Christmas Island

L.A. tower, this is HM Air 661 on visual two four left.

HM Air 661, you're cleared to land.

Want to share a car into town, Kate?

I'm sorry Mal, I can't, I have a meeting.

Oh, this is the interview?

It is. It's very exciting.

If all goes well, by this time next year, I'll be off the

regional route hamster wheel and onto international flights.

That's what you want.

Of course, who doesn't want that?

Travel, expensive hotels, a more relaxed schedule.

I've heard some of those corporate

clients can be difficult.

Are you saying I can't handle it?

Of course not. I'm just saying

is that something you want to be handling?

I definitely want to be handling that in Zurich

and Venice. I'll see you.

Let me know what you're getting into.

Bye, Mal!

I'm so pleased you could find a few minutes to meet

on my stopover. And I'm sure you don't have a lot of time either.

Oh, no rush at all.

I want to make sure to answer all of your questions.

Well, your background check was a breeze.

Your flight record speaks for itself.

You've flown the max

number of hours allowed for the last four years.

Multiple certifications. You're clearly a hard worker.

Well, without work, nothing grows

but weeds, as my dad used to say.

We're looking for unique individuals whose lifestyles

are flexible and can keep up with the demand.

That sounds like me in every way.

Great. So what I really need to know is,

how available are you?

I'm very, very available.

-Even during the holidays? -Yeah.

What about family, partner, household pets?

Are they okay with this?

I'm kind of a one-woman band.

Perfect. Then I have a flight for you.

Already?

I thought this was just an exploratory interview.

It was. And now that that's done,

how do you feel about flying from L.A.

to the Swiss Alps on December 20th?

Um, I uh, I feel very, very good about it.

You'll stay there

with the Sharpe family for the entire week

in case they want to travel elsewhere,

then return them to L.A. on the 27th.

They're a high-powered family,

so please take the utmost care of them.

That sounds ideal.

I'll get the paperwork started in that case.

-Okay. -Do you have any questions?

Uh. Yes, just one.

Um, sorry. Who are the Sharpe's?

Yeah. Alright. And double the order on the linen.

It's going to be major next summer,

and I want a discount on an order that size.

Yeah. Okay, thanks. Bye.

Is that my sweater, Cali?

Maybe.

Were you maybe going to ask me if you could wear it?

Mom, may I please wear your sweater?

It's from last year's line.

I did not think you would care.

Well, that's an interesting strategy, kiddo.

Maybe we should put you on the payroll.

-No, thank you. -Well.

It looks great on you. So, it's all yours.

-Really? -Yeah. I just wish you wouldn't

wear those beat-up boots with it.

Why? Because these are so, what, embarrassing?

Am I ever going to say anything right to her?

She's 15, so I'm gonna say no.

I can't wait until I'm a teenager and I can say

whatever I want.

Uh, no.

Great news, we've been invited to the Alpine's

cocktail party on the 26th.

-Oh, great. -What's Alpine's?

Alpine's, buddy. Alpine's.

It's a department store chain

that's headquartered in Zurich,

and we want them to carry our new casualwear line.

Unfortunately, it means your mom and I are going to have

to do some work in between our time on the slopes.

Can we at least go ice skating or something?

-Sure. Christina will take you. -Yes!

Guys! I do not want to be babysat by some nanny

who's barely older than me. Why are we even doing this?

Can't we just stay home for one Christmas?

You must be the Sharpe's.

Hi. I am Captain Kate Gabriel.

I'll be your pilot for the week.

Our copilot, Derrick Murray, is conducting

a walk around now.

I trust you'll be able to help me fly the plane?

Um, I don't think I'm qualified.

Thomas, thanks for filling in last minute.

Our former pilot retired suddenly,

so we're looking to fill the position.

Well, I'm at your service.

All right, great. Let's go, guys.

Vacation time.

Um, Mom, where is Riley?

-Your teddy bear? -He's a rabbit.

Oh, of course, Bunny.

I am sure he is

snug as a bug in your suitcase.

Our nanny did all the packing

and then flew up ahead to set up the suites.

So we have rooms for you at the hotel.

A full itinerary and a list of our contact information.

Okay, so, this will be the perfect Christmas.

Don't worry about anything.

I'll have you eating breakfast in Switzerland in no time.

That's what I like to hear.

We're all set, Captain.

Ah, excellent.

And who takes care of the luggage?

It's us, isn't it?

Okay.

Let's see what we got going on tonight.

So, charter for five years.

You must have some incredible stories.

Yeah.

Which you're saving for your memoirs?

Listen, you really want my advice?

Keep yourself to yourself.

Sorry, do you mean in general or with our charters?

'Cause I'm kind of an expert about them.

Three might Charlie,

this is centre. Ride report?

Oh, well, life's a beach up here.

No reindeer sightings, yet.

I'm just about to serve our passengers,

hot cocoa and eggnog,

if you care to join.

Ride report, please.

This isn't comedy hour.

Centre, everything's smooth up here.

Thank you.

And that wasn't a joke, by the way.

But if I think of one I'll let you know.

Why do I feel like

this is going to be a long shift?

Can we see the North Pole and the elves from up here?

Mh-hm, definitely, right, Thomas?

What are we talking about? Shelves.

Yeah, we can get some shelves made for you, buddy.

Hey, Cali. Can you read my letter to Santa?

Later.

Good evening.

We are about to begin our Atlantic crossing.

But first, who wants some hot chocolate?

Please say that's normal.

Oh, yeah.

Just minor turbulence. I'll be right back.

Three might Charlie, be advised there's a rapidly

deteriorating low-pressure system on your route.

Definitely not in the forecast,

we're getting reports of severe turbulence

at flight level 380.

You're not kidding, centre.

Our weather radar has lit up like a Christmas tree.

Can you give us a ride around it?

Three might Charlie, not in my sector.

This is a severe system.

The high pressure line starts just north of Labrador

and extends all the way down to New Jersey.

I don't think anybody's going to be

getting through this until it dissipates.

I suggest you find a place to land

before you're out over the ocean.

Seriously?

Is this your advice for all aircraft?

We have plenty of fuel

for a longer route and I've outrun worse.

Three might Charlie, were advising all pilots

to land regardless of their track record.

Yeah, this is not going to go over well.

It's unavoidable.

I'm not sure my clients would agree with you.

I promised to have them in Europe by Christmas.

There are spots available at JFK and Logan.

If either of those are suitable for your passengers?

Better check in with them, Captain.

Be right back, Centre.

Centre, this is three might Charlie, requesting landing

clearance for JFK. Please confirm.

- Denied. -What?

The spots have been taken. Same with Logan.

But that was literally a minute ago.

Those spots are all in high demand.

Okay, um. What else is available?

Closest option is an airport off the coast of Nova Scotia.