Frank McCourt. He'd be full of stories and flight time would fly by.

Kim- I was just in a village on the Antrim coast of Northern Ireland and sat in a country hotel listening to mandolin, flute and piano music next to Liam Neeson's charming mum (who looks like her son, but with long gray hair in a bun). She often visits him and Natasha in NY. I wouldn't mind flying back to the states with her--and then meeting him.

Judy--how could I have forgotten Joseph Fiennes? :: Sigh :: flutter :: Okay, Williams for the giggles on the way back on a long Transatlantic flight, and Fiennes for gazing soulfully into those fabulous eyes on the way over. Then again, Liam Neeson would be nice both ways, as I could listen to that amazing accent for hours... <BR> <BR>Boy, this descended into a lust-fest fast, didn't it? To prove that I'm not completely ruled by my hormones, I'd also like as a seatmate the ultimate travel writer: Jan Morris.

<BR> <BR>WILL SMITH or TOMMY LEE JONES... <BR> <BR>Have admired both for ages and then Men In Black happened... Serious Kavey-Happy time... <BR> <BR>Bill Bryson or Peter Mayle, or indeed any skilled travel journalist... <BR> <BR>Or Richard Branson, just coz a) it would be interesting to talk to him and b) i might get to travel posh class! <BR> <BR>Or perhaps, a very thin very quiet meditatively still person with no urge to go the toilet or inconvenience me in any way...

Well, she's not really a Big Name, but political writer Molly Ivins is one of the most amusing talkers around.

Since this has degenerated into an adult "Tiger Beat" session ... I might as well add my vote. Going -- Russell Crowe (fun, gorgeous and interesting) or Alan Page (he's my favorite athlete on and off of the field of all time) or Faye Wattleton (interviewed her once in college & would love to hear what she's been up to). Coming back -- my mom (okay, she's just a "big name" in my book, but she is fun to travel with).

Good God, Heather..."Tiger Beat"??? <BR>I will NEVER confess to having a subsciption in the 5th grade. (OR to my David Cassidy obsession...) <BR> <BR>But, now. <BR>Back to the Present TRAVEL question... Definetly Antonio Banderas.

I'd like to sit in first class with Henry Kissinger and listen to him talk and ask him questions. <BR> <BR>Second choice would be William Buckley. I wouldn't understand all of the words he uses but listening to him is a treat. <BR> <BR>Third choice would be Ralph Nader, just to balance my ticket.

Difficult question - it'd be between Ewan McGregor, Jude Law, David Attenborough or Michael Palin - I think Michael Palin would win out! Can't think of anyone else who'd have better travel tales than he.

Gina--Can't believe it--another Jan Morris groupie. I got to meet her last week in Wales where she was a speaker at a large conference. She was amusing and charming and the speech was about her homeland, Wales, which she loves. After, while the group was having lunch, she sat on the steps with her little old lady companion and I was able to go over and tell her that I think she is the best travel writer ever. I mentioned the books in the 70s about Oxford, Seville, Venice, etc, when she was James Morris (for those of you who don't know, she had a gender change). She said, "I was much better then." I don't know if she is right or she was kidding, but for those of you who have never read James Morris or Jan Morris, go immediately to a library or Amazon or bookstore. You will have a treat!!

I'm sorry, I changed my mind. I really want to sit next to Harrison Ford. In fact, I want to sit in between him and Bono.

gosh, only one vote for Pierce? Didn't any of the ladies here see the Thomas Crown Affair?? (swoon) <BR> <BR>I would also put Bono *way* up high there too. <BR> <BR>and let's not forget Ewan McGregor. Liam Neeson, him too... <BR> <BR>and the token American, hum... how about Johnny Depp? seriously, way. look at those eyes, I'm telling ya. <BR> <BR>wait, did someone say only one? <BR> <BR>;-)

oh God, how could I forget. (I didn't read all the posts)... <BR> <BR>Michael Palin, absolutely. Such a cutie pie. I LOOOOOOOVE his eyes. <BR> <BR>and I also have a couple of his books, too. ;-)

Beth, <BR> <BR>Are you kidding? I want a Pierce Brosnan - Liam Neeson sandwich, yum!

Elvis would be my choice of seat companion because he's dead.

Sting! In a private jet with the cabin wired for live sound. Gee, I hope he reads this. <BR>Dr. Betty <BR>

This is good fun. Love to hear everyone's choices, adult Tiger Beatish, or not. <BR> <BR>All the fellas mentioned would no doubt be slurping their lobster bisque up in first class so I wouldn't have a ghost of a chance to sit next to them in coach. Further, good chance that none of them would even want to utter a word or look my way. But in dreams...here's a few potentially FANtastic seat companions: Danny Glover, Michael Palin, Stevie Wonder (what a thrill, just to hear his voice!), John Lynch (anyone familiar with this handsome actor? , Morgan Freeman, Stephen King, Anne Rice, Malachy McCourt, Chris Rock, Jonny Depp and, of course, Antonio.

Annette: Reality Bites!!! You just burst my fantasy bubble....as I was saying....as I was sitting in First class,,,,Joseph Fiennes(or his twin) was seated next to me,,,,,as I was sipping champagne and ummmm well, thats enough for now,,,,,

"...And of course Antonio" ??? <BR>Who He ?

Oh, who he... <BR>A-N-T-O-N-I-O!!! <BR>Get with the program! "Tie me Up, Tie me Down" Antonio!!! (Banderas!) geez! <BR> <BR>And, of course, you DO know who Johnny is, don't you? <BR> <BR>