The couple in front of me practically bounded up the jet way, squirming and hugging all the way, as we boarded the Kiwi flight 67. I took a seat near the back so I could see the action (things were getting pretty steamy in the terminal before we boarded).

The flight was relatively un-crowded, and I got friendly with the three flight attendants. The subject turned to the MHC, and I came to find out one of the veteran FAs was a member as a result of a 747 ride to Tokyo with another airline.

Later, I spied the happy couple sneaking into the head. I summoned the FAs over and the four of us huddled around the door listening to the muted throes of passion emanating from the lavatory.

Shortly before we arrived in Palm Beach, the FAs and I visited the captain, informed him of the two new MHC members on board, and requested he make the special announcement on the cabin PA as we were deplaning, and he agreed.

Just as we pulled up to the jet way, the captain made good on his word: “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Palm Beach International. I’d like to welcome our two newlywed passengers into the ranks of the of the Mile-High club!” (the word had been quietly passed around the cabin, so the whole passenger compliment broke into cheers and wolf-whistles).

The poor couple didn’t have a clue. One of the FAs quietly told them what the MHC was, and that the jig (so to speak) was up. During her explanation, all the color drained from the young bride’s face. Meanwhile, her new husband broke into an ear-to-ear grin.