Flying.....

Wifey B: While I don't dislike flying as much as hubby, this day is insane. Ok, let's see....had to be at airport at 3:30 AM for 5:30 AM flight. Of course, no baggage check outside but then no one at the counters inside and once finally checked in, then no TSA and then once through them then by gate and no snacks or drinks or food available there. And this is just part 1.

Left at 5:30, supposed to land at 7:22 but by the time we landed and got to the gate and disembarked was 7:55 and had to run a bazillion miles through the airport for an 8:29 departure. That's Part 2.

Take off around 8:45 so not too bad, boarded on time. Murphyfly's law. If connection is short and you're late, then you'll leave on time, probably without your luggage. Due to land 5 hours 19 minutes after scheduled takeoff so around 10:48 AM. Oops.....freaking time zones.

So, lets say we land and exit at 11:00 and pick up baggage or find out it's not there at 11:30 and rental car at noon. That will be 12 hours from the time we left home for the airport and we still have a 35 minute drive to the hotel and lunch since we ate breakfast croissants nearly 12 hours ago although did have an airline breakfast on the flight. If we go to bed at 11:00 tonight we will then have had a 23 1/2 hour day. All to get to the town that gave Johnny Cash the Blues.

Time for a nap.

Music City?

A Nashville Thanksgiving | AtAnchor.com

WifeyB, we both can relate to what you described. I can remember when flying was fun. You put on your good clothes, got all spiffied up and when you boarded the plane you were treated like someone special.


Now, you're just another one of the herd of cattle to be herded onto the plane.


I will say that when we fly to AZ it is a different experience. We are "trusted travelers", whatever that means and we have the pre-check designation on our boarding passes.


The airport we leave from is only 10 minutes from our home. We don't check a bag because we have everything we need in AZ. We show up about 30 minutes before departure, have our boarding passes on my phone, we go through a separate (and much shorter) line through TSA. No shoes off, no belt off, etc., as we pass through. All we have to do is open the computer bag and lay both laptops in separate grey tubs.


I carry two bags, one with the laptops and one with the assorted "stuff" we need in AZ. Easy Peasy.


We fly Allegiant non-stop to AZ, 2 hours and 10 minutes and the last few times we've flown with them it's been aboard new planes.


When we get to AZ (Mesa-Gateway Airport) our rental car is ready to go. Our time in the airport is about 10 minutes.


Then it's off to the In And Out Burger joint for dinner. Then an hour drive to home and the day is done. We take the rental car back the next day and we're all set.


Easy Peasy..

My elderly folks live in the Fla Keys. I have to go there often to help them out. I have flown there ONCE. Absolute sh!tshow. Wilmington NC to Charlotte or Atlanta, then to MIA, then a turboprop to KW. Then I need a rental car. Planes got screwed up and had to manage that. Trip took about 9hrs and was expensive.

I went back to driving my old diesel Jetta. Takes 14.5hr and 20gal of diesel. And all my crap comes with me, I can go on my schedule, and when I get there my car is there too.

Car has done it soooo many times that it knows how to get there. Probably half of the 265,000 miles logged has been up and down I95. Uggggh. Probably will go again in a few weeks.

Sometimes I have to fly for work. Dread it every time. Pretty much decided that if drive is 12hr or less, it is the Jetta and a hotel.

I spent 5 years teaching prospective aircraft mechanics their trade. After seeing who is caring for the equipment these days, I hate to fly too. The years spent as an inspector at overhaul bases didn’t help either. Thank God the older planes were overbuilt and could take a bit of neglect the new ones with all the composite structures, not so much.....

menzies said:

Music City?

A Nashville Thanksgiving | AtAnchor.com

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Wifey B: No. Folsom, CA.

Ski in NC said:

My elderly folks live in the Fla Keys. I have to go there often to help them out. I have flown there ONCE. Absolute sh!tshow. Wilmington NC to Charlotte or Atlanta, then to MIA, then a turboprop to KW. Then I need a rental car. Planes got screwed up and had to manage that. Trip took about 9hrs and was expensive.

I went back to driving my old diesel Jetta. Takes 14.5hr and 20gal of diesel. And all my crap comes with me, I can go on my schedule, and when I get there my car is there too.

Car has done it soooo many times that it knows how to get there. Probably half of the 265,000 miles logged has been up and down I95. Uggggh. Probably will go again in a few weeks.

Sometimes I have to fly for work. Dread it every time. Pretty much decided that if drive is 12hr or less, it is the Jetta and a hotel.

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Wifey B: Like GFC we fly back and forth to our boat left in various place but never carry anything with us. No checking, no carry on. Not too bad.

However, right now we're very busy with a project in SC and we go often to SC and NC. The old line, "You can't get there from here." Soooooooooo true. Everything goes through Atlanta. 4 Hours from FLL to Myrtle Beach. Add in getting to airport early and then getting out of airport and you're over 6 hours. Then toss in that Myrtle Beach sometimes isn't our final destination so another hour. We can drive it in 10 hours. A couple of times when we've had a group we've chartered, but never flown it commercial. Rather just drive it. Our preferred transportation to Myrtle Beach is by boat.

Your Wilmington trip, we have friends who go at least twice or thrice a year and they drive it.

Right now, we've been up 13 1/2 hours today and it's only 1:00 PM where we are. Just finished lunch. Now just working to stay awake till bedtime California time. Our CIO is driving later from San Francisco and so we'll wait for her before going to dinner. She took advantage and visited her family this weekend and is doing the same at the end of the week. They want us to come with her Friday and Saturday. We may just do it. Have to change tickets but no biggie. Could even fly non stop home but the only airline that does that is United and I don't know if I want to do that. Flight is rated a 9.1 though. Might just do it.

We love San Francisco but this would be our first time ever there with locals. And to go to Chinatown with a Chinese, 2nd generation in US, family. I think we're saying yes and doing it.

Flying is like a colonoscopy. From prep to finish, there's nothing to look forward to. At best, it's a dehumanizing necessary evil.

Ted

Hmmm. Time to spare, go by air.

Left for the Bahamas last Friday at 0800. Landed at 1030 and caught the 1130 ferry over to the island.

But then again, I flew myself!

k9medic said:

Hmmm. Time to spare, go by air.

Left for the Bahamas last Friday at 0800. Landed at 1030 and caught the 1130 ferry over to the island.

But then again, I flew myself!

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Wifey B: That's no fun. Water water water fun. Where in Bahamas did you end up?

BandB said:

Wifey B: That's no fun. Water water water fun. Where in Bahamas did you end up?

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We go to green turtle. The boat heads over there on February 28 and we will fly back-and-forth a couple times a month with any luck.

Wifey B: I think my body has somewhat adjusted but my tummy hasn't. Every meal seems later than desired.

Still a wonderful, productive trip working with such professionals and pleasant people with a company that makes software for school systems. Some amazing people helping us in our quest.

Then Friday and Saturday, SF Chinatown with our SF Chinese friends, experiencing it like an insider. Going to be such a wonderful experience.

It's worth the flight after all, although I'll be griping again on Sunday when we leave around 7:00 AM and get to FLL around 8:00 PM.

k9medic said:

We go to green turtle. The boat heads over there on February 28 and we will fly back-and-forth a couple times a month with any luck.

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Wifey B: But you went over without the boat. So sad.

I even feel funny here in California as our last time here was by boat.

I find flying easy these days. Tomorrow at 10:30 the limo will pick me up. Since I fly first class I don’t have to stand in the TSA line. I’ll have lunch in the Delta Sky lounge. Then it’s a direct flight to Kona. By the time I get to bed it will have been a 12 hour trip but the champagne will put right to sleep.

I know i’m Bragging but I didn’t start this thread on flying.

tiltrider1 said:

I find flying easy these days. Tomorrow at 10:30 the limo will pick me up. Since I fly first class I don’t have to stand in the TSA line. I’ll have lunch in the Delta Sky lounge. Then it’s a direct flight to Kona. By the time I get to bed it will have been a 12 hour trip but the champagne will put right to sleep.

I know i’m Bragging but I didn’t start this thread on flying.

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Wifey B: We flew first class but still had to clear TSA. Was no line at that time of morning. Don't think Delta Sky Lounge was open yet but didn't check. We didn't drink on the flight and there is no direct flight from Fort Lauderdale to Sacramento. Yes, we could have gone to the Delta Sky Lounge during out layover but didn't have enough time.

And I still don't like flying but don't hate it as much as my hubby who had to do it all the time for business.

" Time to spare, go by air."


More time yet? Take a jet!

Wifey B: Flying home but from San Francisco. Took a chance on United non stop and only 5 hours 21 minutes and figured that wouldn't be bad watching Super Bowl. Duh....halftime score, 3-0. No offense, just offensive.

Oh, and we departed late, and I quote, "because it took longer than expected to fuel your plane." First time I've been given that excuse. Glad to see they're still able to come up with new, fresh ones. :lol:

Best experience I ever had was flying Upper Class from Orlando to Heathrow on Virgin, probably a dozen times or more.

Limo picked me up at home in JAX, drove me to Orlando. Express through security, etc.
On the flight their were manicures and neck massage folks if you chose to partake. Air hostess turned up with a onesie for me to go to the bathroom to change while she made the bed. Limo picked me up in Heathrow and took me to my destination - all included in the price.

But the best was on the return since they were a UK carrier.

Limo picked me up at my hotel. We drove to Heathrow and went through a back gate. We drew up at a door at the side of the terminal. The driver asked me to stay in my seat while he wound down the back window. A Virgin representative came to the window and asked me the usual baggage questions as the driver popped the trunk and got my bag. My bag was taken away without me touching it. We then drove to another door and I was escorted into the terminal and through expedited security and into the Virgin lounge, where there were massages and pool tables etc.

Whisked onto the flight with more hand and neck massages, onesies and bed making available.

"Best experience I ever had was flying Upper Class from Orlando to Heathrow on Virgin, probably a dozen times or more."

Way to go!!

But folks that pay for their tickets might balk at paying $2,000 or $3,000 for 6 hours of comfort instead of $300.

FF said:

"Best experience I ever had was flying Upper Class from Orlando to Heathrow on Virgin, probably a dozen times or more."

Way to go!!

But folks that pay for their tickets might balk at paying $2,000 or $3,000 for 6 hours of comfort instead of $300.

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Wifey B: Unfortunately, for us, we really have no choice as we're not talking comfort vs. slight discomfort, we're talking mild comfort vs total misery and pain due to hubby's height and the length of his legs. On those occasions we're on planes with no first class for short periods he basically takes his space and mine and I put my legs across his. Seats keep getting smaller and distances between them less and less.

The is a HUGE advantage to just having your own plane, and there's probably several on this list. Seems that flying and boating folks share a lot of common interests.

For trips less that 1000 miles, the light plane (piston single or twin) works quite well. I use to go to the Chicago area (Kenosha, WI) 4 to 6 times a year, and could beat the airline schedule door to door most every time. Heck, by the time I'm seated in a commercial plane, taxing out I'd be well into Georgia with my plane. On the other end, I'm 10 minutes with my plane vs over an hour commercial, plus another 30 min or more getting a car, and rarely took checked luggage.

On the short runs, like WifeyBs FLL to the Carolinas is where the private plane really shines, especially if the commercial is not non stop. Private planes can do that in 3 to 4 hours, on your own schedule. Key West is another. 1:20 for me, 9 to drive, and 3 for commercial that's not reliable.

However, light plane flying does have its drawbacks. The regulations and costs have skyrocketed... worse than boating. One does need the skills and needs to maintain the plane. I'm kinda lucky, also hold a mechanics license with Inspection Authorization credentials.... kinda like being the guy who supervises the mechanics. So, I can hire a mechanic, supervise him and do the paperwork, or I can just do it myself. And, like the boat, have spares on the shelf. And, my significant other is a pilot, too, so I can supervise her and sleep on the long legs. <g>

However, at times, don't know if the plane or boat(s) are more expensive. The trawler has been very reasonable to maintain. The gas inboard/outboards I've had (and currently have) have been more than the plane.

Now, getting back to commercial flying... yes, it sucks, and ain't what it used to be.

Wifey B: Hubby use to fly on company planes all the time and we've used charters, typically Netjets (inside deal from his former employer), a few times. Convenient sometimes but on the whole we just don't have the need for a plane. Like the California trip home, wouldn't have saved all that much time and would have been extremely expensive. Three of four times a year to NC and then to Myrtle Beach and home doesn't bother us driving much because the only time we get out on the highway and go anywhere far in our cars. Now, right now we have a stack of trips to SC and small plane would help there, but that's just a 2019 thing.

Our last long coastal cruise north, we shadowed our boat with different people driving our Sprinter so we always had transportation for a boat load. We put far more miles on it than our cars. Took it on our last SC trip too.

BandB said:

Wifey B: Hubby use to fly on company planes all the time and we've used charters, typically Netjets (inside deal from his former employer), a few times. Convenient sometimes but on the whole we just don't have the need for a plane. Like the California trip home, wouldn't have saved all that much time and would have been extremely expensive. Three of four times a year to NC and then to Myrtle Beach and home doesn't bother us driving much because the only time we get out on the highway and go anywhere far in our cars. Now, right now we have a stack of trips to SC and small plane would help there, but that's just a 2019 thing.

Our last long coastal cruise north, we shadowed our boat with different people driving our Sprinter so we always had transportation for a boat load. We put far more miles on it than our cars. Took it on our last SC trip too.

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Wifey B:

You make some good points. One small plane doesn't work for all trips. One really needs 2 or 3, kinda like boats. The small GA planes shine for the short range and in that 100 to 500 mile range, they a much faster than commercial and not that much slower than Netjets. Although Netjets shines in the 300 to 1500 mile range (non stop range), however, not dirt cheap. But if only a few times a year, cheaper than owning and no upkeep, etc. Going to the west coast, as painful as commercial is, it often makes sense.

Just like boating, flying isn't for all. I just got it into my blood early and have always had a plane, and occasionally access to some pretty nice turboprops and jets. Today I'm probably spending 10x the amount of time on the water, vs flying, out almost every day for a short cruise somewhere.

Seevee said:

Wifey B:

You make some good points. One small plane doesn't work for all trips. One really needs 2 or 3, kinda like boats. The small GA planes shine for the short range and in that 100 to 500 mile range, they a much faster than commercial and not that much slower than Netjets. Although Netjets shines in the 300 to 1500 mile range (non stop range), however, not dirt cheap. But if only a few times a year, cheaper than owning and no upkeep, etc. Going to the west coast, as painful as commercial is, it often makes sense.

Just like boating, flying isn't for all. I just got it into my blood early and have always had a plane, and occasionally access to some pretty nice turboprops and jets. Today I'm probably spending 10x the amount of time on the water, vs flying, out almost every day for a short cruise somewhere.

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Wifey B: Neither of us has ever had the urge to be a pilot. I think when you don't like flying period, it probably doesn't make sense.

BandB said:

Wifey B: Neither of us has ever had the urge to be a pilot. I think when you don't like flying period, it probably doesn't make sense.

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My wife hates to fly. With the help of xanax, valium and whiskey, she does great though.

I only fly if I'm the pilot. I have never been a fan of Nashville. Never seen the appeal. I'm also not a music or TV person so that may be why.

I broke down and applied for TSA Pre-check. Went for my appointment and got my number within a week, even with the government shut down.

Had to fly from New Bern, NC to Atlanta to be with my brother who was having surgery. The security line at New Bern is always short, but I was a bit worried about Atlanta, especially given this was Super Bowl weekend. I must say, that was the best $45 I have ever spent. I zipped right through the check points at both ends, no shoes off, belt off, etc. And then on top of that, I charged it to my Venture Miles card, and Capital One comped me for it!

You definitely want to make an appointment for the Precheck, though. There were two guys in the office at RDU when I went that had been waiting for 3 hours to get processed as a walkin. Only one person processing clients at a time, and no ability to do more.

Mark

" Only one person processing clients at a time, and no ability to do more."


AKA burorat job security.

FF said:

" Only one person processing clients at a time, and no ability to do more."


AKA burorat job security.

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Typical. I got the pre check without applying for anything.... just gave it to me and it's nice. However, not flying commercial a lot these days unless my plane is not with me or it's a really long trip.

So, what does the pre check appointment want and what do they do?

Mine was fingerprinting, ID check (DL & passport), and an "interview" by a marginally literate mouth breather reading a few questions from a sheet of paper - questions were about time I spent in Hungary 20 years ago. More security kabuki.

Generally worth it, IMO - less interaction with other TSA halfwits later.