Thanks to some, air travel is just getting worse and worse
There was a time when I loved to fly. I recall my first opportunity. I was in junior high and my older brother was in college in a different state clear across the country. He invited me to come out to see him during Spring Break. Our parents didn’t have a lot of money, so this was a definite treat. Back then, the flight attendants served drinks and a meal in coach, all part of the ticket price. It felt so decadently rich and grown up to me, I couldn’t wait to do it again.
I got my wish with my job. Several times during the year, I represent my company at conferences. However, with air travel as it is today, I wish I had one of those Star Trek transporters rather than having to go through the hassle of endless delays and overpriced snacks and sitting next to someone who keeps falling against me as they sleep or being stuck between two huge guys with neither owning any manners or smelling too sweet – and I could go on and on.
And now, with what happened during the holidays, it’s gotten more complicated and unpleasant. Believe me, I appreciate everything the TSA is doing to make the flights safe. And I’m all for full body screens if that’s what we need to ensure a non-eventful trip. But some people just don’t get it and they’re the ones who annoy the hell out of me.
Yesterday, I read an article about a guy who was travelling from Oregon to Hawaii. Read full article.
According to published reports, this passenger, Joseph Hedlund Johnson, was upset because he couldn’t put his carry-on luggage under his seat. He then went on to write a note on the airline’s comment card and passed it to the flight attendant. Alarmed at what she read, she passed it up the chain of command and it eventually reached the pilot. He decided to turn the plane around and head back. They were 90 minutes into the flight. Two fighter jets escorted the plane back to the airport.
Johnson claimed he didn’t mean to cause such a fuss. He thought someone at the airline’s home office would read his comments and get a laugh out of them.
Because of his unthinking behavior, the passengers were delayed, jet fuel was wasted and NORAD’s fighter pilots were dispatched at a cost of who knows how much to us taxpayers?
It baffles me why any adult would behave like that or why anyone would argue with a flight attendant as to where they’re going to stow their luggage. Flights are less than 24 hours, people – most of the time a lot less. You’re not going to be on the plane for three weeks straight. So deal with a little inconvenience during that time period. Follow the rules, keep your thoughts to yourself and let the rest of us get where we need to be. Flying is unpleasant enough. We don’t need a bunch of jerks making it worse than it already is.
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I agree with you. We go through heck just to get ck’d in and on the plane so why give everyone on the plane a hard time. They have rules and have to follow them. No exceptions. The last time I flew was in Sep. from Atlanta to Philly and because I forget and put 1 size larger then mini of lotion into my carry on they took it away. Brand new, never open. I could see if it had been open but new?? Anyway, I just bought another. 14 day cruise was OK but then had to fly back to Atl. You feel like a criminal when they are checking you in and now it will be even worse. I feel for people who have to travel alot, but they probably know not to put a bottle of lotion in the carry on…LOL
Hey, Brenda -
The last time I flew (clear across the country BTW), I had to take two connecting flights. They let me off at point A and I had to RUN to point Z to catch the next flight before it departed. When I got there I could barely breathe. Even worse, the attendant at the desk told me the gate had been changed (because of a security problem) and I now had to go back to point K. I think I lost five pounds on that flight from all the running!
The first time I fly by myself (fly w/hubby yrs earlier and before DIV) I was headed to San Antonio from Atl. My boss called me at home (sick with sinus headache, could not think, maybe that was why I said yes?) on Fri about 11am & ask if I were willing to fly TDY to Kelly AFB. Of course I (like a dummy) said yes, oh my gosh was I excited and sick. The flight was Sun. (did I say he called on Fri, 2 days before my flight?) so I had to go into work to fill out paperwork, get TDY papers, boarding pass/tickets and of course have 12 supervisors etc sign the stupid paperwork before 3:00PM that day. This trip was for 41 days..yes 41. We made the deadline by 5 min. and then I had to pack, get transport to Atl. Have my daughter ok’d on ck’g acct to pay my bills..so much to do. Was crazy by Sun morning.. Limo took me to Atl. got luggage ck’d in, then had to go from A to Z to catch the flight. I had to run to train and absolutely terrified I would not make it, remember never had been here by myself..sniff, sniff. Then finally got to SanA and found my luggage, then had to find Rental Car, and had to drive in SanA. I was use to tiny Toyota Tercel and they gave me 4 dr, large Caddy. On my gosh, I almost flipped out. This car was 5 times larger that what I was use to driving. I did not know they had interstates stacked on top of each other, but they did. God help me pls. I finally got to Motel and fellout. Then the next day I had to find my way to Kelly AFB. That was not to bad but that afternoon and several to follow. I got lost and was afraid I would never get back to motel. I did see alot SanA, just not the scenic parts..LOL I had an absolutely wonderful time even if I was working 12 hr days. I was afaid to drive downtown so would catch the trolly and go to River Walk. I just loved it and went as offten as I could. Now I am retired so no more sudden trips. I take that back , 3 yrs ago went to Davis Monthan AFB with 3 days notice. But only 5 days and had fellow worker with me. But I would do it again if asked. Must be crazy..
OMG, what a trip! Every time I fly for my employer they always ask if I want to rent a car. I always say no – do NOT want to get lost in a strange city. I’m awful with directions. Someone tells me to turn right, I’ll turn left. Visited Riverwalk years ago…really loved it.
I used to wish I could go TDY, now I am careful what I wish far..LOL