Published: Monday, November 2, 2009
IN OUR VIEW / AIRLINE TRAVEL
‘Carry-on’ insanity ahead
Remember when airline travel used to be fun?
There was a time when you could take a relaxed trip to the airport, check a bag without pulling out cash, breeze through to the gate, comfortably settle into a seat and await a free in-flight meal. It really wasn’t that long ago that carefree holiday vacations would begin at the bottom of your driveway.
Now, from the near strip-tease required in pre-flight security to the mad scramble to board the plane early to grab space in the overhead bins, downsizing and homeland security have taken nearly all of the fun out of traveling by air.
While we understand that TSA agents are just doing their jobs, it’s hard not to notice a bit of sadistic glee in their eyes as they offer a serious scolding to those who dare bring a yogurt or bottle of water through their checkpoint.
Ever wonder what happens to all of those confiscated items such as extra batteries, suntan lotion, pocketknives, aftershave, lighters and scissors?
It’s gotten to the point where we actually feel sorry for flight attendants. In the past, they offered coffee and tea, a pillow, blanket and complimentary in-flight meal.
Thanks to post 9/11 security and survival-mode cost-cutting by airlines, they’re now serving as regulators and referees on airplanes — patrolling the aisles trying to keep the peace. Some even suggest that it ought to be their job to assure the pilots stay awake and undistracted throughout the flight.
We realize that checking bags is a huge hassle. Aside from the cost, the lengthy wait times and risk of loss or damage offer great incentive to cram everything into a carry on and take your chances at the gate.
Unfortunately, the rules for carry-on baggage are often stretched or ignored by passengers eager to avoid the hassle associated with checking-in at the ticket counter.
Patience and a “wait-your-turn” attitude at the gate are a thing of the past as anxious ticket holders crowd the jet-way and jockey for early entry. Flight attendants now have to look out for the back-of-the-plane travelers who selfishly grab up space in the initial parts of the cabin to avoid carrying their bag all the way back before hoisting it into the overhead bin.
All of this misbehavior could lead to legislative action as Congress is weighing the need for a regulatory approach to manage passenger behavior. In the meantime, holiday air travelers will likely need to fasten their seatbelts and prepare for a bumpy ride.
There was a time when you could take a relaxed trip to the airport, check a bag without pulling out cash, breeze through to the gate, comfortably settle into a seat and await a free in-flight meal. It really wasn’t that long ago that carefree holiday vacations would begin at the bottom of your driveway.
Now, from the near strip-tease required in pre-flight security to the mad scramble to board the plane early to grab space in the overhead bins, downsizing and homeland security have taken nearly all of the fun out of traveling by air.
While we understand that TSA agents are just doing their jobs, it’s hard not to notice a bit of sadistic glee in their eyes as they offer a serious scolding to those who dare bring a yogurt or bottle of water through their checkpoint.
Ever wonder what happens to all of those confiscated items such as extra batteries, suntan lotion, pocketknives, aftershave, lighters and scissors?
It’s gotten to the point where we actually feel sorry for flight attendants. In the past, they offered coffee and tea, a pillow, blanket and complimentary in-flight meal.
Thanks to post 9/11 security and survival-mode cost-cutting by airlines, they’re now serving as regulators and referees on airplanes — patrolling the aisles trying to keep the peace. Some even suggest that it ought to be their job to assure the pilots stay awake and undistracted throughout the flight.
We realize that checking bags is a huge hassle. Aside from the cost, the lengthy wait times and risk of loss or damage offer great incentive to cram everything into a carry on and take your chances at the gate.
Unfortunately, the rules for carry-on baggage are often stretched or ignored by passengers eager to avoid the hassle associated with checking-in at the ticket counter.
Patience and a “wait-your-turn” attitude at the gate are a thing of the past as anxious ticket holders crowd the jet-way and jockey for early entry. Flight attendants now have to look out for the back-of-the-plane travelers who selfishly grab up space in the initial parts of the cabin to avoid carrying their bag all the way back before hoisting it into the overhead bin.
All of this misbehavior could lead to legislative action as Congress is weighing the need for a regulatory approach to manage passenger behavior. In the meantime, holiday air travelers will likely need to fasten their seatbelts and prepare for a bumpy ride.
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