Flying stinks (1 Viewer)

[jm192]

Anyone else had just awful luck flying?

I flew to Seattle for a wedding.  Booked months in advance.  A week ago get notification from Alaska that they cancelled the return flight.  The only available flight gets to St Louis at midnight,  Which would then leave us with a lengthy drive home.  I work at 7 the next morning and our group doesn’t have a lot of flexibility to cover me if I can’t make it in.

Got a refund.  Rebooked with Delta.  Got to Seattle.  Made it through Saturday.  Wake up today with texts and e-mails from Delta.  Flight cancelled.  But don’t worry, we rebooked you.  After spending several hours in Atlanta, you’ll land in St Louis at midnight.  Great.

I was able to get a full refund.  I’ve rebooked with United.  I even have boarding passes at this point.  I realize the holiday probably adds to the difficulty, but man this is frustrating.

 

[jobarules]

There's a pilot shortage 

 

[TripItUp]

Expensive

Crowded

People are Rude

First Class and Business Class sold out on many flights

I'm trying to fly as little as possible these days...I hope it can get back to normal.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Expensive

Crowded

People are Rude

First Class and Business Class sold out on many flights

I'm trying to fly as little as possible these days...I hope it can get back to normal.

Yep. If I’m lucky I won’t have to fly for work until November. No interest in doing it if I don’t have to.

 

[dkp993]

Yep it sucks and is getting worse and more expensive.  The cramming in of the seats/rows on the new planes has gotten insane.  I’m 6ft tall and on my last flight my knees were literally touching the back of the seat in front of me (before take off and them reclining). I was crammed into a 5 hour flight like a sardine.  Flew back on an older plane and had 6 inches in front of my knee (which still sucks but is better).  
 

Also 2 weeks ago I flew from Cali to Boston on a work trip.  On the way home I got the the airport early.  Had a long work trip, was beat and really not looking forward to the long flight home.  Decided F- it I’m gonna upgrade to first class if one’s available, didn’t really care the cost.  At the terminal once someone got there I asked if any upgrades were available, lady says yes there’s 1 first class seat open…..

Me : “Great how much?”  

She bangs always on the keyboard for a min or 2.  “I’m sorry you can’t upgrade”

Puzzled “What?”

”Im sorry you can’t upgrade”

stunned. “Ah, why?”

”the ticket you purchased won’t allow it”

”but I didn’t buy any special discounted ticket or something.  Just bought a normal one with my personal card.  I don’t understand”

”I’m sorry sir”. No further explanation 

“So you’re telling me you won’t take my money.”

”yes”

”you do realize you never even quoted me an amount.  You have no clue what I would have said yes too”

she stares blankly at me not saying a word.

So I return to my seat flabbergasted.   

 

[Sand]

Anyone else had just awful luck flying?

I flew to Seattle for a wedding.  Booked months in advance.  A week ago get notification from Alaska that they cancelled the return flight.  The only available flight gets to St Louis at midnight,  Which would then leave us with a lengthy drive home.  I work at 7 the next morning and our group doesn’t have a lot of flexibility to cover me if I can’t make it in.

Got a refund.  Rebooked with Delta.  Got to Seattle.  Made it through Saturday.  Wake up today with texts and e-mails from Delta.  Flight cancelled.  But don’t worry, we rebooked you.  After spending several hours in Atlanta, you’ll land in St Louis at midnight.  Great.

I was able to get a full refund.  I’ve rebooked with United.  I even have boarding passes at this point.  I realize the holiday probably adds to the difficulty, but man this is frustrating.

This seems pertinent.

 

[joffer]

It’s awful.  I’m going to Oregon, Boston, and Florida this summer, driving all.

 

[[scooter]]

I've been fairly fortunate so far -- several short trips on the west coast without any major issues. I used to fly Alaska but I've switched to United for the time being.

Pretty sure they could cut half the TSA jobs and funnel the savings into a pilot training program, though.

 

[jm192]

It’s awful.  I’m going to Oregon, Boston, and Florida this summer, driving all.

Dang!  Where are you out of?

 

[SoBeDad]

The TSA lines have been faster, at least this weekend with me and others in my group flying out of MIA and FLL.  Big holiday weekend crowds and no need to open carryons or take off your shoes or pose with your arms up. The agents had the queues moving. They did use drugs/bomb dogs as we walked in groups of 2

 

[gianmarco]

I think more flights are getting changed/cancelled but I also think the airport process has gotten WAY better. Between checking in online, kiosks, TSA pre-check, mobile boarding passes, the time from getting to the airport to getting to the gate is so much faster and efficient. 

 

[nirad3]

I fly at least once a month for work.  Only had two real recent issues; both with Frontier (never flying them again).  Flight got cancelled from Las Vegas home to SoCal on December 30th and then again cancelled from Denver to SoCal a couple weeks ago.

Flying to Charlotte and Texas in June, knock on wood for smooth trips.

 

[djmich]

I’ve been flying and no issues, all Delta.  Have a bunch of long haul trips coming up so I’m sure I just jinxed myself.

 

[dkp993]

I’ve been flying and no issues, all Delta.  Have a bunch of long haul trips coming up so I’m sure I just jinxed myself.

My stories above are both Delta.  

 

[Osaurus]

I had a real bad experience with Alaska Airlines. Flight was nonstop from San Diego to Portland last summer. I get a notification at 5 am stating my flight changed from 6:45 am to 11 pm. WTF? That’s a pretty big change in departure/arrival. Managed to fly on Delta to Seattle/Portland. #### Alaska Airlines. 

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

It’s awful.  I’m going to Oregon, Boston, and Florida this summer, driving all.

Wont you spend more on gas than flying? 

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Wife has a work trip to SD in August. We are taking the kids because our room and her ticket is free. Kids and my tickets were a grand each. Sucks. 

 

[Navin Johnson]

Lufthansa is great.  We are pretty much thru baggage check and security in 15 minutes of walking inside.  Still always get there 2 hours before just in case.

 

[Punxsutawney Phil]

Hang in there, self driving motorhomes are expected in 2030!

 

[joffer]

Dang!  Where are you out of?

Austin

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Flying for the first time this week in almost 7 years
Even before that I didn't fly that often but I hate the experience thru the airport, security/TSA and then you gamble you don't get some idiot net to you on the flight

Nonstop roundtrip from Palm Beach to NYC-LGA was dirt cheap, with taxes was about $125 on Delta

 

[Gatorade]

Flying for the first time this week in almost 7 years
Even before that I didn't fly that often but I hate the experience thru the airport, security/TSA and then you gamble you don't get some idiot net to you on the flight

Nonstop roundtrip from Palm Beach to NYC-LGA was dirt cheap, with taxes was about $125 on Delta

Sounds like a great price. Get there early to lower the stress level. Things have calmed down a lot since the crazy things that were happening during and after covid. Going thru security no big deal . While in the terminal just read these forums to keep you calm. The excitement of the NFL FA moves will keep you distracted. Have a safe flight .

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Anyone else had just awful luck flying?

I flew to Seattle for a wedding. Booked months in advance. A week ago get notification from Alaska that they cancelled the return flight. The only available flight gets to St Louis at midnight, Which would then leave us with a lengthy drive home. I work at 7 the next morning and our group doesn’t have a lot of flexibility to cover me if I can’t make it in.

Got a refund. Rebooked with Delta. Got to Seattle. Made it through Saturday. Wake up today with texts and e-mails from Delta. Flight cancelled. But don’t worry, we rebooked you. After spending several hours in Atlanta, you’ll land in St Louis at midnight. Great.

I was able to get a full refund. I’ve rebooked with United. I even have boarding passes at this point. I realize the holiday probably adds to the difficulty, but man this is frustrating.

I don't even consider this bad luck. It's just a normal flight experience. I've almost completely eliminated flying from my professional life. I hate everything about traveling by plane at this point in my life and will drive whenever possible.

 

[beer 30]

I hate the experience thru the airport, security/TSA and then you gamble you don't get some idiot net to you on the flight

Oh well you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much it has changed since then. It's so much better than it ever was, should be a completely enjoyable experience for you, sunshine & lollipops kinda serenity. Namaste!

It's just a normal flight experience. I've almost completely eliminated flying from my professional life. I hate everything about traveling by plane at this point in my life and will drive whenever possible.

This, I'd almost walk rather than fly anywhere these days. I do agree that getting there stupid early does take some of the anxiety off the whole experience but it still blows.

 

[arrow1]

Flying for the first time this week in almost 7 years
Even before that I didn't fly that often but I hate the experience thru the airport, security/TSA and then you gamble you don't get some idiot net to you on the flight

Nonstop roundtrip from Palm Beach to NYC-LGA was dirt cheap, with taxes was about $125 on Delta

I'd love to see a guy unwrap a tuna salad sammich next to MOP on a flight..

 

[General Malaise]

Anyone else had just awful luck flying?

I flew to Seattle for a wedding. Booked months in advance. A week ago get notification from Alaska that they cancelled the return flight. The only available flight gets to St Louis at midnight, Which would then leave us with a lengthy drive home. I work at 7 the next morning and our group doesn’t have a lot of flexibility to cover me if I can’t make it in.

Got a refund. Rebooked with Delta. Got to Seattle. Made it through Saturday. Wake up today with texts and e-mails from Delta. Flight cancelled. But don’t worry, we rebooked you. After spending several hours in Atlanta, you’ll land in St Louis at midnight. Great.

I was able to get a full refund. I’ve rebooked with United. I even have boarding passes at this point. I realize the holiday probably adds to the difficulty, but man this is frustrating.

I don't even consider this bad luck. It's just a normal flight experience. I've almost completely eliminated flying from my professional life. I hate everything about traveling by plane at this point in my life and will drive whenever possible.

I was starting to feel this way, but a road trip from Portland, OR to Scottsdale, AZ and back cured me of this wanderlust via car for good. Although it could have been my family that broke me.

If I never drive I5 from SoCal up to Oregon again the rest of my life it'll be too soon. F that stretch right of highway in the ear hole.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Flying for the first time this week in almost 7 years
Even before that I didn't fly that often but I hate the experience thru the airport, security/TSA and then you gamble you don't get some idiot net to you on the flight

Nonstop roundtrip from Palm Beach to NYC-LGA was dirt cheap, with taxes was about $125 on Delta

I'd love to see a guy unwrap a tuna salad sammich next to MOP on a flight..

The last time I flew, a lady tried to bring a rather large dog into our aisle and wanted to seat it under my chair, I said no F-Bomb way and immediately called a uniformed crew member over to assist.

"But sir, most people love my dog"
(MoP never shy with words, replies)
"That's not your dog, MA'AM that's your husband. And I'm not worried about the dog as much as I am, YOU!
Who would even bring something like that on board an airplane and make it other's problems?"
And that's when our hero stood up towards the front of the plane and said "You can bring it up here, I don't mind"
I hope those two ended up at least dating, I pride myself on bringing people together

 

[fruity pebbles]

The day they truly have full self driving, I’ll be first in line to purchase one. Nothing stresses me out like flying. I dont even take morning flights anymore if I can avoid it because I can’t sleep the night before.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The day they truly have full self driving, I’ll be first in line to purchase one. Nothing stresses me out like flying. I dont even take morning flights anymore if I can avoid it because I can’t sleep the night before.

I've always said if I ever really hit it big,, I'm hiring a driver.
I hate driving more and more, would love to be completely free of it.

 

[Instinctive]

I love flying. It's remarkable. One of the greatest things humans have ever accomplished.

Why is the experience bad sometimes? Because of the people who fly once or twice a year, or once every five years, and have no clue what they're doing.

Airports should legit have different entrances, security checks, etc for some minimum experience that'll run smoother and then the masses can stay like it is today.

 

[Jayrod]

I love flying, but it only happens when I'm on vacation.

I've also never been stranded anywhere. I once had my first flight on a 3-leg trip to Spain cancelled, but got everything rerouted and made it at almost the same time as originally planned.

 

[Kev4029]

I love flying. It's remarkable. One of the greatest things humans have ever accomplished.

Why is the experience bad sometimes? Because of the people who fly once or twice a year, or once every five years, and have no clue what they're doing.

Airports should legit have different entrances, security checks, etc for some minimum experience that'll run smoother and then the masses can stay like it is today.

That's why I love TSA PreCheck - not only are the lines a little shorter (at DEN, that is less true than any other airport I fly through) and I don't have to remove half the **** the plebes do, but it eliminates 95% of the people that only travel once every three years to go to Disney with their ****ty family (no offense to the ****ty Disney families here), or whatever. Then I go to my nice airport lounge away from those same people, and only really interact with them at the gate. Makes the whole process so much better.

 

[beer 30]

Then I go to my nice airport lounge away from those same people

I almost pulled the trigger on signing up for a new AA card offer that included access but just couldn't get me head around a $700 yearly fee for how much I travel. Usually only travel once or twice a quarter so enough to know the tricks to make it less painful but not enough to really enjoy all the perks out there that full time travelers enjoy.

 

[Instinctive]

I love flying. It's remarkable. One of the greatest things humans have ever accomplished.

Why is the experience bad sometimes? Because of the people who fly once or twice a year, or once every five years, and have no clue what they're doing.

Airports should legit have different entrances, security checks, etc for some minimum experience that'll run smoother and then the masses can stay like it is today.

That's why I love TSA PreCheck - not only are the lines a little shorter (at DEN, that is less true than any other airport I fly through) and I don't have to remove half the **** the plebes do, but it eliminates 95% of the people that only travel once every three years to go to Disney with their ****ty family (no offense to the ****ty Disney families here), or whatever. Then I go to my nice airport lounge away from those same people, and only really interact with them at the gate. Makes the whole process so much better.

Man I HATE the Denver airport. I feel super bad that you have to deal with it.

It has so far and away the worst ingress/egress of any major American airport it is mind blowing.

It's super far away from anywhere I am flying into it to get to anyway (like the actual city of Denver). The traffic getting to it seems to be absolutely terrible no matter what time of day (this is shared with LAX, my second least favorite airport).

But what truly sets it apart is the total cluster **** mosh pit lunatic setup of security they have. I mean it is so bad. If you can even get to the TSA Pre line somehow with anything you're carrying along with all your limbs intact, they somehow managed to make it slower than any other pre check I've been through (which there are many).

You have my deepest sympathies, seriously.

 

[Instinctive]

Then I go to my nice airport lounge away from those same people

I almost pulled the trigger on signing up for a new AA card offer that included access but just couldn't get me head around a $700 yearly fee for how much I travel. Usually only travel once or twice a quarter so enough to know the tricks to make it less painful but not enough to really enjoy all the perks out there that full time travelers enjoy.

Popping into Vino Volo is just as good as a lounge anyway. It's a neat perk but CC and such like you mention have made them mostly overcrowded.

 

[Sand]

That's why I love TSA PreCheck

If for nothing else so that I don't have to take off my shoes. I hope Richard Reid stays in prison and lives to be that 336 year old guy in the SSA database.

 

[Kev4029]

I love flying. It's remarkable. One of the greatest things humans have ever accomplished.

Why is the experience bad sometimes? Because of the people who fly once or twice a year, or once every five years, and have no clue what they're doing.

Airports should legit have different entrances, security checks, etc for some minimum experience that'll run smoother and then the masses can stay like it is today.

That's why I love TSA PreCheck - not only are the lines a little shorter (at DEN, that is less true than any other airport I fly through) and I don't have to remove half the **** the plebes do, but it eliminates 95% of the people that only travel once every three years to go to Disney with their ****ty family (no offense to the ****ty Disney families here), or whatever. Then I go to my nice airport lounge away from those same people, and only really interact with them at the gate. Makes the whole process so much better.

Man I HATE the Denver airport. I feel super bad that you have to deal with it.

It has so far and away the worst ingress/egress of any major American airport it is mind blowing.

It's super far away from anywhere I am flying into it to get to anyway (like the actual city of Denver). The traffic getting to it seems to be absolutely terrible no matter what time of day (this is shared with LAX, my second least favorite airport).

But what truly sets it apart is the total cluster **** mosh pit lunatic setup of security they have. I mean it is so bad. If you can even get to the TSA Pre line somehow with anything you're carrying along with all your limbs intact, they somehow managed to make it slower than any other pre check I've been through (which there are many).

You have my deepest sympathies, seriously.

The security situation will be greatly improved in a couple years when they finally finish their compete renovation of the great hall. But historically it's had the worst security lines in the US. The one TSA pre + clear line that they have consistently takes longer than the standard commoner line.

I love where the airport is at. Two reasons - it's tied to E470 which is an exceedingly expensive toll road which makes it a 20 minute drive for me all day any day. Second - it has the second most land area of any airport in the world (Saudi Arabia has one that has 5x as much land because of course they do) so it'll continue to grow which will let me travel anywhere in the world quickly. They have a plan for two more terminals that will be constructed probably in the 2030s at which point it'll likely be the busiest airport in the world.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Fly almost every week. Flying sucks - and it is amazing. You can go to so many places way way more efficiently than if you had to drive or god forbid take an ocean liner.

People make the experience suboptimal. Airlines make it even worse.

But it is still better than driving the same distance 99% of the time.

 

[rockaction]

The last time I flew, a lady tried to bring a rather large dog into our aisle and wanted to seat it under my chair, I said no F-Bomb way and immediately called a uniformed crew member over to assist.

What? Are you serious? The dog didn't even have a ticket? What the heck is the world coming to with people's expectations of each other?

That's absurd. I hope it's hyperbole.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Flying out of Honolulu is fine. Denver and Salt Lake, too. For me, LA and Phoenix are the worst.

And TSA is an inconsistent clown show nearly everywhere.

But the overall experience doesn’t really bother me at all. I say this as a non pre-checked/un-clear guy, who books regular seats

All that said. It’s amazing how superior international carriers are. We like ANA and JAL to Japan, as they have a little more room in the commoners’ area (or maybe it’s just Japanese people are smaller, and more polite), and serve legitimately good food. Plus they seem to hire flight attendants based on looks

Also, it’s shocking how much faster security and boarding proceed.

 

[Instinctive]

Flying out of Honolulu is fine. Denver and Salt Lake, too. For me, LA and Phoenix are the worst.

And TSA is an inconsistent clown show nearly everywhere.

But the overall experience doesn’t really bother me at all. I say this as a non pre-checked/un-clear guy, who books regular seats

All that said. It’s amazing how superior international carriers are. We like ANA and JAL to Japan, as they have a little more room in the commoners’ area (or maybe it’s just Japanese people are smaller, and more polite), and serve legitimately good food. Plus they seem to hire flight attendants based on looks

Also, it’s shocking how much faster security and boarding proceed.

I actually like Phoenix. Low key has some of the best food as far as airports go.

TSAs inconsistency is pretty crazy. It's gotta be a hiring/training thing somehow, because it even varies terminal to terminal. Like at DFW, I know that it will almost always be fastest, and definitely be the least aggravating, to go to the D30-ish entrance and use TSA. Then I can walk or Skylink to whatever terminal my gate actually is (and usually get food in D on the way, which has the best food in DFWs airport).

B? Even if the line is like 3 people I know it's gonna be aggravating. E? I may as well be at the Durango CO airport it's such a mom and pop operation.

The wide variance is crazy. I would LOOOOOOVE to be put in charge of that agency. Think I could really make it more efficient for everyone, and perform better too.

 

[sho nuff]

Southwest changing policies.
The free two checked bags now for A-list preferred or using the Business Select fares
One free checked for A list and some select customers (and if you have a SW Rapid Rewards credit card you get a credit for a checked bag).
All others pay for checked bags now similar to other airlines. We have the SW credit card so not a big deal to us. I foresee a lot of carry ons as usual and a bunch getting checked when they run out of room.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Flying out of Honolulu is fine. Denver and Salt Lake, too. For me, LA and Phoenix are the worst.

And TSA is an inconsistent clown show nearly everywhere.

But the overall experience doesn’t really bother me at all. I say this as a non pre-checked/un-clear guy, who books regular seats

All that said. It’s amazing how superior international carriers are. We like ANA and JAL to Japan, as they have a little more room in the commoners’ area (or maybe it’s just Japanese people are smaller, and more polite), and serve legitimately good food. Plus they seem to hire flight attendants based on looks

Also, it’s shocking how much faster security and boarding proceed.

I actually like Phoenix. Low key has some of the best food as far as airports go.

TSAs inconsistency is pretty crazy. It's gotta be a hiring/training thing somehow, because it even varies terminal to terminal. Like at DFW, I know that it will almost always be fastest, and definitely be the least aggravating, to go to the D30-ish entrance and use TSA. Then I can walk or Skylink to whatever terminal my gate actually is (and usually get food in D on the way, which has the best food in DFWs airport).

B? Even if the line is like 3 people I know it's gonna be aggravating. E? I may as well be at the Durango CO airport it's such a mom and pop operation.

The wide variance is crazy. I would LOOOOOOVE to be put in charge of that agency. Think I could really make it more efficient for everyone, and perform better too.

Good to know Phoenix has some redeeming qualities. Traveling between terminals is what aggravates me though, as they make it nearly impossible to walk.

TSA kills me with variability in policy, as it's never completely clear whether food, hats, jackets, and some electronics need to be removed and/or scanned separately. It's easiest to assume the worst, but then you'll occasionally get a condescending agent who scolds you for doing something unnecessary.

We all know it's 99% dog-and-pony show, and a determined criminal could probably foil all the safety theater anyway.

As an aside, did you know live fish can be transported on planes?

 

[ghostguy123]

I'd be cool if they made an airline with no access to the pilots, weld the door shut. No flight attendants, and nothing is offered.
Also have a separate TSA line for that airline where basically anything goes, just walk through the metal detector.
Also, boarding starts 15 minutes before the plane even starts moving, so get your arse on and sit down.
Cheap flight. I'll trade comfort for all that waste of time and extra money any day, especially on a 2 hour flight.

 

[Instinctive]

Flying out of Honolulu is fine. Denver and Salt Lake, too. For me, LA and Phoenix are the worst.

And TSA is an inconsistent clown show nearly everywhere.

But the overall experience doesn’t really bother me at all. I say this as a non pre-checked/un-clear guy, who books regular seats

All that said. It’s amazing how superior international carriers are. We like ANA and JAL to Japan, as they have a little more room in the commoners’ area (or maybe it’s just Japanese people are smaller, and more polite), and serve legitimately good food. Plus they seem to hire flight attendants based on looks

Also, it’s shocking how much faster security and boarding proceed.

I actually like Phoenix. Low key has some of the best food as far as airports go.

TSAs inconsistency is pretty crazy. It's gotta be a hiring/training thing somehow, because it even varies terminal to terminal. Like at DFW, I know that it will almost always be fastest, and definitely be the least aggravating, to go to the D30-ish entrance and use TSA. Then I can walk or Skylink to whatever terminal my gate actually is (and usually get food in D on the way, which has the best food in DFWs airport).

B? Even if the line is like 3 people I know it's gonna be aggravating. E? I may as well be at the Durango CO airport it's such a mom and pop operation.

The wide variance is crazy. I would LOOOOOOVE to be put in charge of that agency. Think I could really make it more efficient for everyone, and perform better too.

Good to know Phoenix has some redeeming qualities. Traveling between terminals is what aggravates me though, as they make it nearly impossible to walk.

TSA kills me with variability in policy, as it's never completely clear whether food, hats, jackets, and some electronics need to be removed and/or scanned separately. It's easiest to assume the worst, but then you'll occasionally get a condescending agent who scolds you for doing something unnecessary.

We all know it's 99% dog-and-pony show, and a determined criminal could probably foil all the safety theater anyway.

As an aside, did you know live fish can be transported on planes?

Don't you have to walk? They have those moving walkways between all of them. I always remember it being one of the simpler airports to go from A to B etc. Wondering if you're thinking of a different airport. Like I always find ATL a pain in the butt to change terminals.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The last time I flew, a lady tried to bring a rather large dog into our aisle and wanted to seat it under my chair, I said no F-Bomb way and immediately called a uniformed crew member over to assist.

What? Are you serious? The dog didn't even have a ticket? What the heck is the world coming to with people's expectations of each other?

That's absurd. I hope it's hyperbole.

Swear to you it's true
I actually saw the dog and the lady in the terminal on the walk up to the front door of the plane, thought it was a drug sniffing dog at first
When she wanted to come into the row with the dog I immediately sprung into action
I actually don't know what the policy is now

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Flying out of Honolulu is fine. Denver and Salt Lake, too. For me, LA and Phoenix are the worst.

And TSA is an inconsistent clown show nearly everywhere.

But the overall experience doesn’t really bother me at all. I say this as a non pre-checked/un-clear guy, who books regular seats

All that said. It’s amazing how superior international carriers are. We like ANA and JAL to Japan, as they have a little more room in the commoners’ area (or maybe it’s just Japanese people are smaller, and more polite), and serve legitimately good food. Plus they seem to hire flight attendants based on looks

Also, it’s shocking how much faster security and boarding proceed.

I actually like Phoenix. Low key has some of the best food as far as airports go.

TSAs inconsistency is pretty crazy. It's gotta be a hiring/training thing somehow, because it even varies terminal to terminal. Like at DFW, I know that it will almost always be fastest, and definitely be the least aggravating, to go to the D30-ish entrance and use TSA. Then I can walk or Skylink to whatever terminal my gate actually is (and usually get food in D on the way, which has the best food in DFWs airport).

B? Even if the line is like 3 people I know it's gonna be aggravating. E? I may as well be at the Durango CO airport it's such a mom and pop operation.

The wide variance is crazy. I would LOOOOOOVE to be put in charge of that agency. Think I could really make it more efficient for everyone, and perform better too.

Good to know Phoenix has some redeeming qualities. Traveling between terminals is what aggravates me though, as they make it nearly impossible to walk.

TSA kills me with variability in policy, as it's never completely clear whether food, hats, jackets, and some electronics need to be removed and/or scanned separately. It's easiest to assume the worst, but then you'll occasionally get a condescending agent who scolds you for doing something unnecessary.

We all know it's 99% dog-and-pony show, and a determined criminal could probably foil all the safety theater anyway.

As an aside, did you know live fish can be transported on planes?

You can take the SkyTrain between Terminals 3 and 4. It takes like 2 mins.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Flying out of Honolulu is fine. Denver and Salt Lake, too. For me, LA and Phoenix are the worst.

And TSA is an inconsistent clown show nearly everywhere.

But the overall experience doesn’t really bother me at all. I say this as a non pre-checked/un-clear guy, who books regular seats

All that said. It’s amazing how superior international carriers are. We like ANA and JAL to Japan, as they have a little more room in the commoners’ area (or maybe it’s just Japanese people are smaller, and more polite), and serve legitimately good food. Plus they seem to hire flight attendants based on looks

Also, it’s shocking how much faster security and boarding proceed.

I actually like Phoenix. Low key has some of the best food as far as airports go.

TSAs inconsistency is pretty crazy. It's gotta be a hiring/training thing somehow, because it even varies terminal to terminal. Like at DFW, I know that it will almost always be fastest, and definitely be the least aggravating, to go to the D30-ish entrance and use TSA. Then I can walk or Skylink to whatever terminal my gate actually is (and usually get food in D on the way, which has the best food in DFWs airport).

B? Even if the line is like 3 people I know it's gonna be aggravating. E? I may as well be at the Durango CO airport it's such a mom and pop operation.

The wide variance is crazy. I would LOOOOOOVE to be put in charge of that agency. Think I could really make it more efficient for everyone, and perform better too.

Good to know Phoenix has some redeeming qualities. Traveling between terminals is what aggravates me though, as they make it nearly impossible to walk.

TSA kills me with variability in policy, as it's never completely clear whether food, hats, jackets, and some electronics need to be removed and/or scanned separately. It's easiest to assume the worst, but then you'll occasionally get a condescending agent who scolds you for doing something unnecessary.

We all know it's 99% dog-and-pony show, and a determined criminal could probably foil all the safety theater anyway.

As an aside, did you know live fish can be transported on planes?

Don't you have to walk? They have those moving walkways between all of them. I always remember it being one of the simpler airports to go from A to B etc. Wondering if you're thinking of a different airport. Like I always find ATL a pain in the butt to change terminals.

A gates to B gates, etc is really easy to walk (via the moving walkways as well), yes. But getting from Terminal 3 to 4 and vice-versa is easier via the tram.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Southwest is going to start charging for bags.

 

[ericttspikes]

Southwest is going to start charging for bags.

They're also going to assigned seating, making the base fare non-cancelable and letting flight credits expire. I have no idea why anyone will choose to fly Southwest anymore. They really aren't that cheap to begin with, charge for wifi, no seat screens or chargers, uncomfortable seats and a fleet of 737 Max 8 deathtraps. They will be out of business in 10 years.