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Crane's Corner 7-2-08
Thursday 07-03-2008 9:33am PT
If you'e of a certain age, you may remember when flying was fun. The planes were roomier, the flight attendants friendlier and on long flights you could count on a free meal and a first run movie. In fact people used to dress up to fly.
Fast forward to 2008. The big jets are gone with the airlines fighting soaring jet fuel prices with smaller more efficient planes. The experience on most airlines is anything but pleasant.
Now arrive at the airport two hours in advance and brace yourself. Decision time. Should you check that steamer trunk of a suit case or pay 25 bucks to have the airline check it for you? Another 25 if it weighs more than 50 pounds.
Then it's onto security. Did you remember to pack no more than 3 ounce tubes and bottles? Otherwise, and this happened to me, you can keep your razor but they'll take your toothpaste. Oh and don't forget to take off your belt and your shoes and inform the surly guard of the pacemaker which will get you a personal search.
If you booked ahead or paid extra, you've got a window or an aisle seat. Otherwise you're trapped in the middle seat with a guy who hasn't bathed and a woman who smacks her chewing gum and makes 5 trips to the bathroom. Want a beer? 5 bucks – exact change please. A snack — that's another 5. And no we can't turn the air conditioning on because it burns fuel. Since your in row 27, expect about 20 minutes to exit the plane as everyone retrieves the oversized carry-on they brought aboard. Then you can wait for the golf clubs you paid 50 dollars to check that didn't make the flight.
It's those pesky fuel prices that are making that nightmare an everyday scenario. Even if you're flying on miles, it might cost you 50 bucks to book the trip.
I don't know about you, but if any airline would just raise prices, bring back the amenities, stop nickel and diming me, and give some space, they'd have a customer for life.
Thursday 05-29-2008 1:35pm PT
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© 2008