Evanelpus, I bet the flight crew were just wonderful
As for the headset plug being in a different place, nothing to do with any mergers, and usually it would be the same aircraft for both sectors, although occasionally the aircraft are switched around.
Both A321s? I have no idea why the plugs would be in a different place, very strange!
Interesting comment about the flight being smooth. I often wonder why passengers assume that we can somehow avoid all turbulence. A few weeks ago there was bad turbulence at all flight levels, we were doing our utmost to find a smooth level but there just weren't any. Every other aircraft on frequency was having the same problems, in the end I think everyone went down below 30,000' both ways because it was marginally smoother down there (like moderate rather than moderate occasional severe). We kept the passengers informed at all times, and when they disembarked one pax said "I'm never flying with this airline again! I have never flown in turbulence with (a.n.other) airline!" and they were serious!
There were a few comments like that.
Bizarre.
Of course, when someone invents a device that allows aircraft to fly through clear air turbulence and not be bumped around, I am sure they will make a fortune.
I understand that a smooth flight is more comfortable for pax, as it is for the crew as well. Up front we will be doing our utmost, getting info from ATC/ other aircraft and trying out different levels, but sometimes you just can't avoid it.