Sometimes a trip can hinge on a moment. My cousin and I booked really cheap flights to Barcelona on American Airlines. Anyone who knows me knows I MUCH prefer the European carriers. They just treat their customers so much more respectful. Neither one of us was allowed to check in online which made us both a little nervous, something neither one of us needs help with! Anxiety gallops like a racehorse in our family. Due to epic NYC traffic, my cousin arrived at JFK 1/2 hour after I did. I took the LIRR to the Airtrain which is the greatest infrastructure project of the 21st Century in NYC. But she sat in traffic and I anxiously waited. When she arrived we exchanged very quick greetings (so NOT Latin) and went straight to the check in line which went nowhere. Maybe we were on the wrong line? We ended up getting help but then the security line was beyond ridiculous. Terminal 8 in JFK leaves a lot to be desired. All we wanted at this point was a rest room and a drink! The former was easy, the latter took some searching. We found a sports bar near our gate. Not what we were looking for exactly, but there was wine and seats available. We both ordered wine, started to relax and had a nice chat. I ordered a second glass, when the bartender, who frankly had eyes for my cousin, gave us this concoction he dreamed up involving gin (which I usually hate), jalapenos, basil, and other stuff, that was so refreshing, and free. What a treat! Right then and there we looked at each other and knew our fortunes had turned. Our hassle had just turned into a good time. He even knew to cancel my wine. We thanked him and then went to board. No queue! Unfortunately we did not sit near each other. In fact I had a middle seat. As someone who is still a nervous flyer, and a little claustrophobic, I was dreading the flight. I arrived at my seat and my seat neighbor asked if I MINDED to switch her aisle seat with her. Of course I said yes. So an aisle seat, which by the way was roomier than I had anticipated, no queue, free booze, all because or enhanced by the kindness, and hormones, of a bartender in one moment.