Skip to main content

Southwest Airlines Community

YET ANOTHER "WANNA GET AWAY" MOMENT FOR ME

Bill
Employee
Employee
It's happened again. I have endured yet another "Wanna get away?" moment. Last week, as I was on my way to Love Field on Airport Freeway ("Texas' Ugliest Freeway"), I came upon a multi-car wreck that was over on the right shoulder. Because I was in the right lane, and because you MUST rubberneck as you idle by, I looked at the cars and the people standing around--and saw a lady who, from the back, looked JUST like a friend of mine at work (an Executive Assistant named Judy). We're talking identical twins here, at least from the back. Concerned, I looked at windshields of the wrecked cars and noticed that one of them had a parking lot placard hanging from the rear-view mirror that looked just like the ones that all Southwest Airlines HDQ Employees use. Completely convinced that the lady I saw was Judy, I pulled over to the shoulder, got out, and started walking back to check on her. I approached a policeman who asked what I needed. "I work with that lady over there," I answered, pointing in Judy's direction. He waved me through. When I was about five feet from her, the lady turned around--and it was SO not Judy. She snarled at me and barked, "CAN I HELP YOU???" My full body blush took about a tenth of a second, and I stammered, "I...uh...thought you were a lady I work with!" "WELL I'M NOT!!!" she hissed. This woman was not a happy camper and, being about as embarrassed as I've been in a while, I mumbled an apology and turned to leave. I looked at the car window that had the placard I thought was a Southwest one hanging in it--and it resembeled ours, but was for a totally different company. As I passed the now-laughing cop, he just shook his head and said, "that'll teach you, won't it?" If this were a Southwest commercial, that's when the frame would freeze and the voice-over would say, "WANNA GET AWAY?" Judy, I'm very happy it wasn't you, and I feel bad for that really cranky woman that did have the wreck. Still, in hindsight--no, Officer, that won't teach me. I'm not in the least sorry that I stopped--if it had been Judy, at least I could have been there for her. That's what you do for family--if one of them needs help, you help 'em. And, like all Southwest employees, my family has over 33,000 folks in it. I will definitely, positively always try to help a family member when needed. And worst-case scenario? I'll have another funny "Wanna Get Away" moment to share!
9 Comments
Nicole10
Adventurer C
Bill, So many people now wouldn't be concerned enough to check on their co-workers - how refreshing! I'll bet "Judy look-alike" was having a wanna get away moment of her own and regrets being angry at the concerned stranger! Nicole, still applying 😉
chuchoteur
Adventurer B
... looking on the bright side of things, at least the "wasn't Judy" lady was alive, in one piece and well enough to give her a piece of her mind... :o) I usually stock a tow rope in the boot of my car, and a few weeks ago I stopped by to check on a lady who had broken down on the side. It turns out I was the first one to stop, and she'd been there for 3 hours! (her friend was coming to pick her up and she was waiting for a recovery truck, no help required). ah well... at least you made the right move! :o)
jmalone
Adventurer A
Bill - we haven't heard any medical stories this year? Do you have any more "medical Wanna Get Away?" moments? ;-) James MDW FA
Carl1
Explorer A
Ugh...how do you make that angry cat noise? Well, at least she put her claws away so you could make a hasty retreat. That's gratitute for you...show a little concern and get ambushed.
Leah4
Frequent Flyer B
Three years ago, I attended the Ordination service at my church for Annual Conference. I was walking up the stairs to the balcony when I saw a lady, from the back, who looked like someone I know (at church). I called her name a few times, but she never turned around. Someone else heard me & said it too, but still, the woman kept walking. When I got closer, I tapped her on the shoulder & said her name again. She turned around, & I realized it wasn't who I thought! I apologized & said I thought she was someone I knew. She never said anything & I had the feeling she might not have been too happy. That's not too embarrassing, but I did find it somewhat funny! 🙂
Laurie7
Explorer A
I agree with you. You did the right thing; the kind and compassion thing. I feel bad for the non-Judy woman (but...yikes!). Being nearsighted and often found walking the airport without my glasses I have waved at and given a hearty "Hey (name of person)! How are you today?!" at random people wearing khaki shorts and oxford shirts that I *thought* were my coworkers. It's a smidge embarrassing. I have learned my lesson. Oh, I still "Hey, how are you?!" folks I think I know. I just no longer address people I can't clearly see by name! 🙂
Judy1
Explorer C
hehehehe that's funny. A few weeks ago I was walking home and saw what I THOUGHT was my roommates car at the stop sign. I waved furiously and yelled 'Hey!' in hopes of catching his attention and getting a nice ride home. I did get the drivers attention and a nice wave as SHE drove on. It wouldn't be so embarassing except that nice woman lives in our apartments. Oops!
Susan31
Explorer C
I work in a hospital and one day while leaving work there was a gentlemen being discharged from the hospital. I was sure he was a neighbor who lived down the block from me. I offered to give him a ride home at first he declined but I insisted as not to put out his wife. To my surprise as I drove him home he gave directions and lived on the other side of town.My coworkers got a big laugh when they heard the story. A hospital with free delivery service.
Not applicable
[...] Yet Another “Wanna Get Away” For Me from Nuts About Southwest [...]