TV Party: 'Airline'

By Michael Korb, Zap2it, Zap2It.com | July 13, 2008

'Airline'

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This "Airline"-based TV Party will have your guests on cloud nine.

They say getting there is half the fun, but for those who find themselves caught on camera for the A&E Network reality show "Airline," airing in a marathon Sunday, May 13, getting there is all of the show. Cameras follow the passengers and crew of Southwest Airlines as they crisscross the country in a constant attempt to keep things on time and in the air – all the while asking this writer to remove his shoes and belt. If you're looking to throw a party this week, traveling without having to pack is as good a reason as any.

Setting the scene: Invitations can be either airline tickets with date and destination filled in or luggage tags. Be sure to tell guests not to arrive two hours before flight time. Check-in requires a podium at your front door and someone dressed as an airline attendant – perhaps you, your child or a vagrant you found in the alley who'll work for little more than a can of Dinty Moore beef stew. Decorate half of the room as Gate 4E where "passengers" can mingle while waiting for their flight. The other half of the room is coach all the way with folding chairs in rows of two. Above the chairs hang air tubing connected to air-filled Ziploc bags that have dropped from the ceiling. On chair backs include bags filled with in-flight magazines, directions for flotation devices and an airsickness bag. Have two people dressed as flight attendants offer guests little pillows and blankets – while ordering people to return their seats to the full upright position. In-flight movie: "Airplane!"

Attire: Stewardess and pilot uniforms, Hawaiian shirts, Bermuda shorts, cameras hanging around your neck, fanny packs, luggage – basically anything that says you are traveling. "Mile High Club Wannabe" T-shirts are discouraged.

On the menu: Little bags of peanuts. Remember, there is no food service on this flight. All alcohol is served via those little bottles airlines are so famous for. Favorite drink: B-52 – 1/3 shot of Kahlua, 1/3 shot amaretto, 1/3 shot Baileys Irish Cream.

On the hi-fi: "Leaving on a Jet Plane" by Peter, Paul & Mary; "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra; Anything by the B-52's; "Something About Airplanes" by Death Cab for Cutie; "Crash" by Dave Matthews Band.

The showstopper: Trust us when we say go to eBay and do a search for airplane seats. Your entire home will end up looking like a 727.