King of the jet bridge
︎︎︎ Nick van Osdol
︎ Mar 31, 2026
Two days ago, I was on a flight and when it landed I
got up quickly and skirted two rows back to get the
bag that belonged to the girl sitting next to me from
the overhead compartment. I don’t think I was flirting
with her, I just felt like doing it. Then again, maybe I
was. I’m not sure I can tell the difference anymore.
I wonder if she wondered whether I was. Maybe she
didn’t care or also can’t tell the difference anymore.
We hadn’t talked at all until I did that, until I asked to
confirm which suitcase was hers (is it this black
boxy one?) and she said yes and then I handed it
to her and she said thank you and I said sure thing.
Then, before my depression returned swiftly and
predictably, I walked purposefully off the plane
and didn’t look back, not even once, all while
wearing my cool leather jacket, thinking to myself,
I’m the king of this motherfuckin’ jet bridge.
got up quickly and skirted two rows back to get the
bag that belonged to the girl sitting next to me from
the overhead compartment. I don’t think I was flirting
with her, I just felt like doing it. Then again, maybe I
was. I’m not sure I can tell the difference anymore.
I wonder if she wondered whether I was. Maybe she
didn’t care or also can’t tell the difference anymore.
We hadn’t talked at all until I did that, until I asked to
confirm which suitcase was hers (is it this black
boxy one?) and she said yes and then I handed it
to her and she said thank you and I said sure thing.
Then, before my depression returned swiftly and
predictably, I walked purposefully off the plane
and didn’t look back, not even once, all while
wearing my cool leather jacket, thinking to myself,
I’m the king of this motherfuckin’ jet bridge.
Nick van Osdol is a writer, investor, and advisor.