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I hate flying. No, let me correct that. I love actually flying. I just hate everything that flying entails now.
I hate the airports and their lines.
I hate the long concourses that go on for miles. They just keep adding on to them, stringing them out in either direction. Whoever designs them sits there thinking “yeah, it is a 30 minute walk but they have no choice so tough for them.”
I really hate the airports that have bad ventilation, so you are smelling icky food prep odors all the time.
I hate the checked baggage fees that cause every single person to bring a carry on, for which there is not enough space. Boarding has become a special hell as a result.
But most of all, I hate the planes themselves and the attitude of the companies that run them.
Oh, I know how profits are hard to come by and all of that. However, there has to be a line somewhere in how far they will go in abusing their customers. Doesn’t there?
Apparently not.
In August it was revealed that several airlines (which means eventually all of them) are going to make the seats narrower and the rows closer together. Is it even possible? I am trying to picture it. Already on several airlines the seat in front of me is about five inches from my nose and it is impossible to lower the tray. I am not tall, but my knees are against the back of the seat I face. Already most airlines should sell coach tickets with the warning “Do not buy if you are bigger than a size 6 lady.” And, oh my, if a man who is taller than 5′ 9″ gets in one of those coach seats, you worry if he will ever be able to get out again.
It seems that the airlines have figured out that some people will pay a bit more to have a bit more space. So they are going to squeeze the standard coach fare people into even smaller spaces. This will do two things for them. One, it will open up some space to give over to higher ticketed seats. And two, it will oppress more customers, some of whom will give up the fight and pay for those higher ticketed seats. Shrewd, I must say. Someone will be getting a bonus for thinking this up. WE, however, will only hate flying and the airlines all the more.
So, who is doing this? Take notes and put them on your fridge, should you have any choices: American will be squeezing another seat in every row of its 777s, going from 9 seats to 10. United will have 9 seats across in its new 787 Dreamliners, compared to Japanese airlines that only use 8. Southwest’s new planes will have thinner seats and also add another row so its passengers will get squeezed in two directions–less width and less “pitch.” United is also switching to narrower seats on its Airbus planes so it can add more. Jet Blue is joining in this trend. Heck, they all will be. USAir was not mentioned in the Chicago Tribune article that I read. I think it may be because they have already done this stuff. I am forced to fly them a lot and know of what I speak.
But don’t worry—- in return passengers are supposed to get better entertainment, to distract them from the hell of their situation. And new planes will be designed to give the “perception” of spaciousness in the cabin. Oh, goody. I can watch edited movies on a 7 inch screen while I drink the glass of soda I may be served. That is supposed to keep me from noticing that the guy next to me has his elbow in my chest.
I have a rule of thumb that says if I can drive someplace in 6 hours or less, I do not fly. I am thinking I may have to make it 7 or 8 hours in the future. Already I think twice about a trip if it involves flying more than three hours. I did not attend a conference this summer because it meant too long in the sardine cans. I will also make use of sites like Seatguru when picking flights, if I have any choice of airlines or planes.
The airlines assume that if they are all abusive to us, none of them will be disadvantaged. We will all continue to accept it, no matter how bad it gets. But I am not alone in avoiding them. And when there is a choice, like the alternative in the eastern corridor served by good Amtrak service, they are losing customers. They do not care, however. They have found a system of bad customer service that increases profits. As long as it works for them, the more they will squeeze us— physically and financially.
Do you enjoy flying? Do you have to do it much?
What matters most to you? Price, nonstop, comfort, or something else?
Are you willing to spend extra on a ticket to get more space? $10? $50?
Do you have a favorite airport? A least favorite one?
87 Comments on “Can Flying Get More Miserable? It Seems So”
You can track this conversation through its atom feed.
I don’t like flying much — I’m actually a bit scared, but I hate driving more. I’m much more scared of driving on the road (you know the odds!), so, I’ rather just take the darned plane.
I LOVE airports, though. It’s like they said in the movie Love, Actually. It’s where people see each other. Families reunite. Lovers kiss. Parents and children. It’s always so beautiful observing the arrivals
Though, it can be a bit sad on the departures. Once I saw a girl leaving for exchange and she and her whole family were crying!
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 3:42 am.
Instead of getting all frustratd at the airport, I should look around like you do and appeciat the human drama.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:18 am.
I have not been on a plane for about 20 years. It seems when I do fly next I will be in for a shock.
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 3:53 am.
Oh, my, you will indeed be in for a shock. It is nothing like 20 years ago.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:19 am.
I vaguely remember what airports were like 20 years ago. It was like a comfy haven with snacks compared to the present.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:32 am.
And picking someone up was pretty easy too. You could either ball park it and wait at the curb, or park and go in and have a coffee near the gate!
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:42 pm.
I hate flying, completely hate everything about it. Sadly my husband’s job overseas ensures that not only do I fly often, I will at least once a year make a transoceanic flight. YUCK! Stuck in a sardine can for 15 hours while flying from Johannesburg to Atlanta is not my idea of fun, not even close.
For short haul domestic flights it it is price above all else, but for overseas flights comfort trumps price, especially on longer flights over 10 hours. In fact when we leave Africa for the last time in a year we will spend a significant amount of money to upgrade to business class. At Christmas this year we are settling for comfort plus, that extra few inches of room makes all the difference.
Oh and my favorite airport, and airlines, Singapore and Singapore Air. Hands down! If American carriers would take notes on Singapore Air we would all be so much happier.
Posted on September 7, 2012 at 5:19 am.
Business class, when I can upgrade on long flights for a reasonable fee, is much better. I try to get it on transatlantic ones, and if it is off season there are some cheapy ways to do so (cheap compared to just buying business class outright, which I have never done.) As for those long flights in sardine cans, I learned a way to manage those too—sleeping pills. The flight is long enough for the pill to work and for me to wake up somewhat normally. It is great. A friend gave me a pill on my last long haul, and I could not believe it. So I am getting my doctor to prescribe some for the next long trip.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:23 am.
It’s been a couple of years since I have flown. I have a favorite airline (Delta) that I usually gravitate towards. I absolutely refuse to fly Southwest since they discriminate against fat people. If I need a seatbelt extender on Delta, I ask and it is given to me without question. On SWA, I would be required to purchase an additional seat to get the extender, whether or not I fit between the arm rests (I do, FTR).
Earlier this summer, my sister and I needed to travel from Vermont to Phillie. We took Amtrak instead of flying. It was a wonderful trip, very relaxed, roomy comfortable seats, ROOMY BATHROOMS, a chance to walk around, a place to purchase a meal, and we could talk on our phones during the trip. As well, we didn’t need to limit our liquids in our luggage, and were able to bring outside meals and drinks on our return trip (Philadelphia Hoagies — MMMMMMMMmmmmmm!!!)
In the future, if I cannot drive and the trip is less than 8 hours away, I will be taking the train instead of flying. It is less expensive and less of a hassle. It might take a bit more time, but it is worth it in the end.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 4:26 am.
I love train travel. That eastern corridor Amtrak is great. Roomy, sane, comfortable, and innner city to inner city. It is too bad that everywhere else in the U.S. trains are too undependable to be used much.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:25 am.
I’ve never flown and I’m not sure that I want to now.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 5:44 am.
I hope if you ever do you can get to fly on a clear day and have a window seat. It is pretty cool to watch the world go by down below. My favorite trip is to Chicago if the plane goes in south of the city. The approach, with the city skyline, is incredible.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:26 am.
Timely blog. I just flew from Australia to the Netherlands and back again within the last week. 20 hours of flight divided by a 3 hour layover equalling a total of around 28 hours of hell on a plane or in an airport each way. On the way to Hong Kong I flew on an A380 that was lovely and relatively spacious. On the stand 747 to Amsterdam we were crammed in like sardines. You can guess which flight I liked better. I’m willing to pay a little more for space but not two or three thousand dollars which is what a higher fare would be when I travel to europe or the US. If its local, generally I would prefer to drive or train it and have more space.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 6:04 am.
I am getting shivers of horror just thinking of that trip you took. I try hard on flights like you just suffered to achieve a state of suspended animation. I try to zone out. The alternative is probably being carried off the plane in a straight jacket.
But next time, try to get some sleeping pills from your doctor, so you sleep through at least half of it.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:30 am.
Madeline, I couldn’t have said it better. You’ve nailed it. I’d drive everywhere if time weren’t a factor.
I miss Continental. United sucked much of the good stuff from them in the merger. Seats now have a suggestion of padding, batwings to support your nodding head have become rare and civility had declined until they were forced to bring back retired and resigned staff when the United folks couldn’t learn the new company.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 6:45 am.
Batwings!!!! Why did they get rid of them? They are so rare now that most people don’t even realize the seats have them when they do, because mostly they have gone away. I hear you about civility. I was not kidding about the elbow in my chest. I sat next to this middle aged guy who had it all worked out how to maximize his space. He took over both armrests, broadly, spread his thighs so one was crowding my knee. He knew I would “shrink” to avoid contact, and he would get a few of my inches of space. The scoundrel!
I liked Continental too.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:33 am.
In general, I hate planes. I happen to be a fairly small person, so I am not as affected by the size of the seats, however I am a very claustrophobic person, so unless I’m happily seated amongst small friends, I’m a wreck. Planes usually don’t trigger my panic, because we’re very much above ground, but when I’m seated next to someone who is overflowing into my seat, my mental alarms start to trigger.
I refuse to fly US Air after a nasty desk clerk made me cry when they took 20 min to figure out my tickets then declared me 2 min over the time cut off for my flight. I tend to drive if time and roads allow.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 7:21 am.
I am *not* claustrophobic, except on planes. I do feel that pending panic then. I can’t imagine how bad it must be for you!
It drives me nuts when an airlines staff screw up, and the passenger pays because of inflexible rules about the plane leaving the gate. I had that happen once when USAir was merging with another airline and their computer system was a mess. A whole line of us had to be checked in manually—–but did they hold any planes? Why, no, they did not.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:36 am.
I used to love flying. In Milwaukee we had Midwest Express, gourmet meals, wine with lunch, champagne with breakfast, china plates. They went out of business. Sigh. I miss them.
I’m willing to pay a bit more to have a non stop. I may be paying more for a decent seat too it appears. If a flight has more than one stop, I won’t do it. But starting off in the middle of the country helps with that.
I love our airport in Milwaukee. Very easy in and out. People drive up from Chicago to use it. My least favorite is O’Hare. I’ll pay extra to avoid it. Hate, hate, hate that place.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:04 am.
I also will do anything to fly nonstop. Put up with anything, and pay extra. I do not trust them to get me to my connection if I have one. And I will probably pay more for the better seats, up to a point.
I avoid O’hare for connections. There are a couple of other airports that I loathe. I used to hate Detroit’s, but they have improved it. I will keep Milwaukee’s in mind should it be an option.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:39 am.
I don’t mind flying, but that’s because I don’t do it very often. I am sure if I had to do it all the time, I would grow to hate it.
I would definitely pay a higher price if it got me a few more inches of leg room and lap space. One of my flying pet peeves is when the person in front of me puts his/her seat back.
I try to avoid flying out of Toronto’s Pearson Airport because the taxes are ridiculous. I would rather drive the 2 hours to Buffalo or 3 hours to Detroit to avoid flying from Toronto. We flew out of Detriot this summer, and the the newer terminal there is very nice. We made use of the monorail, so getting to our gate was very fast and easy.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:35 am.
I was on a flight recently and the person in front of me pushed back her seat and— I am not exaggerating— it was three inches from my nose. I couldn’t believe it. So I pushed back, and on down the line I am sure. Even so it was pretty miserable.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:41 am.
I hate flying for precisely the reasons you’re writing about! Unfortunately, I have to fly at least once a month. While booking my October & November trips, I noticed two things — first, prices have gone way up for coach seats (over $400 for flights to Denver & Las Vegas); second, the “extra” fee for more comfy seats varies considerably (as low as $25 to as high as $59). With all the rearranging the airlines are doing, what that fee pays for really amounts to the “comfort” of what would have been considered a regular coach seat in years past. Sigh.
If time allows, I’ll drive up to 10 hours for a trip but my monthly trips are usually of the fly-in Friday, meet on Saturday, fly-home Sunday variety these days — hard to do the drive for those.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:35 am.
Yes, prices have gone way up! I noticed that too on a flight I was checking out to the west coast this summer. It was around $700! They have cut flights to maximize efficiencies and so they can raise the rates. Lucky us, again.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:43 am.
I like using whatever is the fastest mode of transportation because I wanna get to where I’m going fast.
Flying used to be faster, but now with the having to arrive 2 hours before your flight and travel to and from the airport it takes almost the same amount of time as driving to a lot of places.
I’m 5’2” so I’m not really bothered by small seating. I like buying whatever is cheapest because I want to spend my money on my vacation not the flight. The baggage fees are becoming obscene and piss me off. Its like they’re saying don’t shop. Of the airlines I’ve taken Lufthansa is the most anal about excess baggage. I’ve seen several people at the airport emptying luggage and have had to do the same myself… twice! They also lost and broke my luggage and weighed my carry one.
Why airports can’t have the luggage machines on the floor I’ll never get. Nobody helps you pick up your luggage and the tables are so high grrr
I’ll stop my rant here because I could go on and on lol
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:54 am.
WELL, since you mentioned it, sort of—- another rant I have is the utter lack of help with luggage of any kind. Especially carry on. With the amount coming on the planes, the staff should be ensuring the space in the bins is used well. But they never do anything about that, and space is wasted all the time.
I was on one flight, and only one, where the cabin crew went around maximizing the storage space. This tiny woman was pushing and moving those bags, making space. As a result boarding went fast. I mentioned to her that I have NEVER seen another crew do that. Ever.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:47 am.
I was told they aren’t allowed to help with luggage so that they don’t injure themselves. I think people are more likely to get injured from my dropping my bag since I can’t reach the overhead bin
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 5:08 pm.
I used to love flying, but now not so much. Thankfully I don’t have to fly very often. I gave up on comfort in a plane a long time ago, and prices are always going up. I try to get where I’m going non-stop, but that is not always possible. I just don’t like people, or their bodily odors, invading my space. So get me in the air and get me there already! I would spend a little bit more money to get more space, but not a lot. My favorite airport is the Portland (Maine) Jetport. I think there were six gates there, so it didn’t take long to get through security, and there was no getting lost! My least favorite? Hhmmm. Charlotte. When I fly that is where I fly out of. It once took them three hours to change a tire on the plane we were just about ready to board. I think I could have done it in that amount of time.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:23 am.
When they say they are changing a tire and taking three hours, I don’t believe them. I assume something else is up and they are saying that to avoid a riot.
I remember using airports that were small. So easy and humane. I was in a big one recently that was designed so that every twenty gates sort of was its own airport. I’ll have to try and remember which one it was. I thought it was a really good design.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:50 am.
I used to love flying, too, but it really is exhausting now. I will pay extra for seats on long flights, and I’m particular about which stops I choose. I like Dallas, and LAX for transfer to Oz. I hate OHare mainly because there are often so many delays. And flying into NY, I really like La Guardia for some reason.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:32 am.
For some reason things back up at O’Hare if there is bad weather anywhere in the U.S.
I think picking stops and connections is really smart. It takes a lot of flying to know which to avoid, though. Different people dislike different things.
I always fly into LaGuardia for NY, too.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:53 am.
It’s at times like these that I’m glad I’m short.
6 hours? You need to up your limit. It takes 2 eight hour driving days to get to my f-i-l’s place in FL. Driving was still easier than flying.
My favorite airport is LAX; it’s the one I’m most familiar with and I think it’s run well, seems conveniently located to me. I’ll be flying into LAX in November, my freakishly tall husband in tow. I wonder if they’ll have the new seats by then? Poor guy.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:43 am.
If I did not have the day job, I would drive everywhere. Instead I am engaged in an ongoing cost/time/hassle calculation.
I think these new planes and redone planes will start being used in some markets by November. I can’t imagine your dh in them.
I was on an international flight once and there was a really tall guy in a seat. The guy in front of him complained that he could feel the knees in his back. The flight attendent spoke to tall guy. Tall guy, even sitting straight upright, could not shorten his legs, now could he? The flight attendent got a bit cross, like tall guy had grown tall just to make her life hard. They solved it by giving the complaining guy lots of free drinks.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:59 am.
LAX really is the best airport. It’s organized so well that it just makes sense. It’s 40 minutes north of my house during morning traffic, which is not bad. There are times of the day when it takes just 20 minutes to get there.
Once we flew out of Long Beach because it had the cheapest flight to Boston. It took over 90 minutes to go thru security. Then, a TON of flights were delayed because of weather, so people were packed in like sardines. Add that the food options weren’t so good, and the AC wasn’t working well. It was miserable.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 12:18 pm.
We try to avoid flying. The games one has to play at the airport are obnoxious and time consuming. It’s costly.
But sometimes you just can’t spend days in the car.
Several years ago I had a job that meant daily commuting on public bus and subway. Dealing with that completely desensitized me to the tight seating arrangements on planes. At least on a plane you HAVE a seat.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 10:58 am.
Good point. And if you don’t, they have to compensate you in some way.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:16 am.
Wow, just thinking about flying right now is making me anxious. I’ve not flown in a couple of years now just due to the cost! If I were traveling alone, I guess it wouldn’t be that big a deal but I usually have DH and the munchkin with me. Do you know how much tickets for 3 people cost??? The munchkin has had to pay full price for a seat since she was 2 and was not able to be a lap passenger anymore. Needless to say, we DRIVE everywhere. This summer, I drove from NE Florida to Cleveland Ohio then a month later drove from NE Florida to Philadelphia, PA. Cleveland we did in 2 days and drove 7 hrs each day but definitely could’ve done it in one had we pushed. Philly we ALWAYS do in 1 day. 15 hrs in the car and we had the dog with us too! Cost about $500 less to drive than it would’ve to fly and that doesn’t include the savings not having to board the dog!
Airports and planes are such a hastle. When we drove to Philly, it was just me and the munchkin. DH flew up later in the week since he had to work. He flew out of Jacksonville with a layover in Atlanta. His flight ended up being 3 hours late due to some random weather then they had to change a lightbulb!!! That lightbulb change cost them an extra 45 min! They were already on the plane when that was discovered. Needless to say, by the time I picked him up at 11:30 PM, he was NOT a happy camper.
I may have to look into Amtrack for my next PA trip. Maybe that will be more relaxing than driving… but then again, I won’t have a car and can’t bring the dog… hmmmmmmmmm
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:10 am.
I have no idea how good Amtrak is from Florida up to Washington, DC. From DC up to Boston it is great.
Flying is becoming prohibitive for families, I agree. I am amazed that you can get to Cleveland in about 14 hours. I think of Florida as being much farther away than that. I have to decide if next May I will fly or drive to Charleston SC. and it sure looks far away on the map, but if I can do it I will because flying will mean a connection, I am sure.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:19 am.
It does seem like it is farther but from where I live its 95 to 26, then 26 to 77. I take 77 all the way to my gram’s house. Its actually a much prettier drive than the 95 all the way to Philly drive. That is SO boring!
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 12:46 pm.
I am going to see where 77 goes and if I can use it on that trip next May.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:47 pm.
I have only flown two times in my life, and it wasn’t bad other than the time waster…the “hurry up and wait.” You get to the airport 2 hours early to sit and wait until they call your flight. Heaven help you if your flight is delayed.
P We usually drive most places just because you could likely be half-way to wherever you are going without wasting time at the airport. 
If it’s a short flight, price and lack of layovers would be most important. However, if I were lucky enough to go across this country to to another country, comfort would be the most important thing and I would be willing to shell out a few more bucks to be comfortable. Some overseas flights can be 10+ hours, and I’d better be comfy for that.
I shouldn’t have to, darn it…but, as little as I fly, I probably would pay extra as long as it wasn’t too exorbitant.
Well, as I’ve only flown twice, I’ve only seen two airports. Austin Berstrom Internation Airport and Nashville International Airport. Actually, they were both fairly nice and things moved along pretty quickly–at least for those two visits.
I had won a trip to the Country Music Awards in Nashville a few years ago and that was when I got to take my first plane rides. Again, the flights themselves were fine, but the wasted time sitting in the uncomfortable chairs at the airport were ridiculous.
Unless I don’t have to pay for it or, for whatever reason, it’s not an option, we will likely drive for our trips.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:13 am.
I have not been to either of those airports. I also hate the sitting around. Some people can read or work, but I can’t. I don’t know why. So it is really dead time for me.
For years when I flew I was a nervous flyer, esp during take offs. Experience got rid of that, but I acted then as if only my mental energy kept the plane in the air.
It sounds like you won a very nice trip!
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:23 am.
Being short might mean that half the kitchen cabinets are out of reach on a daily basis but that can be fixed with a customized kitchen! (Someday?) However, it’s really useful when I have to get on a plane! Unfortunately, this does not mean that the rest of the airport experience is any more fun.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:35 am.
It especially is useful if short goes along with thin
But I expect it does make a big difference on planes now. Even an inch shorter would help.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:07 pm.
For me, its comfort. I have gotten into the terrible habit of upgrading at the first opportunity (usually at the 24 hour check-in). My whole body aches from sitting in those tight seats.
I am coming around to driving, tho. I drove back from Taos last month, which is 13 hours. I split it into two and it really wasn’t that bad.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:47 am.
I don’t have enough miles to do normal upgrades. I have enough to do the “pay extra but not full price” upgrades. I save my miles for international, though. Or cross country, if I agree to fly that far.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:08 pm.
I do not like to fly – I use to fly all the time for work and it just became a chore. I am not a size 6 – not even a size 10. Now with smaller seats more people will have to buy two tickets – so does that mean the seats will all be sold but the plane won’t be full???? So instead of $600+ for a trip I would have to pay $1200+ and have the seat next to me empty?
When I do fly – I like the aisle or window (hate standing up on plane so window first choice). I use SeatGuru all the time to find seats for my boss and/or myself. Hate to have to pay 40+ to get a “choice seat” when the only thing left are center seats but if I pay the $40+ I can get an aisle seat.
I always like San Antonio’s airport becuase it was smaller then most that I few in and out of on a regular basis. O’Hare always had me a little crazy – there were so many people all the time – I can’t imagin what it was like before 9/11 when people could walk you to the gate -it is like a little city in there.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:52 am.
I can’t remember when people could walk you to the gate even though I flew then. It seems forever ago. I prefer aisle seats on long flights. I want to be able to stand up every now and then without bugging two people beside me. I love looking out the windows, but I give that up for the ability to stretch.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:11 pm.
I grew up outside of Chicago and remember when people could walk you to the gate. In fact, there used to be an outside viewing platform on top of one of the concourses where we liked to go and watch the planes take off.
I’ve always loved going to O’Hare BECAUSE it is so busy. I am a people watcher at heart, wondering where people are going, who they are meeting, what their story is. You can’t do that these days, sit in an airport for hours on end, without attracting attention of the LEO’s wanting to know YOUR story. But it was a fun way to blow a rainy day when I was growing up.
Posted on September 12, 2012 at 1:12 am.
The dh and I just got back from a planes, trains, and automobiles vacation. Loved the train! (Boston to Providence, Providence to NYC, NYC to Boston.) Dh loved the automobile, because he loves the freedom of it. The plane rides…well, he’s 6’5″ and it’s hard on him. Me, not so much, since I’m short. We did get the emergency row a couple of times and there was plenty of leg room for him.
But here’s what surprised me. I fly at least 1x each year and I’ve been under the impression for years that we can’t bring our own food beyond the security check. Not true. Dh brought food each time, despite my protests. And when he forgot and had a jar of olives (!) left in his carryon, they just looked it over and handed it back to him.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 12:02 pm.
I know you can’t bring drinks through security, but I always assumed I could bring a bagel if I wanted to, since I have carried packaged foods like candy. The olives surprise me a little, if they had liquid still.
6′ 5″—!!! My dad was only 6′ and even before shrinking seats he was uncomfortable in plane seats.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:13 pm.
My favorite domestic airline is Virgin America. I have had more pleasure flying them than any other airline in the last few years. Enough to where I sigh a little when I finally get through the stupidity in the airport and take my seat.
Flying has become ridiculous, though I go through the drills since it gets me to places I want to go. I’ll drive for shorter trips (though I tend to drive back to LA when I visit, even though it is 900+ miles since I usually bring back stuff that would make flying even more of a pain.)
I have paid more on a flight a few times for a space upgrade and I would happily pay more for my ticket overall for more space, no additional baggage fee and peanuts.
I think it chaps me more that they tack on additional fees. Put it in the ticket price and I seriously won’t care as much as paying for the ticket – then paying for basic stuff in addition.
As far as airports go, customs and immigration at DFW was lovely, especially compared to the awful, grey, ugly terminal at LAX. But otherwise, the Changi Airport in Singapore and Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Both were beautiful.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 12:22 pm.
Flying is just handled differently in Asia, I think. Like you say, the airports are nicer, the planes are nicer, the indignities are fewer.
I agree that if the ticket just included stuff it would sting less. But they claim they are giving us “choices.” Instead it only feels like being nickeled and dimed.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:16 pm.
I used to have a terrible fear of flying, but then I moved 1400 miles away from my family. I now love looking out the window, watching the land beneath and the clouds I am in.
I already pay the extras, early boarding, choosing a seat (if applicable), the baggage fees — I canb’t imagine how much more money they can get out of me.
Although I do have severe allergies and I woud book a flight that did not have animals on it no matter how much they charge.
I have driven the 16+ hours straight to visit and it comes to about the same price, with gas, each way. But the wear and tear on the car, what the drive does to my body — uggh. I guess I am at the mecry of these airliners 2 hours (even cramped) is not much to cmplain about.
I hate hidden fees, show me and I am a big girl and can make a decision on my money. Maybe, they know we are simply chattel and they are providing a “service” that we are in need of.
I have had great flights, with songs, games, raffles – makes the time go by.
The best airport PBIA – Palm Beach International – no lines, no issues, clean, and everyone was nice
The worst – DET – Detriot– omygod, from the 8 hour layover because of weather to the rude, nasty people that work there (even at the food and magazine stores), and the people that came in — I was actually fearful. Funny now to laugh about it, butnot at that time.
I can’t wait til teleportation!!!
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 12:38 pm.
I flew into Detroit some years ago, before they put in the monorail and upgraded in general. I could not believe how horrible it was then. The concourse was literally over a mile. Food stalls all along with those smells. Just remembering gives me the whillies. I had to connect there not too long ago and was amazed how much they had changed it. But 8 hours! ugh
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:20 pm.
I’ve flown back and forth from Atlanta to Honolulu several times, with various layovers, and also from Atlanta to Ft Wayne. Most of these flights were myself and my (then) infant daughter.
My least favorite airport was LAX. It was NOT baby-friendly at all. Had to have staff help carry our stroller and carryons down several flights of stairs and onto the tram, then they had to page more staff to help us get off the tram and find an elevator to get back up into the correct terminal. Then I had to walk through a maze to find the right terminal. Staff was moderately helpful, but seemingly clueless.
I like the layout of Honolulu, but their food choices are horrible. Atlanta is huge, but at least they have the underground tram that is both easy to access and easy to use. Seattle was ok, but their staff was by far and away the nicest and most helpful. Salt Lake City was interminably long walk, horribly long terminals and hallways, but their food was awesome.
My favorite airline so far has been Alaskan Air. They were very comfy (for a standard seat, at least) and the attendants were always super-nice. Once the pilot even came back to help me get off the plane, and even stayed to help me reassemble the stroller.
The food choices were limited, but still pretty tasty, and better than Delta (even though I think they’re owned by delta, still better food).
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 12:45 pm.
Hmm, interesting experiences that you’ve had at LAX with a baby. It’s where we fly out all the time. I had a completely different experience there when my kids were babies and toddlers. Maybe it’s because I’ve never was there for a connecting flight.
And if you think Salt Lake has long walks, you shouldn’t fly thru Denver. Now, that’s a LONG walk. They do have a subway, but I swear it runs in the perpindicular to all of our flights.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:04 pm.
I am glad that I never had to deal with any of this with an infant or toddler. Mine were past that stage by 9-11 and all the changes that came as a result. I wonder if there is a web site or blog that has airport tips and picks for families. It is the kind of thing that would be good to know when choosing routes and connections.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:24 pm.
The biggest and best piece of advice I’ve gotten for traveling with a baby is to wear the baby in a carrier and use the stroller to pile full of carryons. It works much better than trying to juggle carryons, and keeps baby closer to mom (which works well for my peace of mind in a busy airport).
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 2:23 pm.
In the olden days they saved the bulkhead seats for families with little ones. The planes even had little bassinet murphy beds that came down for the babies.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 7:25 pm.
When we go to Montana we have to fly because it’s 2 12 hour days of driving to get to central Montana where my family lives. My dh doesn’t get to use much of his vacation time because making animated movies can be crazy. We always fly to Montana, even then, it’s a day of traveling since there’s one airline that does direct flights. We tend to avoid that one because they are notorious for fees (want a seatbelt, that’s an additional $35, kind of thing) and running late.
What I hate about flying, though, is the TSA hassle, especially the agents in Billings, certain airports (not a fan of Denver when traveling as a family), that only Canadair Propjets (talk about tiny airplanes) fly to Montana, and parents who don’t take their responsibilities seriously when they’re flying.
Once on a flight from Orlando to LAX, the parents of a lap baby (toddler age) and preschooler fell asleep for almost the entire flight. The preschooler was entertained by the tv; the lap baby was fussy and bored. For awhile I entertained her with peek-a-boo, but it didn’t last long. It wasn’t til she was full on wailing that the mom finally woke up, and of course, the dad slept thru it all. Or the kid who was kicking my seat with his mom sitting next to him and his dad across the aisle. Neither parent did anything, so I talked to the kid directly, asked him to stop once, the second time told him to stop, that it was rude, and that’s when the dad finally noticed. The dad was on the kid for the rest of the flight. And then, there’s the mom who just kept telling her very tired 3 year old, who had been up since 5:30 EDT and it was then 1:00 MDT, to shut up when he started crying. A very nice older woman asked the mom if she could help and was turned down. My then 8 yo dd said to me, ‘That mom is mean. She’s making that kid worse.’
My kids have flown since they were babies. We’ve never had ANY problems with them EVER. We have certain expectations, they know the expectations, and behave accordingly. I, also, make sure that we’re flying at times that will work for everyone. We’re not going to stop parenting just because we’re on a plane either.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 12:59 pm.
I once had to say something to a seat kicking kid. Her mom gave me a dirty look, as if I should not have minded. Mom should have noticed my dirty looks and told her to stop. Although, I suspect it coming from a stranger impressed her more.
When I had little ones and traveled, I always carried (1) a few cheap new toys, to distract them and (2) a baggie of Cheerios. Those Cheerios saved my rear end (and several times those of other mothers with fussy kids near me)more than once. Tired is bad enough, but tired and hungry is just disaster with toddlers.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:30 pm.
I used to love flying, too. Now, not so much. I’m big enough that Southwest has been uncomfortable for me for a long time. I fly Delta if I can. Their prices are generally comparable and their seats are bigger.
And, yes, the terminals are now too long. If there is a non-stop available, I’ll pay a little more for it.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:13 pm.
I often have to fly out of Philly when I fly to Europe. There is no tram here, or monorails. Just a bus that makes all of one stop per terminal. So I fly into Terminal C and have to walk to Terminal A, far end, for the international flight. It takes FOREVER, and hauling a carryon gets old even if it has wheels. The TSA people there used to be the worst—slow and rude.Then TSA made a big deal about having its people be nicer so now they are mostly just slow.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:34 pm.
Madaline, I hear you! We recently went to Orlando from NY, a nonstop flight from Rochester, 2 1/2 hours long. It was very cramped and very HOT before they turned the air on. My son who is 6’3″ and 290lbs barely fit in his seat. I was very claustriphobic until they turned on the air. But having said all of that, I would ride in a baggage compartment if it meant I could go to Disney again. I like the speed of flying but it is difficult to give up one’s personal control over some aspects.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:17 pm.
I guess the lack of control does make it worse, now that you mention it. Once you enter an airport it is like you are at someone’s mercy.
Did you love the Soaring ride? My first time I was wowed, and even after that I just loved it.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 1:36 pm.
Oh Madeline, it is my favorite! There is another similar movie attraction in Epcot’s France. It is a movie, and although the theater doesn’t move or blow wind in your face, the scenery is gorgeous and you have the feeling of flying over some of France’s most breathtaking monuments and castles.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 5:25 pm.
Amen!! I usually end up flying somewhere every 6 weeks or so….not a huge amount, but enough. At this point, I will absolutely pay for more space! There’s nothing worse than a three hour flight, where the seats are so small you must be a contortionist in order to sit in them (then you’re sore the rest of your trip!).
As far as good airports….I do like Memphis, LaGuardia and Seattle. Minneapolis is ok if you go during Spring, Summer of Fall–when the snow starts to fly, stay away! Also, I don’t mine Phoenix.
Airports I’m not fond of: Chicago O’Hare (no surprise there), Detroit (I always end up running down the mile long tunnel), and Dallas Fort Worth (I’ve been bumped from a flight almost EVERY time I’ve been through there). Newark can be a pain sometimes too.
Oh the joys…
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 3:54 pm.
Isn’t Phoenix the one where if you change airlines you may have to go through security again?
I don’t mind Dallas. I have had luck there, I guess.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 6:57 pm.
I kinda like flying. Sure, lots of queues and wait, but airports are usually a bit of fun and I like looking out while flying – pretty clouds and it’s fun to see the ground! I’m kinda tight in the seat though so I sure hope it’s not a widespread thing, shrinking the seats. Tall and “wide” is not a good combo when flying. I do not enjoy having the seat in front of me a few inches from my face. Shorter flights are okay though. I read that a cheap airline here in Europe have been doing several emergency landings lately because of low fuel. That sucks… Playing with peoples lives to save money. :/
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 4:10 pm.
Wow, that would freak me out if an airline had to emergency land due to low fuel.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 6:58 pm.
I love traveling but hate feeling like a side of beef in a cattle car. It’s horrible. I can’t imagine smaller seats. They’re almost unbearable now.
Bad, bad, bad.
Hot Cop has his private pilot license so we sometimes rent a little plane if we’re not going too far. I love that, although the weather can derail you so you have to be flexible. Still, the sears are big, you can leave when you want, and if you get tired of traveling, you can stop for coffee.
It’s addictive. Expensive, but addicted.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 5:15 pm.
I think once I conquered my fear of falling out of the sky I would love it too
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 7:07 pm.
I don’t mind flying. Though I rarely take them, the ones that I’ve been on are usually non-stop flights. The payers (the ones who pay for them) prefer non-stop; expensive, but effective. I prefer having some space, but since this is a airplane, I can understand why the comfort and space are not there (even if I prefer them). If there is a time in which I can’t fit in an airplane chair (which I hope not to be), I’ll pay it (though I’ll complain about it, though). Otherwise, I’ll bear the limited space for shorter flights; longer flights, I’ll think about it. DELTA is the primary one for me.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 5:56 pm.
I have had pretty good luck on Delta, but I know many who hate them. But then there are many who hate any one of them, I guess.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 7:08 pm.
IT seems to me that they have figured out that they only need to make the seats thinner to be able to charge for two seats for the people that are already being pushed from the plane because they don’t meet the “standard” size.
I hate flying, I fly overseas a lot, in one step above luggage, but I’m going to have to rethink that apparently.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 6:04 pm.
If you have the time you can still sail between continents. My sister takes the repositioning cruises and really likes them. I must say they sound really good to me. Very relaxing and I could write in my cabin, then go swim, spa, or get fed.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 7:24 pm.
I don’t fly if I can help it, I drive or take Amtrak, even on cross country trips. The thing I like about driving is I get to decide when and where I go and I stop when I bloody well feel like it. Amtrak doesn’t charge for your luggage unless it is over the weight limit, in which case -pack another case that you also don’t pay for.I also either travel in the “crip” car or business class.The seats are more comfortable and I can stretch out my legs. I usually try to get in the first row so I can use my stroller (walker) for my laptop.The wifi is free and the food is good and not horribly expensive. All in all better than planes and the pat-down you get.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 6:08 pm.
I love traveling by train. Now the high speed ones in Europe are incredible. Especially in first class. Nothing compares. I wish we had that here.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 7:09 pm.
The last time I traveled to Mn. from Or. we were sidelined for several hours by weather and an accident that melted the tracks. We had a chance to get acquainted with the man taking car of us. He had worked as an aide in DC for about 15 years before he went to work for Amtrak. He kept a lot of his contacts and he told us the government & Amtrak are working on a version of the Bullet train for the US. He thinks investing in Amtrak will pay off in the future.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 7:39 pm.
I don’t fly much, usually to writer conferences. And when I can, I fly first class — it’s as close as I’ve been getting to a vacation lately, so what the heck. And yes, it’s way overpriced, but it’s also the most pampering I get all year. *g*
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 6:30 pm.
Oh, boy, I am jealous. I wish I could talk myself into using first class. And talk dh into agreeing it made sense, lol. That is the real problem with the plan.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 7:11 pm.
It’s been several years since I’ve flown anywhere – the places I’ve gone are easier to drive to (3, 7 & 10 hrs away). Then we have our own car with us & haven’t spent the money & had the aggravations of flying. But it seemed that the seats & distance between rows was getting smaller & smaller. I’m tall and hated it as my knees would hit the seat in front of me.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 7:29 pm.
For what it’s worth, it’s not the people who work for the airlines (at least not below pilot level) getting rich off all these new fees. My BIL has worked for Delta for about 30 years but they did the bankruptcy thing several years and froze his pension, among other things.
I used to love to fly but it’s like being a cow being taken to market these days and I avoid it if at all possible. I did really love the train between London and Paris below the English Channel. I wish we had high-speed trains in the US–that would definitely be my preferred mode of travel.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:09 pm.
Not sure, I think the last time I was on a plane was 10 years ago.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:18 pm.
I’ve been lucky in my flying adventures over the last five years. OF course all of my flights have been to and from RWA conferences. I have flown Southwest three times and drive twice. I’ve had great flights and great flight crews each time. (Knock wood!)My favorite airport in the States is Phoenix. Great food. Great shops. And I didn’t have to go on a ten mile hike to get anywhere.
In my opera days I flew quite a bit. My favorite airport in Europe is Heathrow. I flew airlines based in the States my first few times back and forth from Germany. However, after a real scare where I nearly ended up on the plane that blew up over Scotland I switched to German based airlines. And they were FABULOUS! Roomy, comfortable, attentive crews and my Dad said LTU, Luftansa and El Al (Israel’s airline) had the best mechanical and safety records. He would know. He was a flight line mechanic for the Air Force. One Christmas flight I had a big, beautiful German shepherd sleep on my feet the entire flight. He belonged to an elderly German couple on the plane and as the plane wasn’t full and no passengers complained the shepherd was let out of his crate and allowed to wander the plane. He settled down with me (I was stretched out across four seats) and I slept like a baby.
I’ve done a lot of railway traveling as well and I really love it.
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:19 pm.
It is all unfortunate…and do you know something else? The U.S is the only country in the world that charges baggage fees. Airlines in other countries are required to charge them ONLY when flying to the U.S. I learned this when I was in Canada and the woman at the baggage check said that it is, of course, because they can and no passengers in the U.S. stand up to it.
Posted on September 12, 2012 at 11:27 pm.