Welcome to the mailbag a day early. Below you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by subscribers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity. Look for more tomorrow.
“Shane, just remember, ‘Life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.’ (Significant ages, April 17, 2023)” - Dick
I am laughing… and I probably shouldn’t be. - Shane
“You've come to the same conclusions we have, as we also took a flight to JAX, Florida after a COVID hiatus (Airport annoyances, April 18, 2023). Stepping over the first boarded but yet unsettled passengers to get to our seats next to the rear wash rooms is frustrating enough but amplified by the lack of overhead space. We voluntarily choose the free checked carryon. People taking your shoes when not paying attention that the bin is not theirs is frustrating. I become even more uneasy in the cramped seating space, so putting down the shade so I can't get my bearings by the window seat occupant results in further frustration. Upon return, my wife declared I was right. The two-day trip by car, even considering Atlanta, is far more relaxing to her, as long as Danielle Steele published a new book. Sirius is a bonus, but I miss Rush in the afternoons.” - John
I didn’t know trading shoes at security check was an option. Thanks for the heads up. - Shane
“Dad was an airline pilot for Ozark. (You might be too young to remember that fine airline!) Back then, meals were hot, served on real plates with real silverware, by flight attendants who loved what they did, flown by pilots who knew how to hand-fly an airplane (Airport annoyances, April 18, 2023). We could visit the cockpit at will. Things started changing when people were hijacking airplanes to go to Cuba. Cockpit doors were sealed. Eventually, hot meals were exchanged for snacks. Flight attendants must now be alert for unruly passengers. Seats are so small I can’t fit. In short, commercial flying has become a cruel way to get from point A to point B. So much so that when I was required to go to Pennsylvania on business, I drove 18 hours rather than fly. I basically refuse to fly commercially, and it’s for all the reasons you stated in your column, and from my personal experience. I love flying and have a private pilot’s license, so it’s not a fear of the air. It’s a total disgust for what the average commercial passenger has become.” - Steve
Driving for 18 hours doesn’t sound like much fun either. - Shane
“Hi, Shane. Great observations (Airport annoyances, April 18, 2023). We could travel together! Ironically, I’m traveling to Atlanta today. Patience, patience and patience!” - Matt
I hope your travels were pleasant. - Shane
“Your column cites the many reasons, among others, why I won’t fly again — except in extreme emergencies (Airport annoyances, April 18, 2023). If I can’t drive, I won’t go. I am disgruntled by getting stuck in St. Louis at night and having two flights home cancelled, leaving me trying to catch the next one or worrying about where I am going to spend the night when I am No. 26 on the standby list. In so many places, people stop in the middle to check their phones or have a family reunion, and you have to walk around them. They seem to be oblivious to what’s around them. We have lost all sense of decency. By the way, I read your column every morning while I have my first cup of coffee. I really enjoy them.” - Lavon
I once slept two nights in the Dallas/Fort Worth airport as my flights were cancelled repeatedly due to rain. Yes, rain. Oh, well. April showers bring May flowers, right? - Shane
Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com |
