Haven't had the need to fly in about the last 14,577 days. Can you still get a steak and a beer or is that extra? Are the pilots still humans? I hear they are having some trouble with pilots having heart attacks or some such due to...well the FAA can't figure it out.
Yes...the planets. You may not be able to see Uranus unless you have Superman vision, or very dark skies, or some binoculars or a telescope and know where to look. The others are pretty much standouts and easily spotted except for Mercury which is always low on the horizon.
It’s exactly what you said- I don’t really care where I sit as long as I get from point A to point B . If I had to pay for an extra , it would be for a seat of my choice . It’s just not THAT bad in economy to me
I’m was waiting for you to mention how the rich fled to Lear jets and private jet rental...which really proves your point better than first class on a domestic tin can.
I don't think air travel has changed that much, I think it's the traveller who has changed. And not for the better.
I still remember my first flight, travelling across the country on my own at 16. People dressed better, were more courteous and the experience was wonderful. Now you have people boarding in pajamas and bare feet and just being generally loud and rude, both before and during the flight. Haven't been on a plane since COVID, doubt we will be flying again any time soon. We fly in the upper level seats whenever possible for more room, faster exits and no middle seats.
Thank you, Bill! This article touched us all. It really is an example of of human behaviors vs business strategy. I enjoy all of your posts but never comment as I am way out West and feel comments won’t be read by the time I wake up, coffee in hand and read a little Murphy material!
I used to fly at least monthly for work…sometimes three times a week. Fly to meet with a team member. Go conduct business. Fly home. Fly to meet with another team member. Clients and company demanded it. I required it of my team members as well, but usually I’d fly to meet them, because I was helping them with the clients they had landed (pun intended) in their territory.
Now all my flying is purely recreational, therapeutic…for fun. In short, I rarely fly anymore. For work, (now my company,) meetings that took days or even weeks are handled in 90 minutes or less thanks to ZOOM. I wrote on another day’s article that I believe they are even better quality now, and I connect with clients on a deeper, more meaningful level.
That said, flying was always fun and relaxing for me. Rarely stressful. I’ve always opted for the “cattle call” airlines…(yes, I’m speaking to you, Southwest…) that reward you for checking in the minute you could or paying a few extra bucks for auto check-in. They give you the front of the line in your section, which means you choose your seat and your carry-on has room in the overhead, still.
I always checked in immediately when I could or paid the few extra bucks to get the front of the line. Not first class or business class, but I got my coveted aisle seat, and that’s all I needed. My knee could casually lean out into the aisle and I didn’t have to climb over anyone to use the restroom. Hand over my frequent flyer drink ticket for my one quick cocktail, usually a Bloody Mary, whip out the laptop for work, and next thing I know I’m there, wishing the flight was just a little longer.
Message to me…not imposing this on anyone: Life’s too short. If you can change your situation, great…change it. If you can’t, then stop stressing about it and adapt.
I remember flying to Europe when I was quite young in multi-engine turboprop planes that had to stop in Newfoundland and Scotland. Constant noise! My first jet flight in ‘67 was amazing I’m comparison.
Began flying for work in ‘82. Economy on longer flights then was like first class now. I lucked into a year of travel on corporate jets in ‘83 which completely spoils you. In addition to the actual flying experience, driving right up to the plane, having the pilot take your luggage and walking over to your rental car when you land.
This is a very interesting article. Makes total sense. I used to fly a lot for work - had to actually see and evaluate large commercial properties for acquisition by pension funds, large commingled funds, etc.
Glad I don’t have to now! By the end of this time, regular economy seats had gotten so tight that our professionals didn’t have room to open their laptops onto their trays to work on the flights. Think about that seat in front on you being leaned back into your space.
I won’t fly unless absolutely
necessary. I think airlines are “shooting themselves in the foot”. And no doubt it’s taking a toll on the economy. Even with Zoom, some things need to be done personally.
I took my first flight 71 years ago on a DC-3 tail dragger(I think). I was 5, very excited to be flying and flying to the beach after being in my uncle’s very big wedding. We no sooner got to altitude and leveled out when I got sick but I always loved to fly. My ex husband was a private pilot and we had our own 4 seater and I survived all that. Those who say that commercial air travel hasn’t changed know not whereof they speak. In 1967 I flew Braniff Air to Mexico City. Everyone on the plane was dressed up, we had actual legroom, the food was delicious, alcoholic drinks were either free or nominal, I can’t remember which now, we could smoke and your baggage flew FREE! The only thing I had to carry on was my pocketbook. Braniff was the party plane to fly. No one got crazy. People didn’t abuse the crew; people were just more respectful as a rule. Flying was fun.
I think things started getting bad was when airlines began consolidating. That’s always the bugaboo though, isn’t it? Stamp out competition then you can abuse your customers with impunity. After all, it’s not bad enough that they nickel and dime you to death but you’re supposed to smile and beg for more abuse when you need overhead bin space and there may be some near your seat-or not.
My sons and I flew to Scotland back in September and all I can say about it is, it was expensive and I survived to tell the tale.
I’ve got 2 more flights to make but I’ve promised myself that the last one will be 1st class all the way, dammit!
Great article. It will be a bit longer before I’m willing to “sit in the front.” Regardless was misspelled, but that’s an error on deadline. Thanks!
Haven't had the need to fly in about the last 14,577 days. Can you still get a steak and a beer or is that extra? Are the pilots still humans? I hear they are having some trouble with pilots having heart attacks or some such due to...well the FAA can't figure it out.
Yes...the planets. You may not be able to see Uranus unless you have Superman vision, or very dark skies, or some binoculars or a telescope and know where to look. The others are pretty much standouts and easily spotted except for Mercury which is always low on the horizon.
It’s exactly what you said- I don’t really care where I sit as long as I get from point A to point B . If I had to pay for an extra , it would be for a seat of my choice . It’s just not THAT bad in economy to me
I’m was waiting for you to mention how the rich fled to Lear jets and private jet rental...which really proves your point better than first class on a domestic tin can.
Ahh, now I really understand the mentality of air flight. Thank you for a very informative article
great article, we all make our choses but then complain about the consequences.
I don't think air travel has changed that much, I think it's the traveller who has changed. And not for the better.
I still remember my first flight, travelling across the country on my own at 16. People dressed better, were more courteous and the experience was wonderful. Now you have people boarding in pajamas and bare feet and just being generally loud and rude, both before and during the flight. Haven't been on a plane since COVID, doubt we will be flying again any time soon. We fly in the upper level seats whenever possible for more room, faster exits and no middle seats.
Thank you, Bill! This article touched us all. It really is an example of of human behaviors vs business strategy. I enjoy all of your posts but never comment as I am way out West and feel comments won’t be read by the time I wake up, coffee in hand and read a little Murphy material!
I used to fly at least monthly for work…sometimes three times a week. Fly to meet with a team member. Go conduct business. Fly home. Fly to meet with another team member. Clients and company demanded it. I required it of my team members as well, but usually I’d fly to meet them, because I was helping them with the clients they had landed (pun intended) in their territory.
Now all my flying is purely recreational, therapeutic…for fun. In short, I rarely fly anymore. For work, (now my company,) meetings that took days or even weeks are handled in 90 minutes or less thanks to ZOOM. I wrote on another day’s article that I believe they are even better quality now, and I connect with clients on a deeper, more meaningful level.
That said, flying was always fun and relaxing for me. Rarely stressful. I’ve always opted for the “cattle call” airlines…(yes, I’m speaking to you, Southwest…) that reward you for checking in the minute you could or paying a few extra bucks for auto check-in. They give you the front of the line in your section, which means you choose your seat and your carry-on has room in the overhead, still.
I always checked in immediately when I could or paid the few extra bucks to get the front of the line. Not first class or business class, but I got my coveted aisle seat, and that’s all I needed. My knee could casually lean out into the aisle and I didn’t have to climb over anyone to use the restroom. Hand over my frequent flyer drink ticket for my one quick cocktail, usually a Bloody Mary, whip out the laptop for work, and next thing I know I’m there, wishing the flight was just a little longer.
Message to me…not imposing this on anyone: Life’s too short. If you can change your situation, great…change it. If you can’t, then stop stressing about it and adapt.
I remember flying to Europe when I was quite young in multi-engine turboprop planes that had to stop in Newfoundland and Scotland. Constant noise! My first jet flight in ‘67 was amazing I’m comparison.
Began flying for work in ‘82. Economy on longer flights then was like first class now. I lucked into a year of travel on corporate jets in ‘83 which completely spoils you. In addition to the actual flying experience, driving right up to the plane, having the pilot take your luggage and walking over to your rental car when you land.
I’m retired and am loathe to fly anywhere.
This is a very interesting article. Makes total sense. I used to fly a lot for work - had to actually see and evaluate large commercial properties for acquisition by pension funds, large commingled funds, etc.
Glad I don’t have to now! By the end of this time, regular economy seats had gotten so tight that our professionals didn’t have room to open their laptops onto their trays to work on the flights. Think about that seat in front on you being leaned back into your space.
I won’t fly unless absolutely
necessary. I think airlines are “shooting themselves in the foot”. And no doubt it’s taking a toll on the economy. Even with Zoom, some things need to be done personally.
Unintended consequences.
I took my first flight 71 years ago on a DC-3 tail dragger(I think). I was 5, very excited to be flying and flying to the beach after being in my uncle’s very big wedding. We no sooner got to altitude and leveled out when I got sick but I always loved to fly. My ex husband was a private pilot and we had our own 4 seater and I survived all that. Those who say that commercial air travel hasn’t changed know not whereof they speak. In 1967 I flew Braniff Air to Mexico City. Everyone on the plane was dressed up, we had actual legroom, the food was delicious, alcoholic drinks were either free or nominal, I can’t remember which now, we could smoke and your baggage flew FREE! The only thing I had to carry on was my pocketbook. Braniff was the party plane to fly. No one got crazy. People didn’t abuse the crew; people were just more respectful as a rule. Flying was fun.
I think things started getting bad was when airlines began consolidating. That’s always the bugaboo though, isn’t it? Stamp out competition then you can abuse your customers with impunity. After all, it’s not bad enough that they nickel and dime you to death but you’re supposed to smile and beg for more abuse when you need overhead bin space and there may be some near your seat-or not.
My sons and I flew to Scotland back in September and all I can say about it is, it was expensive and I survived to tell the tale.
I’ve got 2 more flights to make but I’ve promised myself that the last one will be 1st class all the way, dammit!