My Grandmother Insisted on Flying Economy Instead of First Class, Then I Found Out Why a Pilot Needed to See Her

and into economy.

It felt like entering a different airplane.

The seats were tighter.

The aisle narrower.

People were sleeping awkwardly, reading, watching movies, or balancing drinks on tiny tray tables.

I went all the way to row 34.

Grandma was by the window.

She stared at the endless blue sky.

Her purse was held tightly against her chest.

Beside her sat a red-haired boy around eight or nine.

He wore an airline badge around his neck.

UNACCOMPANIED MINOR.

His name was Oliver.

He held a coloring book, although he