My trip this week takes me from Myrtle Beach, SC to Ontario, California. It’s one of those weeks where you bounce across the country stopping in multiple cities. Today’s route will take me from Myrtle Beach to Atlanta to Salt Lake City to Ontario California. I could have done a direct flight and arrived at 9:45 PM tonight or take three flights and get to the destination by mid-day.
I’m writing this blog on the flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake City. I was watching the safety video and one of the items they mentioned was that Smoking was not allowed on this flight. It’s been so long since smoking was allowed I wondered why they even felt it necessary to mention it anymore. It made me think about the topic for this blog – remember when.
I have been traveling for business for over 10 years. Long before I traveled for work I was fortunate enough to travel for pleasure. My family has always been scattered across the country so I have been boarding planes since I was a small child. And it must be in my blood because I can’t imagine not traveling.
I remember years back when I was a kid flying was something you would dress up for. You would not consider going on an airplane in flip flops and shorts (not that I haven’t done it since). You actually dressed up for the occasion. Some people today dress up too much for the occasion with all the bracelets, metal belts, jewelry, boots and all the things that make security a joy.
I remember when they implemented and stopped asking the two security questions:
1) Did you pack your own bags?
2) Have your bags been out of your control since you packed them?
I always wondered what they would do if I said “No – my mom packed my bags” or that my bags had only been out of my possession while the airlines had them. Those questions were just stupid and why they ever thought they were a good idea just boggles my mind. Of course it's the FAA and the folks that run the airlines that came up with this brilliant security measure.
I do remember when there were smoking sections on airplanes. They were always in the back rows of First Class and the back of the airplane, generally the last 2-3 rows. And for a part of my life I was a smoker and was darn glad they had them. I remember when they stopped allowing smoking on flights less than 2 hours. I’d book my flights to make sure I had that my flight was 2:05 in duration or longer.
They even announced the cost of the fine if you tampered with the smoke detectors in the bathroom. I often thought about just writing a check so I could have my cigarette. I’m sure there were other smokers on the plane that would have pooled money with me. Heck there were times I’d have considered hanging on to the wing outside if I could have had a smoke.
Eventually the government forced the airlines to stop allowing smoking all together on airplanes (which was a good move). I would book my flights through airports that allowed smoking so I could smoke between flights. I knew all airports and if they allowed smoking. Funny the things addictions will make us do. I am proud to say it’s been 7.5 years since I quit smoking.
I remember when the meals on the planes were free. The options were “Beef or Chicken” and they were actually decent meals served with silverware. Now the options are limited and unless you are in First Class you pay for the meals. And even if you pay for them they are not that good anyway.
Our travel agent sends out a newsletter and it has a humor section. Last month this one stood out because I could see me having this conversation.
“Overheard on a Flight”
The flight attendant was asking the passenger in front of me would you like to have breakfast with us this morning.
The passenger asked what are my choices?
The flight attendant replied: “Yes or No”
Some airlines are charging for everything from baggage, pillows, blankets, water and cokes. Ryan Air (Europe’s Southwest) is said to be looking into charging to use the toilet (loo as they call it). Please don’t let US Airways hear this they might start.
I stopped flying US Airways because they started charging for any and everything. They recently announced they were going to stop charging for beverages. Last year they also decided to start awarding actual mileage credit for frequent flyer miles flown and omit the 500 mile minimum. They rescinded that decision a few months later and credited all these folks with the minimum credit the other airlines give.
It’s too bad because they have already lost my business and I had over a million miles with them at one point. I’ll use up my points but unless I absolutely have to I won’t purchase a ticket from them again. It’s really sad because at one time I thought US Airways was the best airline in the industry. That changed with the America West Merger, and I can't say for the better.
I’m writing this blog on the flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake City. I was watching the safety video and one of the items they mentioned was that Smoking was not allowed on this flight. It’s been so long since smoking was allowed I wondered why they even felt it necessary to mention it anymore. It made me think about the topic for this blog – remember when.
I have been traveling for business for over 10 years. Long before I traveled for work I was fortunate enough to travel for pleasure. My family has always been scattered across the country so I have been boarding planes since I was a small child. And it must be in my blood because I can’t imagine not traveling.
I remember years back when I was a kid flying was something you would dress up for. You would not consider going on an airplane in flip flops and shorts (not that I haven’t done it since). You actually dressed up for the occasion. Some people today dress up too much for the occasion with all the bracelets, metal belts, jewelry, boots and all the things that make security a joy.
I remember when they implemented and stopped asking the two security questions:
1) Did you pack your own bags?
2) Have your bags been out of your control since you packed them?
I always wondered what they would do if I said “No – my mom packed my bags” or that my bags had only been out of my possession while the airlines had them. Those questions were just stupid and why they ever thought they were a good idea just boggles my mind. Of course it's the FAA and the folks that run the airlines that came up with this brilliant security measure.
I do remember when there were smoking sections on airplanes. They were always in the back rows of First Class and the back of the airplane, generally the last 2-3 rows. And for a part of my life I was a smoker and was darn glad they had them. I remember when they stopped allowing smoking on flights less than 2 hours. I’d book my flights to make sure I had that my flight was 2:05 in duration or longer.
They even announced the cost of the fine if you tampered with the smoke detectors in the bathroom. I often thought about just writing a check so I could have my cigarette. I’m sure there were other smokers on the plane that would have pooled money with me. Heck there were times I’d have considered hanging on to the wing outside if I could have had a smoke.
Eventually the government forced the airlines to stop allowing smoking all together on airplanes (which was a good move). I would book my flights through airports that allowed smoking so I could smoke between flights. I knew all airports and if they allowed smoking. Funny the things addictions will make us do. I am proud to say it’s been 7.5 years since I quit smoking.
I remember when the meals on the planes were free. The options were “Beef or Chicken” and they were actually decent meals served with silverware. Now the options are limited and unless you are in First Class you pay for the meals. And even if you pay for them they are not that good anyway.
Our travel agent sends out a newsletter and it has a humor section. Last month this one stood out because I could see me having this conversation.
“Overheard on a Flight”
The flight attendant was asking the passenger in front of me would you like to have breakfast with us this morning.
The passenger asked what are my choices?
The flight attendant replied: “Yes or No”
Some airlines are charging for everything from baggage, pillows, blankets, water and cokes. Ryan Air (Europe’s Southwest) is said to be looking into charging to use the toilet (loo as they call it). Please don’t let US Airways hear this they might start.
I stopped flying US Airways because they started charging for any and everything. They recently announced they were going to stop charging for beverages. Last year they also decided to start awarding actual mileage credit for frequent flyer miles flown and omit the 500 mile minimum. They rescinded that decision a few months later and credited all these folks with the minimum credit the other airlines give.
It’s too bad because they have already lost my business and I had over a million miles with them at one point. I’ll use up my points but unless I absolutely have to I won’t purchase a ticket from them again. It’s really sad because at one time I thought US Airways was the best airline in the industry. That changed with the America West Merger, and I can't say for the better.
I just have to realize things change.
The pictures below are from my trip today...
Leaving Salt Lake City, UT
Flying in over Big Bear & Lake Arrowhead area in California.
