My job requires that I sit at a desk most of the time, and I rarely (if ever) travel by plane for work. I’ve often lamented that the farthest place I get to visit seems to be Haysville (no offense to the folks there, of course, but New York and LA seem to have a bit more to do).
But I flew a couple times recently for vacation, and I must say this travel business seems to be getting harder by the day.
On the first leg of my trip, United Airlines rerouted me on American Airlines due to weather holdups. I was told I would have to pay to check my second bag, but in the end I didn’t have to because I’d booked my ticket before the new policy was set. Sweet.
But on the way back, United didn’t have such a lenient policy. Ticked, of course, I refused to pay, took my luggage and rolled away. What I didn’t think about was that second suitcase is where my toiletries were, so as I went through airport security, I was stopped for having liquids, gels and lotions.
So I lost my shampoo. Then my conditioner. Then my Keri — oh so very — lotion. I quickly started tabulating just how much this would cost. More than checking my luggage? When the nice guy from TSA (”Ma’am, please do not touch the luggage.”) eyed my Clinque eye makeup remover ($17.50!), I knew I’d have to face the walk of shame back to the check-in counter with my luggage. Thankfully, the Clinque made it through.
I lost five items in all, two of which I keep forgetting to rebuy, so each morning as I’m getting ready, I silently curse United.
Still, if the paper suddenly needs me to cover some business news in, say, London, hey, I’ll be happy to pay to check that second bag. Heck, I’ll even spring for the first.
2 Comments
I fly between London and New York every few weeks. If your paper suddenly needs you to cover some business news in London, I suggest you fly Virgin Atlantic.
You get to check two bags, and are allowed one carry-on, along with a handbag.
The staff are always pleasant, even funny, and they feed you well.
I flew in on Tuesday, and not only did I get dinner, but pretzels, a choice of juice or soda, water, ice cream (in addition to the dessert), and a brownie with coffee a few hours later. They will give you as much juice, soda, and/or water as you want.
The planes are always clean. In addition, they give you a nice little bag with some useful items, like flight slippers and a toothbrush. Pillows and blankets are standard.
I never take the miserable American carriers.
All the more reason to improve rail transportation. Even if not suitable for very long distances perhaps it would reduce the congestion at airports and make flying better for the long-haul traveller.
A side benefit of rail for Kansas. Instead of being ‘fly-over’ territory we might then get people to stop and see what’s here as they travel cross-country. When I toured Europe I visited numerous out-of-the-way places and found them much more interesting than the regular tourist stops.