Air travel...

[Larry Gude]

...is absurd. It just.

Have trip booked and one person can't go so, it is simply cheaper to eat the ticket than to use it for some future travel because of the 'penalty' for daring to not go.

I mean, there are a lot of things in this word that don't make sense, at all. Air travel in this country is right at the top. I called out of this fear that if the person simply didn't show up, we'd be jailed or shot or gang raped by the TSA. I assumed you gotta let them know. Have to. Can't just not show. Red flag. Danger, Will Robinson.

Nope. Just don't show up.

Amazing.

How do they stay in business? I cut my travel WAY down precisely because of how inane air travel is. How do they stay in business????

 

[vraiblonde]

I'm flying to Lincoln for my Mom's 70th bday because I can't take the time off to road trip it. I am dreading the thought of flying again.

 

[czygvtwkr]

How do they stay in business????

The government bails them out every few years

 

[Larry Gude]

I'm flying to Lincoln for my Mom's 70th bday because I can't take the time off to road trip it. I am dreading the thought of flying again.

Dreading flying or getting there???

 

[vraiblonde]

Dreading flying or getting there???

Well, both.

 

[Larry Gude]

Good news! My belt, running shoes, wallet and granola bars are not, repeat NOT a danger to air travel!!!

 

[Roman]

I'm flying tomorrow, and I'm skeered! I've never liked flying period.

 

[tommyjo]

...is absurd. It just.

Have trip booked and one person can't go so, it is simply cheaper to eat the ticket than to use it for some future travel because of the 'penalty' for daring to not go.

I mean, there are a lot of things in this word that don't make sense, at all. Air travel in this country is right at the top. I called out of this fear that if the person simply didn't show up, we'd be jailed or shot or gang raped by the TSA. I assumed you gotta let them know. Have to. Can't just not show. Red flag. Danger, Will Robinson.

Nope. Just don't show up.

Amazing.

How do they stay in business? I cut my travel WAY down precisely because of how inane air travel is. How do they stay in business????

Maybe you should read the contract you agree to when you buy the ticket Mr. Small Govt, No Regulation. Personal Responsibility!

Had you purchased a refundable ticket you could have received your money back. But, you didn't purchase a refundable ticket or travel insurance because that costs more money. It is just easier for you to whine and complain after the fact about how you have been mistreated.

Why would someone missing a flight make you think the airline needs to know?

I will agree with you that air travel sucks. Part of the reason it sucks is that the idiot American consumer thinks cheaper is always better...therefore the carriers strip down the price of tickets and charge extra for everything...so now the bozo brigade takes forever to board a plane because they are too damn cheap to check their bags. Which means they try to stuff everything into the overhead bins.

 

[vraiblonde]

I will agree with you that air travel sucks. Part of the reason it sucks is that the idiot American consumer thinks cheaper is always better...therefore the carriers strip down the price of tickets and charge extra for everything...so now the bozo brigade takes forever to board a plane because they are too damn cheap to check their bags. Which means they try to stuff everything into the overhead bins.

I hate to agree with you because you're such a bitch, but there it is. People trying to cram their luggage into an overhead bin is one of my least favorite aspects of air travel. If you can't afford to travel by plane, stay your stupid ass home. (Not that I care anymore because it is my hope that I will take very few plane trips during the course of the rest of my life.)

Why would someone missing a flight make you think the airline needs to know?

Where ya been, sis? When someone books a flight and does a no-show, it puts the airline on alert for possible terrorist activity. I got pulled out and given special attention a few years ago because my original flight was cancelled and I was redirected to a new flight. See, back in 2001 we had some Muslim guys hijack a few planes and use them as bombs. Killed a good number of people, actually. So since then the airlines are alert to unexpected itinerary changes and it's a nice gesture to let them know when you won't be flying with them that day.

 

[czygvtwkr]

...so now the bozo brigade takes forever to board a plane because they are too damn cheap to check their bags.

Having your luggage lost multiple times is also a big reason for that.

My personal favorite is "we haven't lost your luggage, it will arrive on the next plane....in 3 hours". That really sucks when you live 2 hrs away from the airport.

Another time my luggage wasn't lost but they managed to destroy a brand new Samsonite suit case, i think they ran over it with one of the ramp vehicles, it definitely had road rash.

 

[terbear1225]

Having your luggage lost multiple times is also a big reason for that.

My personal favorite is "we haven't lost your luggage, it will arrive on the next plane....in 3 hours". That really sucks when you live 2 hrs away from the airport.

Another time my luggage wasn't lost but they managed to destroy a brand new Samsonite suit case, i think they ran over it with one of the ramp vehicles, it definitely had road rash.

Ive had my luggage "lost" as well, and got to my destination well after most of the shops were closed so couldnt buy anything to wear for the next day other then clean socks. Now i make sure I have a couple days worth of clothes in my carry on.

Of course the other problem is stores that sell luggage that says its a carry-on bag when it is clearly too big for the compartments

 

[vraiblonde]

Now i make sure I have a couple days worth of clothes in my carry on.

A few years back my flight from Chicago to BWI got canceled because of weather. The next flight out was the following morning. I got lucky with a room at the hotel attached to O'Hare, but they wouldn't let me get to my luggage. Ever since then, when I am unfortunate enough to have to board an airplane, I carry contact lens solution, a toothbrush, and a pair of panties in my purse.

 

[struggler44]

A few years back my flight from Chicago to BWI got canceled because of weather. The next flight out was the following morning. I got lucky with a room at the hotel attached to O'Hare, but they wouldn't let me get to my luggage. Ever since then, when I am unfortunate enough to have to board an airplane, I carry contact lens solution, a toothbrush, and a pair of panties in my purse.

Stay fresh my friend, stay fresh ....

 

[desertrat]

Having your luggage lost multiple times is also a big reason for that.

My personal favorite is "we haven't lost your luggage, it will arrive on the next plane....in 3 hours". That really sucks when you live 2 hrs away from the airport.

Another time my luggage wasn't lost but they managed to destroy a brand new Samsonite suit case, i think they ran over it with one of the ramp vehicles, it definitely had road rash.

Not to mention stuff getting stolen out of it.

 

[TPD]

Not to mention stuff getting stolen out of it.

Yeah but we allowed that when we allowed TSA to tell us what kind of locks we can and can't use so they can rummage through our stuff when we aren't looking - all in the name of security and freedom!

 

[desertrat]

Yeah but we allowed that when we allowed TSA to tell us what kind of locks we can and can't use so they can rummage through our stuff when we aren't looking - all in the name of security and freedom!

This was before. They broke the zippers.

 

[Larry Gude]

Maybe you should read the contract you agree to when you buy the ticket Mr. Small Govt, No Regulation. Personal Responsibility!

Had you purchased a refundable ticket you could have received your money back. But, you didn't purchase a refundable ticket or travel insurance because that costs more money. It is just easier for you to whine and complain after the fact about how you have been mistreated.

Why would someone missing a flight make you think the airline needs to know?

I will agree with you that air travel sucks. Part of the reason it sucks is that the idiot American consumer thinks cheaper is always better...therefore the carriers strip down the price of tickets and charge extra for everything...so now the bozo brigade takes forever to board a plane because they are too damn cheap to check their bags. Which means they try to stuff everything into the overhead bins.

Dear Sunny on SOMD,

Thanks for your comments! Your insight (incite?), knowledge and general desire to help others is always appreciated!

Keep those cards and letters coming!

 

[Vince]

If I can help it, I'll never go commercial airlines again. Don't mind the flying part. It's getting to and from airports, baggage, security, etc. No thanks.

 

[Larry Gude]

If I can help it, I'll never go commercial airlines again. Don't mind the flying part. It's getting to and from airports, baggage, security, etc. No thanks.

It is amazing what we accept. Take off your belt, your shoes, give me your wallet, pose, be scanned, going through your bags...OK, now, get dressed again...

 

[vraiblonde]

It is amazing what we accept. Take off your belt, your shoes, give me your wallet, pose, be scanned, going through your bags...OK, now, get dressed again...

I don't even care about that. Full body cavity searches can be fun with the right attitude. I do, however, care very much about the herds of humanity that surround me with their bad manners and lack of civility. Get your goddamn arm off my rest. Get your #### out of my overhead compartment. Oh, look, a VIP who is clearly the only one who doesn't enjoy standing in line. No, bitch, I don't want to wait until the light goes off to hit the restroom.

I'm getting itchy just thinking about it. Maybe I should take a few extra days and drive to Lincoln after all.