F requent fliers may feel gloomy over the prospect of the changes recently announced for the AAdvantage frequent flier loyalty program which become effective as of August 1, 2016; but at least children have something about which to cheer.
Wing Pins for Children Return at American Airlines
Wing pins are small plastic wings adorned with the logo of the airline which flight attendants distribute to children — although an adult can probably also obtain one if he or she asks nicely. According to this article written by Ted Reed for Forbes, on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, “American brought them back, starting with Flight 1929 from Charlotte to Orlando, selected because it carries a high proportion of children heading for destinations like Disney World and SeaWorld.”
Once upon a time, plastic wings had a sharp metallic appendage affixed to the rear for securing onto an item of clothing — not exactly appealing and safe as something to be given to children — but in more recent years, the plastic wings are safer now that they have an adhesive on the back instead of pins…
…meaning that the term wing pins is actually a misnomer of sorts — but I digress as usual.
Summary
Combine the gifting of wing pins to children with distributing commemorative first flight certificates — which are signed by the pilots and flight attendants aboard the airplane to recognize customers who are flying as passengers for the first time — and American Airlines presents a welcoming atmosphere to its passengers who may some day want to pursue a career in commercial aviation. Perhaps they may eventually want to be a flight attendant — or become a pilot and captain such as the inimitable Denny Flanagan, who retired one week ago today.
I am personally glad that this tradition has returned to at least one airline…
A wing pin of Delta Air Lines used to have an actual pin behind it. I do not have any wing pins from American Airlines. Sob. Photograph ©2016 by Brian Cohen.
