Air Travel - Has it Become to Miserable to Bother?
Aug 31st, 2006, 04:39 PM
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Air Travel - Has it Become to Miserable to Bother?
I have been a regular traveler throughout the US, Europe, Caribbean and sometime South America for 20 years. Air travel has evolved from poor to worse. However, after this last terrorist scare, everyone who flies tells me that everything about air travel has become downright miserable.
Perhaps the worst misery involves WATER. I was used to traveling with merely a few books and water on the plane to sustain me through any lengthy delay and physical discomfort. Now we are even prohibited water, and I am told the airlines fail to fill the gap (no surprise). I suffer from certain illnesses that don’t preclude my travel, but prohibiting WATER may be the straw that breaks this camel’s back.
I am deeply disturbed by the discomfort all of us have to bear in air travel and am considering, for the first time, whether I can cope with a long distance trip in November. I guess I’m depressed and wondered what my fellow fodorites can report as to the current state of air travel. Is it no longer worth the physical discomfort?
Perhaps the worst misery involves WATER. I was used to traveling with merely a few books and water on the plane to sustain me through any lengthy delay and physical discomfort. Now we are even prohibited water, and I am told the airlines fail to fill the gap (no surprise). I suffer from certain illnesses that don’t preclude my travel, but prohibiting WATER may be the straw that breaks this camel’s back.
I am deeply disturbed by the discomfort all of us have to bear in air travel and am considering, for the first time, whether I can cope with a long distance trip in November. I guess I’m depressed and wondered what my fellow fodorites can report as to the current state of air travel. Is it no longer worth the physical discomfort?
Aug 31st, 2006, 04:47 PM
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I don't think the water problem will last long and I think you might be able to work something out if it is for your health.
I am deeply disturbed by the threat to us all, so I will try to cope with whatever they wish us to do in order to fly safe and hope that things will get better in the near future.
I think a lot of us ( yes, I am one of them) are spoiled by the amount of crap we were dragging behind us into planes and with us on trips. We used to manage without it all, we can do it again.
I have a child who flies from Japan to the US once or more a year, I just want to be sure he gets here alive, I know it is uncomfortable, but if he can do it, so can I ( we)...not to mention, we are taking a 15 hour flight this fall and I will manage...So guess I am not going to be that sympathetic
I am deeply disturbed by the threat to us all, so I will try to cope with whatever they wish us to do in order to fly safe and hope that things will get better in the near future.
I think a lot of us ( yes, I am one of them) are spoiled by the amount of crap we were dragging behind us into planes and with us on trips. We used to manage without it all, we can do it again.
I have a child who flies from Japan to the US once or more a year, I just want to be sure he gets here alive, I know it is uncomfortable, but if he can do it, so can I ( we)...not to mention, we are taking a 15 hour flight this fall and I will manage...So guess I am not going to be that sympathetic
Aug 31st, 2006, 05:05 PM
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the discomfort of air travel soon disappears when getting to your destination. Just got back from a trip to the mainland, getting through security at Hilo, Honolulu, San Francisco and Reno was smoother than I have ever seen it. Seating took place faster also as not as many people had carry-on luggage. As for water on the plane, I flew United and the flight attendants came down the aisle almost every half hour with water bottles. The only thing I don't like about travel these days is having to pay $5.00 for a measly sandwich and bag of chips, but at least they let you bring on your own food. I've got a 28 hour flight to Africa coming up next month including going through Heathrow, and any travel hassle that may occur will long be forgotten when I land.
Aug 31st, 2006, 06:13 PM
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"Any airline will give you a glass of water if asked!"
Yeah--on their schedule and in their quantity. There are times when we've waited an uncomfortably long period of time only to be limited to one glass of water.
Yeah--on their schedule and in their quantity. There are times when we've waited an uncomfortably long period of time only to be limited to one glass of water.
Aug 31st, 2006, 06:19 PM
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We flew the morning the liquid ban first took effect and the flight crew on our Frontier flight couldn't have been nicer. After takeoff the captain came on the PA system and said that he realized this wasn't the flight situation we'd all anticipated when we woke up that morning and we were no doubt all pretty thirsty (after spending hours in the security line).
They ran the beverage cart up and down the aisles as many times as possible during the flight and encouraged people to take water and another drink at the same time--it was a very humanizing response to a scary situation. If this ban saves a life or two (or more), than I'll go without my water and chapstick.
They ran the beverage cart up and down the aisles as many times as possible during the flight and encouraged people to take water and another drink at the same time--it was a very humanizing response to a scary situation. If this ban saves a life or two (or more), than I'll go without my water and chapstick.
Aug 31st, 2006, 06:26 PM
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Get real. We are a very spoiled society if we cant get by without all the comforts for a short time to travel to a treasured destination. "There are lumps in our porridge and lumps in our breasts" and it is very important that we decide which things we should get upset about
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Aug 31st, 2006, 06:45 PM
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I took 2 trips this week, DC and Denver.
Domestically everything is actually FASTER than it was before the new restrictions. Far fewer check-ons mean a faster boarding process!
Today I saw a man pull out a small, empty clear sports bottle. Maybe it was about 8 oz. He explained to the flight attendant as soon as he boarded that he cannot go without water, for medical reasons. She filled it before the boarding process was completed and the man had something to drink until the cart service.
I really think these restrictions will be eased in a week or two.
The biggest inconvenience to me has been checking my make-up/toiletries. I pack really light and generally take a small carry on for overnight trips but I am forced to check this little bag now, which adds 30 minutes to both ends of my quick trip. Not too bad, but it still irritates me.
By the time I leave for my next trip, in 2 weeks, I bet the restrictions will be lightened.
But no matter what, a little hassle is always worth seeing something new, special or interesting! Always!
Domestically everything is actually FASTER than it was before the new restrictions. Far fewer check-ons mean a faster boarding process!
Today I saw a man pull out a small, empty clear sports bottle. Maybe it was about 8 oz. He explained to the flight attendant as soon as he boarded that he cannot go without water, for medical reasons. She filled it before the boarding process was completed and the man had something to drink until the cart service.
I really think these restrictions will be eased in a week or two.
The biggest inconvenience to me has been checking my make-up/toiletries. I pack really light and generally take a small carry on for overnight trips but I am forced to check this little bag now, which adds 30 minutes to both ends of my quick trip. Not too bad, but it still irritates me.
By the time I leave for my next trip, in 2 weeks, I bet the restrictions will be lightened.
But no matter what, a little hassle is always worth seeing something new, special or interesting! Always!
Aug 31st, 2006, 07:23 PM
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Irec: I think "2tired" was responding to OP's Q: "Is it no longer worth the physical discomfort?"(Air Travel: Has it Become Too Miserable to Bother?) Almost no longer worth it!
In the past week I took 2 flights in 6 days(not a lot really) but the "no water" rule was not a big deal at all. Just down a couple of bottles b/f you board the plane. No big deal. When they come along w/ the cart ask for a double( of H2O)...or maybe something else to alleviate your physical discomfort. I certainly do not think that you shd cancel your November trip. A lot can happen b/t now & November! Try to relax & roll with the punches. You will be fine Woodstockguy. Really.
In the past week I took 2 flights in 6 days(not a lot really) but the "no water" rule was not a big deal at all. Just down a couple of bottles b/f you board the plane. No big deal. When they come along w/ the cart ask for a double( of H2O)...or maybe something else to alleviate your physical discomfort. I certainly do not think that you shd cancel your November trip. A lot can happen b/t now & November! Try to relax & roll with the punches. You will be fine Woodstockguy. Really.
Aug 31st, 2006, 08:27 PM
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The problem isn't the water as much as the added inconvenience. People who avoid checked luggage (possibly because they've had unpleasant experiences with lost or delayed bags) now have the choice of checking bags with their favorite toiletries, or else spending time buying a list of fresh supplies once they arrive (possibly after spending time researching foreign alternatives to their preferred brands). Of course, if you love shopping the latter approach may be an enjoyable advantage rather than a problem!
Combined with the general discomfort of flying, the additional hassles may be just enough to make even veteran travelers give up and seek destinations accessible by train, bus, car, bicycle, or foot.
I would be willing to join the chorus of people who insist that sacrificing our water and toothpaste is a small price to pay for safety if I had reason to believe that it actually made us safer. I have no reason to believe that the TSA's latest knee-jerk reaction is any different from the shoe x-rays, tweezer confiscations, and other impressive but worthless gestures. It's nothing more than a smokescreen to cover up their incompetence and utter inability to do anything more than react ineffectively to yesterday's threats. If they genuinely intended to keep us safe they would institute measures to protect us from the many threats that don't walk through the security checkpoints-- something they're completely neglecting even as they poke and prod passengers for contraband toothpaste.
I say the best thing to do is to complain about the hassle and insist on some reason to believe that it accomplishes anything before dismissing it as "whining." Unfortunately, that's nearly impossible to do because the Authorities will only respond by saying "You must trust us and never question us even if it seems to make no sense, since we're doing this for reasons that must always remain secret. Questioning or complaining only aids the enemy."
Even better, avoid flying whenever that's possible. Why subject yourself to the waiting, discomfort, intrusion, and possible humiliation at the hands of incompetents? There is plenty to do, see, and enjoy without suffering through the ordeal that air travel has become.
Combined with the general discomfort of flying, the additional hassles may be just enough to make even veteran travelers give up and seek destinations accessible by train, bus, car, bicycle, or foot.
I would be willing to join the chorus of people who insist that sacrificing our water and toothpaste is a small price to pay for safety if I had reason to believe that it actually made us safer. I have no reason to believe that the TSA's latest knee-jerk reaction is any different from the shoe x-rays, tweezer confiscations, and other impressive but worthless gestures. It's nothing more than a smokescreen to cover up their incompetence and utter inability to do anything more than react ineffectively to yesterday's threats. If they genuinely intended to keep us safe they would institute measures to protect us from the many threats that don't walk through the security checkpoints-- something they're completely neglecting even as they poke and prod passengers for contraband toothpaste.
I say the best thing to do is to complain about the hassle and insist on some reason to believe that it accomplishes anything before dismissing it as "whining." Unfortunately, that's nearly impossible to do because the Authorities will only respond by saying "You must trust us and never question us even if it seems to make no sense, since we're doing this for reasons that must always remain secret. Questioning or complaining only aids the enemy."
Even better, avoid flying whenever that's possible. Why subject yourself to the waiting, discomfort, intrusion, and possible humiliation at the hands of incompetents? There is plenty to do, see, and enjoy without suffering through the ordeal that air travel has become.
Aug 31st, 2006, 09:03 PM
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Well that is just goofy...
I don't feel the TSA and Gov needs to explain this stuff to me. If I think it is stupid I am free to say it, but it isn't going to change anything.
So... what?
Drive to/from Oregon from Dallas to prove a point? Hard to visit family for a few days when the drive takes 6 days.
Like I said, things are really not much different today than they were before.
Just check the darn bag... geez.
I don't feel the TSA and Gov needs to explain this stuff to me. If I think it is stupid I am free to say it, but it isn't going to change anything.
So... what?
Drive to/from Oregon from Dallas to prove a point? Hard to visit family for a few days when the drive takes 6 days.
Like I said, things are really not much different today than they were before.
Just check the darn bag... geez.
Aug 31st, 2006, 09:40 PM
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TravelPro, what if the bag isn't on the carousel when you arrrive? Or what if it's missing some items that you need?
If the airlines provided reliable checked baggage service there would be no problem. In fact, most passengers would be eager to let the airline do the shlepping while they quickly and easily board and deplane. But checked baggage isn't reliable, and it's a major pain when it goes wrong. The new "security" system makes more people check more bags, which means more problems... and more time spent by passengers trying to solve them.
Obviously, there is often no alternative to flying. Driving to and from Oregon really would make no sense even if you did have the time (and few American workers do). But sometimes there is a choice, and you can choose have a very enjoyable trip to a destination that doesn't require flying. If you're creative, you can probably even make several great vacations visiting parts of your home town that you might not have considered.
You're right that things really aren't much different from the way they were before, if you checked bags before. But air travel wasn't very good before, and now it's just a bit worse (and not necessarily any safer). Why subject yourself to it unless you absolutely have no other choice?
If the airlines provided reliable checked baggage service there would be no problem. In fact, most passengers would be eager to let the airline do the shlepping while they quickly and easily board and deplane. But checked baggage isn't reliable, and it's a major pain when it goes wrong. The new "security" system makes more people check more bags, which means more problems... and more time spent by passengers trying to solve them.
Obviously, there is often no alternative to flying. Driving to and from Oregon really would make no sense even if you did have the time (and few American workers do). But sometimes there is a choice, and you can choose have a very enjoyable trip to a destination that doesn't require flying. If you're creative, you can probably even make several great vacations visiting parts of your home town that you might not have considered.
You're right that things really aren't much different from the way they were before, if you checked bags before. But air travel wasn't very good before, and now it's just a bit worse (and not necessarily any safer). Why subject yourself to it unless you absolutely have no other choice?
Aug 31st, 2006, 10:06 PM
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I dunno, I kinda think it's better. More people are checking more bags, so more room in the overhead for my carry-on and less stuff going on the scanner belt make getting thru security quicker.
I'm surprised that they let a "child" fly between Japan and US!
I'm surprised that they let a "child" fly between Japan and US!
Sep 1st, 2006, 01:50 AM
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Thanks to all fellow fodorites. I thought the thread to my caption would attract lots of replies . . . and it did.
I agree flights are indispensable to see family and for business trips. And I almost always forget about the lousy flight once I arrive anyplace exotic.
I don't really care about checking my carry on luggage, though airlines have lost my luggage one time too many.
I couldn't help but remember many flights where I was stuck on the runway for hours, without explanations, told to stay in my seat, and little air conditioning. I also couldn't help but remember the many times that airlines lied to me, telling me fictional stories about flight schedules and cancellations.
I do have a medical condition that forces me to use the bathroom frequently, but even at its worst (and it's been real bad at times) I never refrained from traveling. But I cannot down a couple of bottles of water just before boarding as one fodorite suggested.
I was more freaked out hearing that British Airways even banned books, which are truly my survival gear in the most unpleasant situation. Coupled with the ban on carry on water, it was downright depressing.
Incidentally, the NY Times published a story about airlines responding to the ban on water, and it was not particularly encouraging. The response appeared inconsistent from airline to airline.
Anyway, the lure of travel is too strong. And the enthusiasm of fodorites always acts as a catalyst, pushing me to travel again. So thanks, everyone, for the encouragement.
I agree flights are indispensable to see family and for business trips. And I almost always forget about the lousy flight once I arrive anyplace exotic.
I don't really care about checking my carry on luggage, though airlines have lost my luggage one time too many.
I couldn't help but remember many flights where I was stuck on the runway for hours, without explanations, told to stay in my seat, and little air conditioning. I also couldn't help but remember the many times that airlines lied to me, telling me fictional stories about flight schedules and cancellations.
I do have a medical condition that forces me to use the bathroom frequently, but even at its worst (and it's been real bad at times) I never refrained from traveling. But I cannot down a couple of bottles of water just before boarding as one fodorite suggested.
I was more freaked out hearing that British Airways even banned books, which are truly my survival gear in the most unpleasant situation. Coupled with the ban on carry on water, it was downright depressing.
Incidentally, the NY Times published a story about airlines responding to the ban on water, and it was not particularly encouraging. The response appeared inconsistent from airline to airline.
Anyway, the lure of travel is too strong. And the enthusiasm of fodorites always acts as a catalyst, pushing me to travel again. So thanks, everyone, for the encouragement.
Sep 1st, 2006, 02:41 AM
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The sensible thing to do would be for the airlines to supply everyone a bottle of water as soon as all passengers are seated and before the plane takes off. They already do that kind of thing in business class.
The problem with relying on in-flight cart service or being able to go to the galley to ask for water is what if you have an extended period of turbulence en route where everyone has to stay in their seats? Including the FAs?
I don't like being served just a plastic cup of water...besides the fact that those cups are small, the water sloshes out if there's turbulence or if your seatmates have to get up and get past you. I'd rather have a bottle I can close and open as needed (and not those teeny tiny bottles either...half a liter for a long haul flight). It doesn't have to be "gourmet" water if the airlines claim price is a concern.
I don't think the new flying realities would prevent me from making necessary business trips or from going to places I *really* want to go, but if I were undecided between destinations and I could drive to one but were required to fly to the other, I would probably lean toward the driving option.
The problem with relying on in-flight cart service or being able to go to the galley to ask for water is what if you have an extended period of turbulence en route where everyone has to stay in their seats? Including the FAs?
I don't like being served just a plastic cup of water...besides the fact that those cups are small, the water sloshes out if there's turbulence or if your seatmates have to get up and get past you. I'd rather have a bottle I can close and open as needed (and not those teeny tiny bottles either...half a liter for a long haul flight). It doesn't have to be "gourmet" water if the airlines claim price is a concern.
I don't think the new flying realities would prevent me from making necessary business trips or from going to places I *really* want to go, but if I were undecided between destinations and I could drive to one but were required to fly to the other, I would probably lean toward the driving option.
