid much more than the crew with one year of experience because they see this as one year’s experience thirty times. People may think that this is seniority, but they claim that it’s all about experience. This is a topic of interest that could make people reconsider joining the field.
Yougottabekiddinme! Memoirs of an Airline Gate Agent is an impactful memoir that presents different possibilities in the aviation industry. One highlight that I would like to talk about is the seniority of flight attendants. Those who were longer in the industry are given more privilege, pretty much the same with other industries.
I found it fascinating that they express seniority in a different way. For some reason, it comes with age. In the aviation world, seniors are paid much more than the crew with one year of experience because they see this as one year’s experience thirty times. People may think that this is seniority, but they claim that it’s all about experience. This is a topic of interest that could make people reconsider joining the field.
February 22, 2022
The rawness and genuineness of this book deserve all the five stars it could get! I knew from the very first chapter that I would love this memoir, and it got better and better with every flip of the page. You could feel the excitement and thrill of the writer as he presented his points. It seems like he is very knowledgeable and passionate about his ideas. Casperson is not your typical memoir writer, most memoirs are only words with detailed descriptions in each scene, but he has photos that could provide a better visualization to the readers. Some things are just very hard to imagine, especially when you haven’t seen them, and terms are unfamiliar. This unique trait in his memoir would make you not want to stop. If it made me happy, there is no doubt it would do the same to you. Grab a copy now!
November 24, 2021
This is an insightful read for both young and old.
I wanted to stress how this is a very important book that talks about various key issues found in the aviation industry. This is unexpected to most readers but is certainly not shocking. This has been going on for years, considering that the memoir was dated to the 1960s, yet it is still a problem until now.
I recognize that Casperson has a lot of great points and stands that make this book more interesting. He dives deep into issues that expand the extent of what the aviation industry has to offer, such as customer service, experience, cuisine, and monetary costs.
It is a moderately-paced book, but it’s quite likely going to open new perceptions, full of intriguing facts and issues. A highly recommended read!
I wanted to stress how this is a very important book that talks about various key issues found in the aviation industry. This is unexpected to most readers but is certainly not shocking. This has been going on for years, considering that the memoir was dated to the 1960s, yet it is still a problem until now.
I recognize that Casperson has a lot of great points and stands that make this book more interesting. He dives deep into issues that expand the extent of what the aviation industry has to offer, such as customer service, experience, cuisine, and monetary costs.
It is a moderately-paced book, but it’s quite likely going to open new perceptions, full of intriguing facts and issues. A highly recommended read!
November 26, 2021
I knew right after I started reading the first few pages of the book that it would be one of my absolute favorites this year.
This memoir talks about so many things that are inclined to aviation and the lived experiences of flight attendants. One example was their exemplary sense of professionalism. Even if some customers are not on their best behavior, they still provide good service and calm replies to the presented concerns.
When you think of flight attendants, the general idea is these good-looking individuals serving and assisting people at the airport and in flights, but their job goes beyond that scope. They are trained to present calmness even on the most unreasonable customer behaviors. There’s just so much more to this book that you could savor.
This memoir talks about so many things that are inclined to aviation and the lived experiences of flight attendants. One example was their exemplary sense of professionalism. Even if some customers are not on their best behavior, they still provide good service and calm replies to the presented concerns.
When you think of flight attendants, the general idea is these good-looking individuals serving and assisting people at the airport and in flights, but their job goes beyond that scope. They are trained to present calmness even on the most unreasonable customer behaviors. There’s just so much more to this book that you could savor.
February 18, 2022
This book is told through the eyes of John Casperson, a person who has been a member of the commercial airline industry for decades. I loved how this book focused on lived experiences — a motivation for people who are already in the field and an inspiration for those who are still planning to venture into the industry. The highlighted topic that I loved the most would be the fulfillment he felt while doing his job. It showcased how service is rewarding when it is incorporated with care and empathy. He also acknowledged that his colleagues played a great role in him having a successful career, that the gratitude of passengers and treasured memories with colleagues are a few of the things that cannot be replaced by any paycheck. Insightful read!
February 18, 2022
Out of the entire memoir, I especially loved the part where he helped a grandmother with her wheelchair. It is the perfect depiction of a true professional with a heart of service, compassion, and kindness that only a few possess.
I can still remember how he gave grandmother a phone call to ensure that she got home safe. This is a valid example that the duties and responsibilities of airline professionals are not only limited to a flight or at the airport. That the true essence of the job is ensuring all passengers are happy, safe, and comfortable. It may not be the grandest of things, but I am still amazed at how simple acts of kindness can mark people’s hearts.
This book hit the right note in storytelling and providing lessons. I would love to read more from Casperson!
I can still remember how he gave grandmother a phone call to ensure that she got home safe. This is a valid example that the duties and responsibilities of airline professionals are not only limited to a flight or at the airport. That the true essence of the job is ensuring all passengers are happy, safe, and comfortable. It may not be the grandest of things, but I am still amazed at how simple acts of kindness can mark people’s hearts.
This book hit the right note in storytelling and providing lessons. I would love to read more from Casperson!
February 18, 2022
This shook me to my core.
If you are someone new to the aviation industry, you will be able to grasp numerous concepts in this memoir. This is an important discourse because even now, many presented issues are given a blind eye, and very few people speak up about this.
John Casperson’s brilliant and powerful writing literally spiked up my curiosity and moved me with ideas that were new to me. The writing was undeniably enthralling, with something new to offer in every flip of the page. This book is deep and filled with realizations that cut through the mind.
I highly recommend this to everyone, not just the aviation junkies. I think this is an important read because this presents many lessons in life that could be applied in everyday life.
If you are someone new to the aviation industry, you will be able to grasp numerous concepts in this memoir. This is an important discourse because even now, many presented issues are given a blind eye, and very few people speak up about this.
John Casperson’s brilliant and powerful writing literally spiked up my curiosity and moved me with ideas that were new to me. The writing was undeniably enthralling, with something new to offer in every flip of the page. This book is deep and filled with realizations that cut through the mind.
I highly recommend this to everyone, not just the aviation junkies. I think this is an important read because this presents many lessons in life that could be applied in everyday life.
February 22, 2022
Such a compelling and well-written memoir that I will forever treasure in my life.
Every single time I would open and read this book, it felt like I was immediately immersed in their world. This is a memoir about lived aviation experiences of John Casperson. It also showcased some of the experiences of his colleagues that he deems worthy of sharing. You just can’t help but be amazed by the diversity of people and the way they act. Indeed, not everyone is kind.
The organization of concepts is amazing, the message is powerful, and the writing is incredibly captivating. Throughout my reading journey, I was able to reflect on the many things about their industry that I currently know and do not know. I would vouch that this is likely eye-opening and life changing.
Every single time I would open and read this book, it felt like I was immediately immersed in their world. This is a memoir about lived aviation experiences of John Casperson. It also showcased some of the experiences of his colleagues that he deems worthy of sharing. You just can’t help but be amazed by the diversity of people and the way they act. Indeed, not everyone is kind.
The organization of concepts is amazing, the message is powerful, and the writing is incredibly captivating. Throughout my reading journey, I was able to reflect on the many things about their industry that I currently know and do not know. I would vouch that this is likely eye-opening and life changing.
February 22, 2022
Yougottabekiddinme! Memoirs of an Airline Gate Agent is an interesting memoir that ventures into the life of aviation with heavy themes such as monetary costs, life, diversity, and lived experiences. Sometimes I think some of the mentioned scenarios are not possible, but the author has his ways of supporting that what he’s saying is true. With subjects this intriguing, one would expect complex information. But I love how this was presented in the simplest way possible for the readers to fully understand the points.
The author is also very well versed with aviation jargons and the different types of jets. I think it is rare to find people who are fully invested in their line of work, and it amazes me every time. This memoir is a thoroughly written narrative, highly recommended!
The author is also very well versed with aviation jargons and the different types of jets. I think it is rare to find people who are fully invested in their line of work, and it amazes me every time. This memoir is a thoroughly written narrative, highly recommended!
February 22, 2022
Yougottabekiddinme! Memoirs of an Airline Gate Agent by John Casperson is a memoir that grasps the reality of the aviation industry and what it encompasses through the eyes of those directly affected by it. Every lived experience comes with life lessons, and presented concepts have detailed descriptions, attached with a sensible back story that makes it more interesting. The variety of people are given emphasis, which I appreciate because it clearly draws a direct observation for the readers.
I loved how Casperson strategically arranged the scenes, maximizing each story’s wow factor without being overly dramatic. Every detail is supported by the plot, making it an enjoyable, life-changing, and eye-opening experience to its readers. Very well written! I would highly recommend this book.
I loved how Casperson strategically arranged the scenes, maximizing each story’s wow factor without being overly dramatic. Every detail is supported by the plot, making it an enjoyable, life-changing, and eye-opening experience to its readers. Very well written! I would highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews