JayAychOh
Member
Another hearty "AMEN" to this advice!
The joys of air travel... NOT!
- Thread starter Capt Steve
- Start date
Another hearty "AMEN" to this advice!
When I lived in Cincinnati, there was a private charter service that ran a small number of regular routes out of Lunkin for similar costs as the regular airline flight out of CVG. A few coworkers used it when they made business trips to Washington DC.
They would buy their ticket, arrive at the airport 15 min before the scheduled departure time, park next to the terminal building, and get on the plane. Absolutely no TSA involvement of any kind.
They would buy their ticket, arrive at the airport 15 min before the scheduled departure time, park next to the terminal building, and get on the plane. Absolutely no TSA involvement of any kind.
chaparrito
Member
I've flown all over the world and hated every minute of it. Somebody once said to me "you know, there are treatments you can go through to get rid of irrational fears, like the fear of flying."
What's "irrational" about fear of an 877,000 POUND craft as fragile as an egg 35 thousand feet up in the air going 600 miles an hour??
I am quite certain the only thing keeping that plane up in the air is the collective will of the passengers gripping their armrests and WISHING it to fly.
The part about arriving 2 hours prior to departure doesn't bother me a bit because the Xanax and Bourbon prep I need before boarding takes that long. If I never fly again, it's a good thing.
What's "irrational" about fear of an 877,000 POUND craft as fragile as an egg 35 thousand feet up in the air going 600 miles an hour??
I am quite certain the only thing keeping that plane up in the air is the collective will of the passengers gripping their armrests and WISHING it to fly.
The part about arriving 2 hours prior to departure doesn't bother me a bit because the Xanax and Bourbon prep I need before boarding takes that long. If I never fly again, it's a good thing.
Hate flying, always have. Still fly anywhere I need to. The aggravations and indignities are fine by me so long as I arrive at the chosen destination in one piece.
Okay, I'll bite...
As Steve mentioned in his second post, once upon a time, many years ago flying was fun and exciting. No more, it's akin to a long inner-city bus ride, at 2:00 A.M.
The above is based on four years of flying across country four times a year to see my Mother and take care of family business. The first two trips I flew standard seating and was miserable the entire time. Being the smart lady she was, her response was simple, "we've got more money, by a small amount, than years left, so enjoy it." "Use the family American Express card, have AMX book your flights, and fly first or business class only." This made flying almost bearable. My seat mates generally were business travelers who flew on a regular basis. All of whom understood that the only way to make the best of bad situation was to act like a decent and civil human. I never had to deal with a drunk, seat or luggage hog, and every one of them had taken a shower sometime in the last 12 hours, and were wearing clean clothing.
Remember that the flight crew can be your best friend or the attendant from hell, so always treat them with common courtesy.
The above is based on four years of flying across country four times a year to see my Mother and take care of family business. The first two trips I flew standard seating and was miserable the entire time. Being the smart lady she was, her response was simple, "we've got more money, by a small amount, than years left, so enjoy it." "Use the family American Express card, have AMX book your flights, and fly first or business class only." This made flying almost bearable. My seat mates generally were business travelers who flew on a regular basis. All of whom understood that the only way to make the best of bad situation was to act like a decent and civil human. I never had to deal with a drunk, seat or luggage hog, and every one of them had taken a shower sometime in the last 12 hours, and were wearing clean clothing.
Remember that the flight crew can be your best friend or the attendant from hell, so always treat them with common courtesy.
Flying Annoyances
When they board the plane from the rear first, the people often put their carry-on bags in the first available over head compartments to avoid carrying them through the plane. When your section is called, the bins are full, unless you want to walk back to find room, in which case, you must first wait for the plane to empty in order to retrieve your bag.
Then there's the flight crew pampering first class passengers, who board first and block the way for the unwashed to get to their seats.
Then there's the brain-dead moms who change infant diapers on the fold-down serving trays that you will use next.
Then there's the brain dead flight crews who use the blue bag to collect refuse and the clear bag for recyclables, exactly the opposite of the rest of the nation.
Then there's the idiot behind you pounding on the touch functions of his TV screen which is part of the back of your seat.
I don't mind paying a bit extra for better food. I would also pay a premium or extra for a flight crew certified to be free of mental health issues.
When they board the plane from the rear first, the people often put their carry-on bags in the first available over head compartments to avoid carrying them through the plane. When your section is called, the bins are full, unless you want to walk back to find room, in which case, you must first wait for the plane to empty in order to retrieve your bag.
Then there's the flight crew pampering first class passengers, who board first and block the way for the unwashed to get to their seats.
Then there's the brain-dead moms who change infant diapers on the fold-down serving trays that you will use next.
Then there's the brain dead flight crews who use the blue bag to collect refuse and the clear bag for recyclables, exactly the opposite of the rest of the nation.
Then there's the idiot behind you pounding on the touch functions of his TV screen which is part of the back of your seat.
I don't mind paying a bit extra for better food. I would also pay a premium or extra for a flight crew certified to be free of mental health issues.
NEVER been on a bird with NO
intentions to ever get on one.
I'm with Iggy no drive no go.
intentions to ever get on one.
I'm with Iggy no drive no go.
Oh, daddy-o you are so right. Makin me laugh to keep from cryin.
I know there's more than a few here that remember that things didn't really get dangerous until AFTER we got off the flying machine....
I just can't drive to work anymore, Laredo to Mazatlan is just too risky
I'm glad the people that meet me at the airport are friendlies, so far
I had a much better time flying the last time I went anywhere by not bringing a carry-on. Unless you're traveling a very long distance, what all do you need in a cramped plane with 1-2 ft of personal room? I have to stare in amazement when people bring bags stuffed with electronics and toys all for distraction. Is it that hard to sit for a few hours? Is there something you HAVE to do on on THIS flight with your laptop that your cell phone and tablet could not also do? That's why you brought it? Technological redundancy is at an all time high, I think people buy devices simply to say they own them.
My friend ships her luggage separately when she flies. Not sure if it's any cheaper, but she swears by it and even shipped her luggage to Australia and back without issue.
My friend ships her luggage separately when she flies. Not sure if it's any cheaper, but she swears by it and even shipped her luggage to Australia and back without issue.
Arik
Member
Clearly we are related! If I don't get some kind of a mind altering drug in my system before a flight I could hold that plane up in the air out of shear willpower and a massive dose of fear. My last flight from Philadelphia to Amsterdam none stop I drank all night and all day and still didn't feel any effects, I was that nervous. I held onto those arm rests for dear life and eventually fell asleep from exhaustion! On the way back I was ready to crawl out of my skin on every bump. And I just about had a heart attack when the pilot came on the laud speaker mid flight! All he did was point out some stupid island we were flying over [emoji35] [emoji35] [emoji35]
I don't care if I have to walk bare foot through the airport, get searched,,wait in long lines... they can have my DNA for all I care as long as they can guarantee a 100% safe flight. I just want the flight done and over with as fast as possible. There is nothing exciting or fun about it
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I hate the people who bring on board over-sized bags and think they will fit in the overhead compartment. Had one lady on my last trip this spring try to pound her over-sized duffle bag into the bin a seat ahead of me. She held up people trying to board and the flight attendant just stood there. I don't understand why they don't stop people at the gate with these bags.
I hate flying with a passion...but have to so that my kids can see their grandparents and relatives. I started flying alone with my kids when I got divorced...they were 3 and 5 at the time and they had more commense than most of the people traveling and the airline staff.
I hate flying with a passion...but have to so that my kids can see their grandparents and relatives. I started flying alone with my kids when I got divorced...they were 3 and 5 at the time and they had more commense than most of the people traveling and the airline staff.
Had an old uncle that homesteaded in Wyoming before the turn of the last century.
His family after many years of hounding him finally convinced him to fly to a convention back in Kansas City back in the 60s'
When asked how the flight was when he got back home, he said, "Well it was alright I guess, but I never did sit full down!"
His family after many years of hounding him finally convinced him to fly to a convention back in Kansas City back in the 60s'
When asked how the flight was when he got back home, he said, "Well it was alright I guess, but I never did sit full down!"
there is NO such guarantee...never was...never will be..........airport security is merely an illusion of safety...........
smithman 10
US Veteran
The good old days
I remember flying military standby in the late 60s in uniform. Half price tickets and if they had empty first class seats they'd seat you and treat you nice.
A few weeks ago we flew from Virginia to California and back to see my son and his family. No real problems but it sure isn't as pleasant as it used to be.
Once upon a time flying was fun. Now it's a necessity if you want to get somewhere quickly. I only do it when I have to.
I remember flying military standby in the late 60s in uniform. Half price tickets and if they had empty first class seats they'd seat you and treat you nice.
A few weeks ago we flew from Virginia to California and back to see my son and his family. No real problems but it sure isn't as pleasant as it used to be.
Once upon a time flying was fun. Now it's a necessity if you want to get somewhere quickly. I only do it when I have to.
Maddog 521
Member
Wow, I'm going to wait for those "half squat" seats before I fly again. I bet that will be a real "trip" and I don't want to miss that.
I thought the airlines had a "box" that your carry on luggage had to fit in, otherwise you had to check it as baggage.
OP
Capt Steve
US Veteran
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It would be so simple to place the size restriction bars for carry ons in front of the X ray machine. If your Carry on does not fit.... it is NOT a carry on! Duh!
Why the airlines haven't done so is a mystery to me but then common sense left the building on 9/12/01.
m1gunner
US Veteran
The only guarantee is that you will be disarmed and unable to defend yourself in the event of a violent attack by this country's enemies.
That and there is also no guarantee that a loony pilot doesn't lock his partner out of the cockpit and turn your plane into a lawn dart.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight......
Arik
Member
As,opposed to being allowed to carry on a plane now?
Thus I don't fly. And won't unless there no way around it. Actually I take that back somewhat. I'm ok with flying as long as it's a few feet of the ground. Max one story building hight.
Thus I don't fly. And won't unless there no way around it. Actually I take that back somewhat. I'm ok with flying as long as it's a few feet of the ground. Max one story building hight.
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Business and first class travelers pay premium prices -- actually, their employers do, primarily -- and generate the most profit for the airlines. (I think most of the passengers in first have been upgraded from business. I think the passenger who actually pays for a first class ticket is pretty unusual.) These high prices also subsidize the prices for economy class passengers. Adjusted for inflation, economy travel is much cheaper than it used to be.
My theory as to why the planes are always crowded these days is that the airlines have software to help them figure out exactly what they need to charge to fill the plane, and that the last guy on pays a nickle.
I think at least part of the overhead bin being overloaded issue is that many of the airlines, for domestic flights anyway, now charge for checked luggage.
I flew business and first for many years across the Pacific, sometimes as much as almost every month. In retirement, I fly economy. While biz or first is a lot more comfortable, if the money is coming out of my pocket I'll stick to economy.
It is also true, as a couple of posters note above, that some foreign airlines economy class is pretty good in comparison to that of the US airlines. On the other hand, US airlines trap you with their superior milage plans, so for someone who flies fairly frequently, and hopes to save money, you tend to stick to one US carrier.
I don't disagree with anyone that plane travel is unpleasant these days. I look at it as an unpleasant experience which I need to suffer through in order to travel across the Pacific as frequently as I do.
My theory as to why the planes are always crowded these days is that the airlines have software to help them figure out exactly what they need to charge to fill the plane, and that the last guy on pays a nickle.
I think at least part of the overhead bin being overloaded issue is that many of the airlines, for domestic flights anyway, now charge for checked luggage.
I flew business and first for many years across the Pacific, sometimes as much as almost every month. In retirement, I fly economy. While biz or first is a lot more comfortable, if the money is coming out of my pocket I'll stick to economy.
It is also true, as a couple of posters note above, that some foreign airlines economy class is pretty good in comparison to that of the US airlines. On the other hand, US airlines trap you with their superior milage plans, so for someone who flies fairly frequently, and hopes to save money, you tend to stick to one US carrier.
I don't disagree with anyone that plane travel is unpleasant these days. I look at it as an unpleasant experience which I need to suffer through in order to travel across the Pacific as frequently as I do.
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I wonder if anyone has done a study to determine how the checked baggage charge has affected carry-on luggage? I suspect part of the problem is the airline geniuses didn't factor in that if they charge people to check their bag, they will carry-on. So you get slow lines through the security checkpoints and overstuffed bins in the cabin.
The last time I flew, the only thing I carried with me was my phone, wallet, and a paperback book. I got through security much quicker that way.
The last time I flew, the only thing I carried with me was my phone, wallet, and a paperback book. I got through security much quicker that way.
Frank237
Absent Comrade
Sitting at the Denver airport as I type this.
My Newark flight set for 1035 didn't leave until 1330. NO Crew to fly the plane!
So that set my whole day back. Now my 1837 flt to Helena has turned into the 1919 and not here yet.
I may get home by 2300 MST. After starting at 0500 MST.
But....Still beats driving for two plus days!
My Newark flight set for 1035 didn't leave until 1330. NO Crew to fly the plane!
So that set my whole day back. Now my 1837 flt to Helena has turned into the 1919 and not here yet.
I may get home by 2300 MST. After starting at 0500 MST.
But....Still beats driving for two plus days!
LVSteve
Member
They do, and they almost never use it... in the US. The carry on limit is enforced with vigour at the London airports, and it makes US citizens going home very grumpy. The US carriers pay lip service to the carry on limit, the TSA just follows their example.
Just got home from Philthydelphia. What a flight. Almost 'Neff room to sit. worst thing to bother me is wondering if you are gonna make the connecting flights. I barely did by 5 minutes... and I hadda run. Understand..I just got out of the hospital with cardiac issues on Saturday. Momma Did keep up though. And I gotta go do it again the first part of September
Frontier Airlines is going to get even more fun...
Frontier Airlines to squeeze more seats on already-packed planes | Fox News
Frontier Airlines to squeeze more seats on already-packed planes | Fox News
DWalt
Member
I think some airlines even charge for carry-ons, except for one purse or briefcase/laptop case. I haven't been on a plane for about 2 years, but the last one I was on (don't remember the carrier) provided nothing free unless you wanted a cup of water. No coffee, soft drinks or snacks, unless you were willing to pay. I wasn't. I had understood that some airlines have reduced numbers of their flights so they can get 100% seat occupancy on those planes that did fly.
Next time fly Hawaiian Airlines - they do a pretty good job of customer service, and fly direct from PHX to Honolulu. AAA will set you up nicely. We had very nice 6-hour flights; the only fly in the ointment was a screaming kid right across the aisle on the go-to flight. It was something only the kid's parents might be able to control, and that didn't happen. I tried giving them "the look" but to no avail. **** happens.
John
John
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DWalt
Member
"Remember when people used to DRESS UP to fly?"
Back in the early-mid 1960s when I first began to fly regularly, it was a real dress-up event. Men almost always wore a suit or at least dress slacks and a jacket, with tie. Women wore nice dresses, and many wore hats. The stewardesses (they were called that then) were mainly young and very classy, not the grandmas of today. Eastern Airlines always had easily the sexiest stewardesses. I think all that began to change around the Vietnam era of the late 1960s and later, to the point it is today where virtually no one wears anything fancier than a T-shirt and blue jeans, if that.
Back in the early-mid 1960s when I first began to fly regularly, it was a real dress-up event. Men almost always wore a suit or at least dress slacks and a jacket, with tie. Women wore nice dresses, and many wore hats. The stewardesses (they were called that then) were mainly young and very classy, not the grandmas of today. Eastern Airlines always had easily the sexiest stewardesses. I think all that began to change around the Vietnam era of the late 1960s and later, to the point it is today where virtually no one wears anything fancier than a T-shirt and blue jeans, if that.
venomballistics
Member
flying isn't so bad in a Lancair IV-P
I'll drive myself thankyou
I'll drive myself thankyou
venomballistics
Member
ABOUT TM | Thunder Mustang
Or option package B ...
If you have something like this, the only problem with flying, is that you have to land
Or option package B ...
If you have something like this, the only problem with flying, is that you have to land
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