The worst thing about flying? These people (us)

Onkel Neal · 09-01-14, 08:01 AM

While skimming the news, I came across this
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the...ors_picks=true

I won't say the other guy, because that's what everyone does, so I guess it's "us". Sure, you have some fellow passengers who smell ok, don't cough excessively, do not have children who cry, scream, whine, or run amok, who don't weigh 350 pounds and spill into your seat, who do not hog the armrests with hairy, sweaty arms, who don't kick the back of your seat every 4 minutes, who don't recline the seat in front of you, making using your laptop impossible, to the point that the only way you can reclaim some space is to recline your chair and crush the poor slob behind you, who don't need to get up every 30 minutes for a trip to the loo or something, who don't cram a purse, laptopbag, backpack, shopping bag, and carryon in the overhead 5 seats away from their seat, which is your overhead space... sure, there are passengers like this, but not many. Which is why I have quit traveling when it requires air transportation. It's just too darn uncomfortable. I'm 6' and I cannot sit in a chair for 5 hours with my legs bent without being uncomfortable. And I confess, I am not a trim, slim guy. So when I am sitting between two other passengers, I have to cross my arms across my chest. I don't want to be that guy who crowds the other passengers. And I don't care to rub arms with people to get my 3/4" inch of armrest.

Worst of all, I cannot afford to fly First Class

that would take care of most of these issues.

Flying just sucks.

Sailor Steve · 09-01-14, 08:32 AM

The last time I was on a plane was when I came to Houston in 2008. It wasn't fun like it was when I was a kid. The next time I go somewhere I'll drive, unless of course it's overseas and I have no choice.

jacobston · 09-01-14, 09:31 AM

The last time I flew, I was on a fully booked 737, but I arrived at the airport late so the only seats left were the WestJet equivalent of "First Class".

Needless to say, it was quite a nice flight sitting in the front of the airplane (2C)... With nobody to recline in front of me, people beside me (who probably paid for front seats) wanted nothing to do with me. Not to mention, when we landed, my carry-on was a few seats behind me (because the safety demo bag was above me), but the other passengers were more than happy to help me get it down.

Yes, I may consider myself "lucky".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

The next time I go somewhere I'll drive, unless of course it's overseas and I have no choice.

What, no Submarine?

HW3 · 09-01-14, 09:35 AM

I quit flying because I got tired of having to prove I was not guilty of being a terrorist just to get on the plane. Then service left the airline industry a long time ago. Now you are treated like cattle packed into a trailer, rather than a paying guest. If I have to go anywhere, I will drive.

AngusJS · 09-01-14, 09:59 AM

I enjoy flying. I always get a window seat, because I never get tired of the view. How else would I have ever seen Greenland or the Canadian Archipelago with my own eyes?

I'm 6', and the only time I've had real trouble with leg space was on one of my flights on a Tupolev 174. But that was a relatively short flight, so it was all good.

Just remember you're moving at Mach .8 at 30,000 feet. You can put up with some minor inconveniences - just enjoy the ride.

Wolferz · 09-01-14, 10:12 AM

A two hour flight sitting in the very last seat is pure misery if you have a bad back. The thing is crammed against a bulkhead with no recline feature and even less leg room.
I don't fly anywhere anymore after missing my flight from Atlanta to Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Usain Bolt couldn't Get to a gate three concourses away in fifteen minutes! The next flight out was in six hours and Atlanta has no smoking areas whatsoever. I rented a car and drove home.

Platapus · 09-01-14, 10:19 AM

We have become a society of "me first" attitudes. Too many people simply don't care about the other person or how one person's actions affect other people.

It has gone well past the point of apathy and more towards inconsideration.

I doubt this will ever change for the better.

One solution for the airlines is to increase the prices so they can afford to run their company while offering the customers a value (comfort and safety).

I think they have reached the point where cutting costs can be a viable business option. I really don't feel comfortable flying an airline whose business model is "we can cut costs more". Yikes!

I have flown far too much for business. The airlines and passengers have eliminated everything that is pleasant or enjoyable about flying. I avoid it as much as I can.

Anyone remember Legend Airlines?

Wolferz · 09-01-14, 10:35 AM

HW3 hits the nail on the head. Air travel has gone from pampering the rarified air of the rich to packing the common folk in like cattle.
Head 'em up. Move 'em out. Rawhide baby!

HunterICX · 09-01-14, 10:50 AM

Well, I never flew to enjoy it to begin with or took busses for that matter, the only public transport I enjoyed where trains but even that has gone to hell with costs cutting too.

For a quick long weekend to the Netherlands I don't spend a great deal for my ticket as to me it's just to get to my destination and it's just a 2 1/2 hour flight the alternative would be more costly and is about a 20-22 hour drive. So I either read a book or doze off for 2 1/2 hour.

If I do however plan to ever make a visit which requires me to spend 20 hours in an aircraft I rather spend a bit more to have a comfortable flight then a uncomfortable for less.

GoldenRivet · 09-01-14, 10:58 AM

Just as a tip. At least from the standpoint of my old employer American

1. Book an exit row if possible, they're roomier
2. Only carry on bags if able
3. Use the self check in kiosk
4. If American hasn't sold all of it's first class seats for your flight, you can upgrade from that exit row to first class on most domestic flights for $45

I self upgrade to first class on almost every trip I take. You risk splitting your party up if not traveling solo, but I snagged first class seats home and back for about $300 round trip last time I headed home. Poor scmucks in first class all around me paid 2-3x that price

Jimbuna · 09-01-14, 11:15 AM

Not a big fan of flying but always do if and when most convenient.

I agree with GR regarding the exit row being roomier but always take into consideration the fact you've a better chance of getting out if the plane ditches in the sea, not that many usually get out anyway

What is definitely noticeable is peoples lack of respect towards one another regarding noise and space considerations.

swamprat69er · 09-01-14, 01:46 PM

IF i was to voice my thoughts on crowded airplanes and other peoples kids on this forum, I would most likely get tossed in the brig.

Jimbuna · 09-01-14, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamprat69er

IF i was to voice my thoughts on crowded airplanes and other peoples kids on this forum, I would most likely get tossed in the brig.

For you....I'd throw in a blanket and a pillow

Buddahaid · 09-01-14, 04:07 PM

I've rule for SFO to LAX. If I'm staying for more than two days I drive as it takes only 2-3 hours longer to drive door to door, plus I can take along whatever I like.

Jimbuna · 09-01-14, 04:15 PM

One of the advantages of flying is usually the female flight attendants are more of an attraction than the inflight movies.

09-01-14, 08:01 AM	#1
Onkel Neal Born to Run Silent Join Date: Jan 1997 Location: Cougar Trap, Texas Posts: 21,385 Downloads: 541 Uploads: 224	The worst thing about flying? These people (us) While skimming the news, I came across this http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the...ors_picks=true I won't say the other guy, because that's what everyone does, so I guess it's "us". Sure, you have some fellow passengers who smell ok, don't cough excessively, do not have children who cry, scream, whine, or run amok, who don't weigh 350 pounds and spill into your seat, who do not hog the armrests with hairy, sweaty arms, who don't kick the back of your seat every 4 minutes, who don't recline the seat in front of you, making using your laptop impossible, to the point that the only way you can reclaim some space is to recline your chair and crush the poor slob behind you, who don't need to get up every 30 minutes for a trip to the loo or something, who don't cram a purse, laptopbag, backpack, shopping bag, and carryon in the overhead 5 seats away from their seat, which is your overhead space... sure, there are passengers like this, but not many. Which is why I have quit traveling when it requires air transportation. It's just too darn uncomfortable. I'm 6' and I cannot sit in a chair for 5 hours with my legs bent without being uncomfortable. And I confess, I am not a trim, slim guy. So when I am sitting between two other passengers, I have to cross my arms across my chest. I don't want to be that guy who crowds the other passengers. And I don't care to rub arms with people to get my 3/4" inch of armrest. Worst of all, I cannot afford to fly First Class that would take care of most of these issues. Flying just sucks. __________________ SUBSIM - 26 Years on the Web

09-01-14, 08:32 AM	#2
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	The last time I was on a plane was when I came to Houston in 2008. It wasn't fun like it was when I was a kid. The next time I go somewhere I'll drive, unless of course it's overseas and I have no choice. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

09-01-14, 09:35 AM	#4
HW3 Navy Seal Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Gresham Oregon Posts: 6,581 Downloads: 458 Uploads: 0	I quit flying because I got tired of having to prove I was not guilty of being a terrorist just to get on the plane. Then service left the airline industry a long time ago. Now you are treated like cattle packed into a trailer, rather than a paying guest. If I have to go anywhere, I will drive. __________________ "Some ships are designed to sink...others require our assistance." Nathan Zelk

09-01-14, 10:12 AM	#6
Wolferz Navy Seal Join Date: May 2007 Location: On a mighty quest for the Stick of Truth Posts: 5,963 Downloads: 52 Uploads: 0	A two hour flight sitting in the very last seat is pure misery if you have a bad back. The thing is crammed against a bulkhead with no recline feature and even less leg room. I don't fly anywhere anymore after missing my flight from Atlanta to Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Usain Bolt couldn't Get to a gate three concourses away in fifteen minutes! The next flight out was in six hours and Atlanta has no smoking areas whatsoever. I rented a car and drove home. __________________ Tomorrow never comes

09-01-14, 10:19 AM	#7
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,401 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	We have become a society of "me first" attitudes. Too many people simply don't care about the other person or how one person's actions affect other people. It has gone well past the point of apathy and more towards inconsideration. I doubt this will ever change for the better. One solution for the airlines is to increase the prices so they can afford to run their company while offering the customers a value (comfort and safety). I think they have reached the point where cutting costs can be a viable business option. I really don't feel comfortable flying an airline whose business model is "we can cut costs more". Yikes! I have flown far too much for business. The airlines and passengers have eliminated everything that is pleasant or enjoyable about flying. I avoid it as much as I can. Anyone remember Legend Airlines? __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

09-01-14, 09:59 AM	#5
AngusJS Seasoned Skipper Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 746 Downloads: 62 Uploads: 0	I enjoy flying. I always get a window seat, because I never get tired of the view. How else would I have ever seen Greenland or the Canadian Archipelago with my own eyes? I'm 6', and the only time I've had real trouble with leg space was on one of my flights on a Tupolev 174. But that was a relatively short flight, so it was all good. Just remember you're moving at Mach .8 at 30,000 feet. You can put up with some minor inconveniences - just enjoy the ride.

09-01-14, 10:35 AM	#8
Wolferz Navy Seal Join Date: May 2007 Location: On a mighty quest for the Stick of Truth Posts: 5,963 Downloads: 52 Uploads: 0	Moo... HW3 hits the nail on the head. Air travel has gone from pampering the rarified air of the rich to packing the common folk in like cattle. Head 'em up. Move 'em out. Rawhide baby! __________________ Tomorrow never comes

09-01-14, 10:50 AM	#9
HunterICX Rear Admiral Join Date: May 2006 Location: Malaga, España Posts: 10,750 Downloads: 8 Uploads: 0	Well, I never flew to enjoy it to begin with or took busses for that matter, the only public transport I enjoyed where trains but even that has gone to hell with costs cutting too. For a quick long weekend to the Netherlands I don't spend a great deal for my ticket as to me it's just to get to my destination and it's just a 2 1/2 hour flight the alternative would be more costly and is about a 20-22 hour drive. So I either read a book or doze off for 2 1/2 hour. If I do however plan to ever make a visit which requires me to spend 20 hours in an aircraft I rather spend a bit more to have a comfortable flight then a uncomfortable for less. __________________

09-01-14, 10:58 AM	#10
GoldenRivet Subsim Aviator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 8,726 Downloads: 146 Uploads: 0	Just as a tip. At least from the standpoint of my old employer American 1. Book an exit row if possible, they're roomier 2. Only carry on bags if able 3. Use the self check in kiosk 4. If American hasn't sold all of it's first class seats for your flight, you can upgrade from that exit row to first class on most domestic flights for $45 I self upgrade to first class on almost every trip I take. You risk splitting your party up if not traveling solo, but I snagged first class seats home and back for about $300 round trip last time I headed home. Poor scmucks in first class all around me paid 2-3x that price __________________

09-01-14, 11:15 AM	#11
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 191,014 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Not a big fan of flying but always do if and when most convenient. I agree with GR regarding the exit row being roomier but always take into consideration the fact you've a better chance of getting out if the plane ditches in the sea, not that many usually get out anyway What is definitely noticeable is peoples lack of respect towards one another regarding noise and space considerations. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

09-01-14, 01:46 PM	#12
swamprat69er Aceydeucy Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario,Canada Posts: 1,889 Downloads: 11 Uploads: 0	IF i was to voice my thoughts on crowded airplanes and other peoples kids on this forum, I would most likely get tossed in the brig. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That which does not kill us, makes us stronger. We the willing, led by the unsure, have done so much with so little, for so long, that we are now qualified to do anything with nothing.

09-01-14, 04:07 PM	#14
Buddahaid Shark above Space Chicken Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 9,332 Downloads: 162 Uploads: 0	I've rule for SFO to LAX. If I'm staying for more than two days I drive as it takes only 2-3 hours longer to drive door to door, plus I can take along whatever I like. __________________ "However vast the darkness, we must provide our own light." Stanley Kubrick "Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming." David Bowie

09-01-14, 04:15 PM	#15
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 191,014 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	One of the advantages of flying is usually the female flight attendants are more of an attraction than the inflight movies. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!