AlterNet: 6 More Reasons to Hate Airline Companies and Flying

[marmar]

AlterNet / By Sarah Seltzer

6 More Reasons to Hate Airline Companies and Flying
From surcharges to abuse of passengers to more airline mergers, flying today is worse than ever.

August 8, 2011 |


Perhaps you've flown recently and been shocked to learn that your airfare doesn't even include one checked bag--nope, you have to pay extra for that.

Perhaps you've been horrified to hear of people getting booted from frequent flier programs or discriminated against and kicked off flights, seemingly arbitrarily.

Maybe the absurd security theater with its long lines and its choice between body-scanners and pat-downs puts you on edge.

Or maybe you've been worried--we all have--by the fact that the FAA, the regulatory agency in charge of our safety when we fly, has been the latest, biggest victim of GOP legislative hostage-taking even if it's back in business now. ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.alternet.org/story/151943/6_more_reasons_to_hate_airline_companies_and_flying/

[ixion]

1. I used to love to fly. I enjoyed pretty much the whole experience. Then came the TSA.

and now it's a freakin' nightmare, and I loathe pretty much the whole experience.

[marmar]

2. Same here......I used to look forward to roaming around the airport, boarding etc etc....

..... now, only when I have to. (meaning long-distance trips)

[KansDem]

3. Agree

Last month I attended a high-school reunion in southern California. I opted to drive, rather than fly.

It was a long drive but I found the countryside beautiful (KC west through Denver then on into Utah via Grand Junction. Then down through Las Vegas and into California! :D Going home, it was I-40 from Barstow to Tucumcari, then north-east via Highway 54 into Wichita and I-35 home}.

I saved money too! The rental car was $350 (plus gas). I took an ice chest with snacks and seltzer. I figure I saved a bundle on hotel/motel expenses and food. Plus, airfare and rental car would have cast me twice as much, at least!

The drive took me about 24 hours (I took a couple of naps). But I estimated that by the time I left for the airport, parked in satellite parking, waited for the tram, arrived at the terminal, checked in (1 hour before flight time), boarded the plane, made two stops (not many non-stop flights), arrived at my destination, got my luggage, and rented a car--it would have taken me about 8 hours, roughly a third of the time to drive.

Great way to go if you have the time, and I saw a lot of beautiful scenery, too! :)

[ixion]

4. Driving is much better, and the time variance is outweighed by

the peace of mind, and retention of basic human dignity, etc.

Looking at the scenery, giving you time to think, there are all sorts of benefits. :)