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I'm at 1.5 million miles with Delta Airlines and do about 100k worth of miles annually. Kind of like a natural disaster, you really see the best and worst of humanity in air travel.
A Random Observation About Airline Travel
- Thread starter hsguy
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The restrooms at LAX defy description. The floors are so dirty, that shoes stick to the floor.....Air travel, even in the cattle cars the Military flew us in has always been exciting for me. Except...going through LAX. I firmly believe that you should not have to descend into Hell more than twice in a Decade!
Braggin' or Complainin'?
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After a 15-hour flight from ZRH and looking at a 4-hour layover to catch a flight to PDX a date with a PSA agent was not on my wish list.
I used to fly into Ontario; there was a non-stop southwest flight from CMH. A great little airport that was so much better than LAX. The little extra drive was well worth it.
I flew a lot during my career and do not miss it one bit. I saw it go from being a simple experience pre 9/11 to a nightmare bus in the sky in the 20 teens. I still have almost 200k miles on American that I have yet to use.
When I started traveling by air in the 1970s it was still a bit of an adventure and a pretty pleasant experience. By the end of the 90s it became a trudge, and with the narrowing of seats, billing for everything short of breathing and long pre-load times required for security, it is now something to endure rather than to enjoy. Unless perhaps you're flying in 1st class, which I never have done and don't anticipate doing. I fly out of Denver and I have at least a 90 minute drive to get there two hours before the flight leaves - but with recent congestion on I-25 It's safer to leave at least two hours before we need to be at the airport. That means about a 4-hour lead time before the flight leaves. I can say that when you're used to the routine, it gets easier and less painful, but it's still something to endure rather than to look forward to.
I have fond memories of airline travel from the kinder, gentler days of the 50's and 60's. Real food, roomy seats, foot rests, actually being able to recline your seat, pillows and blankets all in coach class. And coloring books & crayons, and the little TWA wing pins. And there was the time I was offered champange , I was 13!
OP
Again I’m the outlier, I still enjoy flying. I know the rules and what to expect in advance. All the perks and decent meals went away with airline deregulation, lowest possible cost was demanded by consumers, you get what you pay for. I liked international travel so that precluded driving to many destinations. I do chuckle a bit when I see posts from people “ I haven’t flown in xx number of years “, probably not the best source of current travel information. Caveat, my late wife was a flight attendant for 23 years and we traveled often so that probably influences my thought on air travel.
You can still find good meals and service on Turkish Air, Royal Jordanian, Etihad, or Qatar Airlines at better prices out of most US hubs.
What everyone seems to be forgetting is that, when adjusted for inflation, the cost of airline travel now is far, FAR less than it was back in the "good old days." The airlines are providing what the customers are asking for -- the very cheapest travel cost possible. That cheap cost does not come without some trade-offs!
OP
All essentially subsidized by their government. Royal Jordanian, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways have received government subsidies. Royal Jordanian has been in talks with the government for potential financial assistance, according to Reuters. Etihad Airways, while initially denying subsidies, has been the subject of claims by U.S. airlines regarding unfair advantages due to government support, reported by the Los Angeles Times. Qatar Airways has also been accused of receiving significant government subsidies, according to ALPA.
dodgecharger
Member
That's quite a long time ago Rusty.
That's when airliners had ash trays in the armrests.That's quite a long time ago Rusty.
bearman49709
Member
They no longer have them? What are all the smoker's doing with their butts dropping them on the floor?
We “upgrade” on longer flights to more legroom and better seats, sometime s first class. Too late in life to be crammed into a cattle car.
fofoguy
Member
I fly out of Albuquerque, (Sun Port). Cleanest restrooms and concourses any where! They changed the secure areas, making it impossible to have a beer while waiting for friends/family arrivals..
Terrified of flying.
That being said, wife and I take a vacation every year to somewhere warm and sandy.
Two things gotta happen-
1. I'm 6'4 and 240 lbs. Need to sit in first class or its damn uncomfortable.
2. Need a few drinks prior to boarding to take the edge off. Few more in the air doesn't hurt either
That being said, wife and I take a vacation every year to somewhere warm and sandy.
Two things gotta happen-
1. I'm 6'4 and 240 lbs. Need to sit in first class or its damn uncomfortable.
2. Need a few drinks prior to boarding to take the edge off. Few more in the air doesn't hurt either
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
TSA pre-check?
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Arrival from overseas.
