Web product developer Ken Norton's wonderful first hand account of flying on Enron's private jet to visit the companies bandwidth-trading facilities and meeting Jeff Skilling.
When we boarded the plane, we were greeted by our Enron hosts, David Cox and John Bloomer. The pilot welcomed us aboard. I remember asking him if he was actually an Enron employee. He said, "I sure am, and proud to be one." I couldn't believe that this company was so rich it could afford its own air force. The inside of the plane was immaculate. Huge leather seats, plush couches, a catered spread. Every drawer and cupboard was stuffed with goodies. Snickers bars, peanuts, beer, wine, and cigars. We felt like kings.
I realized that day why most people hate business travel. It's not the flying that wears you out, it's the airports. Traveling isn't so bad when you're not standing in line for security, lugging your suitcase to the gate, or sitting in a hot, stuffy plane waiting for takeoff. A couple of minutes after we boarded the pilot asked us if we were ready. When we said yes, he prepared for takeoff. I could get used to this.
