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Jimmy Carter Prefers the Window, Then the Aisle

In last week's issue of the New Yorker, it was revealed in the "Talk of the Town" section that former president Jimmy Carter does fly commercial, rather than take a private jet.

Recently, Carter who is 82, flew the 8:30am Delta Shuttle from NYC to DC during his latest book tour (See: Palestine Peace, Not Apartheid). The bit is mostly about Carter's thoughts on the Middle East and Iraq but woven in are some details about his airplane habits.

Prior to departure he takes a window seat, in order to insulate himself from his fellow travellers as they step onto the plane and glance at him with tight smiles...Then after the plane's door has shut, he stands up and walks aft, shaking hands, posing for pictures, learning all the children's names....Carter returns to his row and takes an aisle seat--"Rosalynn likes the window"--and the plane leaves the gate.

But even if Jimmy Carter's on your plane, a commercial flight still has delays as this plane was delayed for an hour.

Other things Carter did on the flight? Talked extensively about peace in the Middle East, ate 1/2 a bagel, and lowered the window shade. That is, until they neared Washington DC, when Jonathan Demme (who is filming a documentary on Carter) raised it back up. Then Carter said, " Isn't it beautiful? I used to live down there."

Related Stories:
· Jimmy Carter Aloft [New Yorker]