I love flying, even though I don't get to do it too often.
But, really, do you ever wonder why we put up with the stuff we do in the name of air travel?
Herded about like cattle, walking around barefoot with our shoes clutched in our hands, looking for a place to get dressed again, the huddled masses crowding each gate waiting to be told that they're not really leaving at 7:13 after all?
I did my part to ensure national see-cure-it-ee by dutifully placing my liquids in a quart sized Zip-loc bag.
But, do you ever wonder if we are going to look back at this practice and laugh loud and long one day that we thought this would prevent whatever it's supposed to prevent?
Then there's the whole baggage issue.
Airlines charging for the first checked bag, geez.
I was worried that it would cause even more idiots to try to bring all their luggage onto the plane with them, but I was glad to see that the carry-on limit was enforced pretty strictly at American.
I also have to wonder about my own behavior when I fly, too.
When I'm at the airport, I talk to myself like I'm an idiot.
I have a great fear of leaving something somewhere, so my self talk goes something like this:
"OK, stand up. Purse, computer, ticket. Can you see and touch all of these?
Walk to the bathroom. Purse? Computer? Ticket? Check.
Now, leave the bathroom with your purse, your computer and your ticket.
Whew, this is exhausting. I need to sit down after I throw this away.
Walk to the trashcan, throw the paper in there, don't throw your ticket in there, don't throw your ticket in there..."
I also suffer from "boarding bladder", the feeling that you might have to go even when you just went because the plane is getting ready to board.
But, I'm learning to get this particular neurosis under control.
Flying the friendly skies sure has changed.
Recent Entries on Busymom.net:
- Not a digital camera abuser, really.
- Scene from a long car ride
- Home again, home again
- Vacation?
- Need your help
let me know how you control the "boarding bladder"
issue that is one neurosis I would enjoy ditching myself :)
I grew up in an airline family-the multiple 'check'-s are a part of my psyche.
I do, however, love flying for the great people watching. Priceless!
Did you coin that term? Cuz I am a long time sufferer of boarding bladder. I'm glad I know what to call it now.
Maybe I need to cut back on the Urigrow...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3197839031451231764
Next Saturday, I am flying with two kids, ages 2 and six months. By myself. I must have lost my mind. I keep picturing what it is going to be like getting me, the kids, their shoes, bags and the double stroller through security. Oy. I only ask that my fellow flyers don't murder me.
The last time I had air travel, was June of last year. I don't know if they charge for the first luggage checked in but I'm gonna ask my mom---she's the one who constantly flies south for some business trip.
Aw, but I miss flying. It's so much fun looking at those little mountains and trees. :D
What's the clearance clarence?
Your post TOTALLY made me think about back in the like 50's, when they would practice for an atomic bomb by hiding under their desks.... like that would help!
I know! I do that to! And I'm so used to traveling with kids that when I'm alone, I babysit myself! "Let's go to go to the bathroom while we have a chance. No? Are you sure?"
Too, not to.
And I'm a writer by profession.
Ugh.
This is training for when we get to be cattle. Works very nicely.
Are we related?
Ah, yes- the muttering traveler! I, too, mutter at the station/airport/ferry terminal. I find it clears my path, people make lots of room for me.
Just a note to say hello. Found you via Twitter. Totally agree with you on flying. We've flown to Europe multiple times and the only thing that gets easier is the packing. I take very little!
Back when I was a business class flyer, I used to LOVE to fly. Now, without special waiting areas or clubs and having to be hereded with the unwashed masses.... I am not a fan of flying any longer.
Ah yes, the joys of flying. I do a lot of flying in mission work, so I am thankful that I live in a small town and get to fly out of a regional airport. The extra $150 out of San Luis Obispo instead of LA is well worth it. LAX is a hole. Why Angelinos don't attack it with torches and pitchforks is beyond me. I guess it's their only way to escape.
Little SLO town is kinda hippie and laid-back, which makes the check-in process less stressful. I always forget to put my favorite lip gloss in the Ziploc bag, and although I'm sure they must see it, the airline folks let it slip. I can imagine going through LAX and having the security Nazis take away my lip gloss. The horror!
I know, neurotic, but it's the best shade I've ever found, and it's not cheap.
I used to like to fly - I saw it as an excuse to eat unhealthy food in the airport (mmmm...Cinabuns) but our local airport doesn't have any good food and the DHS people are so uptight I'm always afraid of being harassed about bottles or sippy cups and flight attendants just don't seem like happy people these days. There really isn't anything I enjoy about it anymore. And unless it is a really long trip, with security and delays I can almost drive in the same amount of time.
Boarding bladder is just the same as Biker bladder. The minute I get on my bike I need to go - or I THINK I do. Happily, I am not strapped into a small confined space with lots of strangers. Me and the bushes can converge whenever necessary.
I prefer the train.
Hey I saw your name in "Woman's World re your daughters phone. Cool! I said "hey, I know HER!"
I haven't flown since before 9/11..from what I hear, I have no desire to.