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General Discussion => Beer and Queso => Topic started by: Limey on August 23, 2011, 10:46:00 am

Title: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 23, 2011, 10:46:00 am
United Airlines to scrap paper charts and manuals, replacing them with iPads (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-airlines-launches-paperless-flight-deck-with-ipad-128240343.html).
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Lurch on August 23, 2011, 11:11:45 am
Shame they must remain off during takeoff and landing
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: VirtualBob on August 23, 2011, 11:18:06 am
They already scrapped customer service ... good to see they are continuing to make progress on the merger.  Lots of newly painted planes, too, which I am planning to view out the window of their competitors' planes if they keep moving this direction.
[/sour]
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: drew corleone on August 23, 2011, 11:32:19 am
Her life was in your hands, Dude.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: MusicMan on August 23, 2011, 11:47:50 am
The hell with that... when do I get my iPhone 5?
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 23, 2011, 11:56:58 am
The hell with that... when do I get my iPhone 5?

End of September (http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/23/us-apple-iphone-idUSTRE77M1P220110823?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews)
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 23, 2011, 11:59:37 am
They already scrapped customer service ... good to see they are continuing to make progress on the merger.  Lots of newly painted planes, too, which I am planning to view out the window of their competitors' planes if they keep moving this direction.
[/sour]

It was simply gobsmacking how much worse Continental got after the merger.  They were pretty shoddy, but United took them down to a whole new world of suck.  I'm off to London shortly...on BA.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: JimR on August 23, 2011, 04:31:00 pm
just flew United to Moscow. it was great.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Navin R Johnson on August 23, 2011, 04:46:35 pm
Been flying CO for about 7 years now, I was really pissed about the merger.  Now every flight is about 40% "elite."  The only thing I like so far is Economy plus.  Maybe it is just the routes I am taking, but their prices out of IAH seemed to have gone through the roof.

For example, have to go to NYC next week.  CO/UA price, $1200.  Thus I am stuck taking US Airways for $315.  At least I get miles....
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Bench on August 23, 2011, 04:54:51 pm
Now every flight is about 40% "elite." 

I noticed that this weekend.  As an elitist, I still had to wait for a variety of "Star Gold" and other frequent flyer levels I never heard of before.  Nearly half the plane was full before they gave the rabble the green light.

Likewise the special "elite" line to get through security at IAH was no shorter than the "regular" line. 

Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Navin R Johnson on August 23, 2011, 05:02:02 pm
Terminal C check-in got upgraded so much that they forgot how to work the TSA lines.   It seems like it is twice as long since they polished up the lobby.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Lurch on August 23, 2011, 05:07:25 pm
Samsung cites 2001: A Space Odyssey (http://www.everythingicafe.com/samsung-cites-2001-a-space-odyssey-to-prove-ipad-not-original/2011/08/23/) to prove Apple didnt invent the iPod form factor

Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Arky Vaughan on August 23, 2011, 11:51:12 pm
Terminal C check-in got upgraded so much that they forgot how to work the TSA lines.   It seems like it is twice as long since they polished up the lobby.

The last time I flew out of Terminal C on a Monday morning, security on both the Elite and non-Elite sides was a nightmare. What was really pleasing is that TSA only had half the lanes open with 200 people in line. I guess they only open all the lanes when it's really crowded.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Arky Vaughan on August 23, 2011, 11:52:57 pm
They already scrapped customer service ... good to see they are continuing to make progress on the merger.  Lots of newly painted planes, too, which I am planning to view out the window of their competitors' planes if they keep moving this direction.[/sour]

I like how Smisek uses "we've repainted hundreds of planes" to tell passengers how much progress they've made on the merger. That's small comfort when your reservations and check-in got botched because they're still figuring out how to fly a combined system. Putting Smisek in front of a camera is a terrible idea.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 24, 2011, 06:34:47 am
I noticed that this weekend.  As an elitist, I still had to wait for a variety of "Star Gold" and other frequent flyer levels I never heard of before.  Nearly half the plane was full before they gave the rabble the green light.

Likewise the special "elite" line to get through security at IAH was no shorter than the "regular" line. 

Ah...suffering through the airport with the hoi polloi.  Madness.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 24, 2011, 06:36:31 am
I like how Smisek uses "we've repainted hundreds of planes" to tell passengers how much progress they've made on the merger. That's small comfort when your reservations and check-in got botched because they're still figuring out how to fly a combined system. Putting Smisek in front of a camera is a terrible idea.

Continental was hands down, the Worst.  Airline.  Ever. before the merger.  I think it getting worse is just your imagination.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Guinness on August 24, 2011, 07:43:38 am
Samsung cites 2001: A Space Odyssey (http://www.everythingicafe.com/samsung-cites-2001-a-space-odyssey-to-prove-ipad-not-original/2011/08/23/) to prove Apple didnt invent the iPod form factor

Heck, they've had them on Star Trek for decades...
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: MusicMan on August 24, 2011, 08:59:46 am
Continental was hands down, the Worst.  Airline.  Ever. before the merger.  I think it getting worse is just your imagination.

Continental was far from the worst.  Fly American much?
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: JimR on August 24, 2011, 09:15:22 am
Continental was hands down, the Worst.  Airline.  Ever. before the merger.  I think it getting worse is just your imagination.

all in the eyes of the beholder. my scout friend who files a million miles during the season says Continental is the best.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Bench on August 24, 2011, 09:22:32 am
Continental was hands down, the Worst.  Airline.  Ever. before the merger.  I think it getting worse is just your imagination.

The is the opposite of true. 
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Navin R Johnson on August 24, 2011, 09:49:55 am
I loved CO too, never had any real problems.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 24, 2011, 09:51:24 am
all in the eyes of the beholder. my scout friend who files a million miles during the season says Continental is the best.

I don't fly a million miles, but I fly three or four times a month.  I cannot stand Continental.  But, everyone's mileage may vary.  Personally, I fly Southwest when I can (and when I can't fly on the corporate jet).
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: MusicMan on August 24, 2011, 09:59:24 am
I don't fly a million miles, but I fly three or four times a month.  I cannot stand Continental.  But, everyone's mileage may vary.  Personally, I fly Southwest when I can (and when I can't fly on the corporate jet).

You're flying within Texas, right?

Continental Express is a very different experience than Continental.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Ty in Tampa on August 24, 2011, 10:08:04 am
I don't fly a million miles, but I fly three or four times a month.  I cannot stand Continental.  But, everyone's mileage may vary.  Personally, I fly Southwest when I can (and when I can't fly on the corporate jet).

Southwest is the official carrier of Ty in Tampa.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 24, 2011, 10:08:21 am
You're flying within Texas, right?

Continental Express is a very different experience than Continental.

Not usually.  I mostly fly SWA whenever I have to fly within Texas, CO to most places outside, though I have to fly CO Express to Colorado when I can't get a private ride.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 24, 2011, 12:08:40 pm
all in the eyes of the beholder. my scout friend who files a million miles during the season says Continental is the best.

I rarely had a problem with CO, until the merger. Since then, they've turned to shit at a speed I didn't think possible.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: hostros7 on August 24, 2011, 12:56:14 pm
I rarely had a problem with CO, until the merger. Since then, they've turned to shit at a speed I didn't think possible.

Agree with this completely.  I have not left on time since the merger.  Delaying a flight for over an hour because the flight attendant slept in and was late to work is a capital offense.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 24, 2011, 01:13:52 pm
Continental Express is a very different experience than Continental.

I flew to Colorado recently, on a Dash 8 run on a CO code share.  Terminal A was a joy, boarding took 5 mins, the flight left on time and arrived 20 minutes early.  If only all flights could be like this.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Bench on August 24, 2011, 01:19:02 pm
I rarely had a problem with CO, until the merger. Since then, they've turned to shit at a speed I didn't think possible.

Ditto.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: MusicMan on August 24, 2011, 01:21:18 pm
Delaying a flight for over an hour because the flight attendant slept in and was late to work is a capital offense.

No.  That did not seriously happen.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: BizidyDizidy on August 24, 2011, 01:25:45 pm
No.  That did not seriously happen.

I had a continental express flight where we were delayed two hours or so and finally the gate agent got on and explained - "The pilot thinks there is something wrong with the plane - maintenance has checked it and thinks it is fine. The pilot refuses to fly this plane, so as soon as we get a new pilot here, we will be on our way."
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Navin R Johnson on August 24, 2011, 01:30:37 pm
I flew to Colorado recently, on a Dash 8 run on a CO code share.  Terminal A was a joy, boarding took 5 mins, the flight left on time and arrived 20 minutes early.  If only all flights could be like this.

Terminal A at IAH?  I have had to take several US Airways flights recently that took off out of there and the TSA line has always been bad to awful.  Most recent trip it took almost 40 minutes because I guess everyone was on a lunch break and they had one lane open.  Maybe it was just bad luck though.  Now the terminal parking at A is fantastic, open spaces everywhere.

Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: MusicMan on August 24, 2011, 01:30:47 pm
I had a continental express flight where we were delayed two hours or so and finally the gate agent got on and explained - "The pilot thinks there is something wrong with the plane - maintenance has checked it and thinks it is fine. The pilot refuses to fly this plane, so as soon as we get a new pilot here, we will be on our way."

That's a hell of a lot more acceptable.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 24, 2011, 01:31:25 pm
I was once on a flight from Reno to Houston (on CO, of course), and we were all boarded and ready to take off.  The flight attendant gets on the PA and says "we cannot take off until five people get off the plane".  When asked if they were overbooked, she said no, they have empty seats, but they didn't have enough fuel to get to Houston, so they had to lighten the load.  When asked why they couldn't get more fuel, she said "we're full of fuel, but this plane cannot fly all the way from Reno to Houston full of passengers."  When asked why CO would book a flight on a plane they knew was incapable of that distance she said "we cannot take off until five people get off the plane."
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: BizidyDizidy on August 24, 2011, 01:32:47 pm
That's a hell of a lot more acceptable.

I was pretty shocked they would tell people the pilot who had just flown the plane there thought it was unsafe to fly. I did not fly on it, but I guess I would've heard if it had crashed.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Bench on August 24, 2011, 01:33:12 pm
That's a hell of a lot more acceptable.

I think you missed the punchline.
Title: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: geezerdonk on August 24, 2011, 01:50:43 pm
I had a continental express flight where we were delayed two hours or so and finally the gate agent got on and explained - "The pilot thinks there is something wrong with the plane - maintenance has checked it and thinks it is fine. The pilot refuses to fly this plane, so as soon as we get a new pilot here, we will be on our way."

This is the pilot you want every time you fly. The pilot is on the plane; the mechanic stays behind. Who has more at stake in the decision? 
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: BizidyDizidy on August 24, 2011, 01:53:06 pm
This is the pilot you want every time you fly. The pilot is on the plane; the mechanic stays behind. Who has more at stake in the decision? 

It was amazing - as soon as they made that announcement I switched to a southwest flight.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 24, 2011, 01:55:53 pm
This is the pilot you want every time you fly. The pilot is on the plane; the mechanic stays behind. Who has more at stake in the decision? 

It was my understanding that the pilot is the sole judge as to whether or not the plane is air worthy.  That a pilot can ground his scheduled flight for any reason.  Perhaps not.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: geezerdonk on August 24, 2011, 01:56:55 pm
I was pretty shocked they would tell people the pilot who had just flown the plane there thought it was unsafe to fly.

It is not uncommon for a mechanical problem to occur during flight. In other words the plane was sound when it left its last stop but during post flight, a new (or previously undiscovered) problem is found. It isn't necessarily that the plane was unsafe; maybe just not as safe as it could be.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: BizidyDizidy on August 24, 2011, 01:57:53 pm
It is not uncommon for a mechanical problem to occur during flight. In other words the plane was sound when it left its last stop but during post flight, a new (or previously undiscovered) problem is found. It isn't necessarily that the plane was unsafe; maybe just not as safe as it could be.

He wasn't willing to make the next flight though, which was the point.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 24, 2011, 02:25:12 pm
It is not uncommon for a mechanical problem to occur during flight. In other words the plane was sound when it left its last stop but during post flight, a new (or previously undiscovered) problem is found. It isn't necessarily that the plane was unsafe; maybe just not as safe as it could be.

Flying back from Mexico City, we were on finals into IAH when I felt the thrust of the engines and we started to level off, then climb.  I said to my colleague "we're going around again."  The announcement came that we were not yet going to land, as they did not get "three greens" on the undercarriage indicator lights.  Yikes!  A few minutes later, the co-pilot came on to "reassure" everyone that he changed the bulb on the non-green light, and now it was green so we were going to proceed with landing.

Softest landing I've ever experienced.  Quietest too, until we were all convinced that we had three sets of wheels under us, at which point there was a collective exhaling.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: MusicMan on August 24, 2011, 02:44:34 pm
Hearing an engine go out during take off is a sub-par experience.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: MRaup on August 24, 2011, 03:22:19 pm
Hearing an engine go out during take off is a sub-par experience.

When flying in to Denver on a Pioneer flight a while back, the pilot forgot to turn off the intercom right away after making his about to land announcement. After hearing the landing gear being put down, the pilot distinctly said "whoops!" in a kind of 'ha-ha I fucked up' kind of way before a heads-up stewardess hit her intercom to drown him out.

Needless to say, it was a tense few minutes coming in to land.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Ty in Tampa on August 24, 2011, 03:28:27 pm
It was amazing - as soon as they made that announcement I switched to a southwest flight.

I would have been right there with you. How many other people got off the plane?
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: BizidyDizidy on August 24, 2011, 03:35:31 pm
I would have been right there with you. How many other people got off the plane?

Seemed like quite a few left - luckily it was work so I just called up the travel department and it was pretty painless.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: JimR on August 24, 2011, 03:41:20 pm
I would have been right there with you. How many other people got off the plane?

if the pilot won't go, neither will i.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Ebby Calvin on August 24, 2011, 06:59:42 pm
if the pilot won't go, neither will i.

My mom was a Delta flight attendant for 35 years (retired shortly after 9/11).  Despite all the shit she talked about pilots in general, this was the one thing she wouldn't budge on.

Since I flew Delta free for the first 23 years of my life, I'm only a decade or so into "commercial" air travel.  In my opinion, they all suck.  Just different degrees of suck.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: JimR on August 24, 2011, 07:01:40 pm
My mom was a Delta flight attendant for 35 years (retired shortly after 9/11).  Despite all the shit she talked about pilots in general, this was the one thing she wouldn't budge on.

Since I flew Delta free for the first 23 years of my life, I'm only a decade or so into "commercial" air travel.  In my opinion, they all suck.  Just different degrees of suck.

my uncle was an airline executive for 40 years or more and at WWII fighter pilot. that was his rule: i'm with the pilot.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: VirtualBob on August 25, 2011, 09:12:29 am
Continental was hands down, the Worst.  Airline.  Ever. before the merger.  I think it getting worse is just your imagination.
Wrong -- After 3 million miles on American I switched to Continental 3 yeas ago and it was WONDERful by comparison.  Am on target for a million miles on CO/UA by the end of 2012, but at the rate they are sucking I may give up.  The fact that I am even considering moving back to American shocks me.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: VirtualBob on August 25, 2011, 09:13:56 am
I rarely had a problem with CO, until the merger. Since then, they've turned to shit at a speed I didn't think possible.
Exactly. My. Experience.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 09:45:55 am
Wrong -- After 3 million miles on American I switched to Continental 3 yeas ago and it was WONDERful by comparison.  Am on target for a million miles on CO/UA by the end of 2012, but at the rate they are sucking I may give up.  The fact that I am even considering moving back to American shocks me.

If CO is the best you got, I cannot imagine the ass raping you get from everyone else. 
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: JimR on August 25, 2011, 09:48:18 am
Exactly. My. Experience.

i guess i do not fly enough to recognize suck. i have had positive experiences with UA.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 10:06:01 am
i guess i do not fly enough to recognize suck. i have had positive experiences with UA.

Since the UA take-over, I have had nothing but aggravation.  Terrible check-in experiences, despite doing as much in advance as possible; fucked up seat assignments because of changing equipment and just because of [shrug]; stripped down service; and ridiculous pricing for in-flight food that used to be free and is now MMPUS cost* without the quality.

* I'm already paying for my share of the fuel it takes to carry the food on the flight, so it adds insult to indigestion to try to make me pay $7 for cheese and crackers because I'm on a plane.  I won't, but some people connecting or traveling with kids won't have that choice.  I've already paid the location cost, so charge me what it's worth...nothing.  Oh, and don't get me started on six-fiddy for a Miller Lite....
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 10:18:16 am
Oh, and don't get me started on six-fiddy for a Miller Lite....

Anyone who drinks Miller Lite deserves to be insulted.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: BizidyDizidy on August 25, 2011, 10:22:17 am
Since the UA take-over, I have had nothing but aggravation.  Terrible check-in experiences, despite doing as much in advance as possible; fucked up seat assignments because of changing equipment and just because of [shrug]; stripped down service; and ridiculous pricing for in-flight food that used to be free and is now MMPUS cost* without the quality.

* I'm already paying for my share of the fuel it takes to carry the food on the flight, so it adds insult to indigestion to try to make me pay $7 for cheese and crackers because I'm on a plane.  I won't, but some people connecting or traveling with kids won't have that choice.  I've already paid the location cost, so charge me what it's worth...nothing.  Oh, and don't get me started on six-fiddy for a Miller Lite....

As a socia-communist, you may be surprised to learn that in America the cost of things need not be tied to their cost of production.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 10:28:23 am
As a socia-communist, you may be surprised to learn that in America the cost of things need not be tied to their cost of production.

Right.  But free to 15x production value is quite a jump.  Instead of that, I'd rather they go "full Southwest", leave the snacks on the ground and save the fuel.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: chuck on August 25, 2011, 10:48:25 am
Right.  But free to 15x production value is quite a jump.  Instead of that, I'd rather they go "full Southwest", leave the snacks on the ground and save the fuel.

I say they should charge a fat fucker premium. Who cares about a couple of packets of peanuts when the guy next to me clocks in at 350?
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Bench on August 25, 2011, 10:48:29 am
Since the UA take-over, I have had nothing but aggravation.  Terrible check-in experiences, despite doing as much in advance as possible; fucked up seat assignments because of changing equipment and just because of [shrug]; stripped down service; and ridiculous pricing for in-flight food that used to be free and is now MMPUS cost* without the quality.

We had a direct flight from Boston to Houston on Sunday.  Checked the luggage in at Logan about 1:45 before the flight.  Only one bag made it to Houston. 
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: BizidyDizidy on August 25, 2011, 10:50:15 am
I say they should charge a fat fucker premium. Who cares about a couple of packets of peanuts when the guy next to me clocks in at 350?

Despite being a fat fucker myself, I would be okay with this if it meant the tickets for my wife and son were dirt cheap.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: chuck on August 25, 2011, 10:52:30 am
We had a direct flight from Boston to Houston on Sunday.  Checked the luggage in at Logan about 1:45 before the flight.  Only one bag made it to Houston. 

I once flew from Miami to Houston. I got there two hours before the flight and the flight was delayed three hours. My bag somehow did not make it onto the flight. Not enough time to root through all my shit for items of value or interest, apparently.

If you guys want to have some real fun with airport and airline aggravation move to Miami.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: BudGirl on August 25, 2011, 11:04:46 am
I rarely travel via airplane, but when I do, I prefer Southwest.

The thing I hate is charging for luggage.  Just add it to the ticket price.  I've been fortunate that I've never had luggage lost/stolen.  I guess they realize there isn't anything of value in there.  Unless I'm bringing booze back but even then good experiences.

If I'm that hungry before a flight, I'll pick something up on the concourse, should be better than what I'd get on the plane.

Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 11:05:23 am
I say they should charge a fat fucker premium. Who cares about a couple of packets of peanuts when the guy next to me clocks in at 350?

There should also be an IQ test.  To fly SWA, you should have to demonstrate that you can count to 30.  Of course, that would halve their customer base.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 11:08:26 am
The thing I hate is charging for luggage.  Just add it to the ticket price.

They should charge for carry-ons.  Not only that, if you bring shit onto the plane, it sits in your lap.  Carry-on luggage is responsible for more flight delays than all of the fat fuckers, mechanical problems, overslept flight attendants and drunk pilots combined.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Bench on August 25, 2011, 11:11:05 am
If you guys want to have some real fun with airport and airline aggravation move to Miami.

That airport is a third world country. 
Title: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: geezerdonk on August 25, 2011, 11:17:29 am
Who cares about a couple of packets of peanuts when the guy next to me clocks in at 350?

How is Carlos as a travel companion?
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: BudGirl on August 25, 2011, 11:22:25 am
They should charge for carry-ons.  Not only that, if you bring shit onto the plane, it sits in your lap.  Carry-on luggage is responsible for more flight delays than all of the fat fuckers, mechanical problems, overslept flight attendants and drunk pilots combined.

+1  I check just to not have to deal with that shit.  Plus, I hate using the facilities on a plane, so I always have to use the facilities afterwards.  Plenty of time to take my time and pick up my bag.  My ride, taxi or whatever will be there when I'm ready.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 11:36:44 am
They should charge for carry-ons.  Not only that, if you bring shit onto the plane, it sits in your lap.  Carry-on luggage is responsible for more flight delays than all of the fat fuckers, mechanical problems, overslept flight attendants and drunk pilots combined.

Carry on is necessity for some business travelers and parents with kids.  Everyone else should check their bags.

I carry on when I have to make connections but, otherwise, unless I'm traveling very light (just a briefcase or laptop bag), I check my bag.  The fact that I am charged to check a bag - which is no bother to anyone except me - but not to carry on - which is a bother to everyone around and behind me on the plane and in any line at the airport - makes absolutely no sense.

Charging for carry ons and not for checked bags is the way to fix this.  It speeds up everything at the airport, assuming that the airline has its shit together at the bag drop*.

* CO doesn't have a bag drop at Newark.  Ridiculous.  Coming back from NYC, I prepaid for my checked bag and only needed to drop it off.  I was forced into the check-in line, which itself wasn't too bad, but there were only two people servicing the wide swath of check-in terminals, and they stuck the ends never coming to the middle where I was.  I tried to get either attendant and two different supervisors before finally finding a third supervisor to take my bag.  It was great he helped, but I could've done without being called a liar as to how long I'd been waiting (about 20 minutes post tag-printing at that point).  All-in-all, it took an hour to drop a prepaid bag.  If I had been tight on time, I would've still been in security when the door closed.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 11:51:43 am
Just musing to myself (NTTAWWT)...I wonder if charging for checked bags is a way for airlines to get us to travel lighter.  Also, anyone know if they have to pay per bag / by volume for baggage handling?
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 12:23:23 pm
Carry on is necessity for some business travelers and parents with kids.  Everyone else should check their bags.

If it's necessary, then they have to keep it in their laps. 

Quote
Charging for carry ons and not for checked bags is the way to fix this.  It speeds up everything at the airport, assuming that the airline has its shit together at the bag drop*.

And the bag drop doesn't have to be at the ticket counter.  They could easily gate check everything.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: VirtualBob on August 25, 2011, 12:28:03 pm
i guess i do not fly enough to recognize suck. i have had positive experiences with UA.
I would say something about blind hogs and acorns, but I would not want to give offense ... at least by mistake.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: VirtualBob on August 25, 2011, 12:28:59 pm
Anyone who drinks Miller Lite deserves to be insulted.
+1
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Jacksonian on August 25, 2011, 12:35:08 pm
If it's necessary, then they have to keep it in their laps. 

For those with very small children it's not possible if travelling as the only parent.  Kid in lap.  Bag on floor.  Of course that is a very small percentage of travelers and easily identifiable for checking/speed purposes.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 12:36:04 pm
If it's necessary, then they have to keep it in their laps. 

There's a very good reason why this is a bad idea: I don't want to be hit in the face by the bag of the bloke sitting next to me when we hit turbulence.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 12:49:00 pm
For those with very small children it's not possible if travelling as the only parent.  Kid in lap.  Bag on floor.  Of course that is a very small percentage of travelers and easily identifiable for checking/speed purposes.

The kid shouldn't be in your lap.  It should be in the seat next to you...the seat for which you purchased a ticket.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 12:49:48 pm
There's a very good reason why this is a bad idea: I don't want to be hit in the face by the bag of the bloke sitting next to me when we hit turbulence.

Did I fail to mention the new rules on being allowed to smack the idiots sitting next to you?  There are lot of legitimate reasons.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: JimR on August 25, 2011, 12:50:36 pm
I would say something about blind hogs and acorns, but I would not want to give offense ... at least by mistake.

why should that stop you?
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 12:54:14 pm
I say they should charge a fat fucker premium. Who cares about a couple of packets of peanuts when the guy next to me clocks in at 350?

Remember when kids used to fly cheaper than adults?  If the cost of fuel makes weight so sensitive now that it costs $6 to take aloft a packet of peanuts, then passengers should be charged by the pound; bodies and baggage.  It wouldn't be a bargain for me, but at least I'd know that the behemoth next to me occupying part of me seat is at least paying for it.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 01:01:57 pm
Remember when kids used to fly cheaper than adults?  If the cost of fuel makes weight so sensitive now that it costs $6 to take aloft a packet of peanuts, then passengers should be charged by the pound; bodies and baggage.  It wouldn't be a bargain for me, but at least I'd know that the behemoth next to me occupying part of me seat is at least paying for it.

They should charge a fee for the short fuckers too.  And the weak fuckers.  If you aren't tall enough, or strong enough to take your shit in and out of the overhead bin without it falling on people, they charge you $1,000 extra.  Each way.

And if you attempt to walk down the aisle with a backpack on, you immediately get fined.  And dope slapped by everyone in an aisle seat.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Andyzipp on August 25, 2011, 01:34:49 pm
They should charge a fee for the short fuckers too.  And the weak fuckers.  If you aren't tall enough, or strong enough to take your shit in and out of the overhead bin without it falling on people, they charge you $1,000 extra.  Each way.

And if you attempt to walk down the aisle with a backpack on, you immediately get fined.  And dope slapped by everyone in an aisle seat.

How fat is this backpack you speak of?
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 01:39:05 pm
How fat is this backpack you speak of?

Fat enough to whack every person you pass, each time you turn around, as you're attempting to drag your overstuffed non-carry-on down the aisle.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Andyzipp on August 25, 2011, 01:43:18 pm
Fat enough to whack every person you pass, each time you turn around, as you're attempting to drag your overstuffed non-carry-on down the aisle.

Ah.  It never occurred to me that people wouldn't try to avoid hitting other people until I started traveling.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 01:43:46 pm
They should charge a fee for the short fuckers too.  And the weak fuckers.  If you aren't tall enough, or strong enough to take your shit in and out of the overhead bin without it falling on people, they charge you $1,000 extra.  Each way.

Prevention is better than retribution.  Make everyone test the size of their carry on, and put the frame above head height.  If you can't get it up there yourself, check that sucker.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: WakePhil on August 25, 2011, 01:46:57 pm
They should charge a fee for the short fuckers too.  And the weak fuckers.  If you aren't tall enough, or strong enough to take your shit in and out of the overhead bin without it falling on people, they charge you $1,000 extra.  Each way.

And if you attempt to walk down the aisle with a backpack on, you immediately get fined.  And dope slapped by everyone in an aisle seat.

How about the woman bringing two big, open bags of groceries and a huge purse? "I can't put these in the overhead, they'd spill out!" Turns to the rest of the plane, "Can you believe this woman (the flight attendant), Continental is the worst!"

Forced exit at cruising altitude?
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 01:50:02 pm
How about the woman bringing two big, open bags of groceries and a huge purse? "I can't put these in the overhead, they'd spill out!" Turns to the rest of the plane, "Can you believe this woman (the flight attendant), Continental is the worst!"

Forced exit at cruising altitude?


Or the guy who thinks that his jacket is the only thing that should be allowed in the overhead.  9 people have to use that bin, asshole.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Andyzipp on August 25, 2011, 01:50:53 pm
Or the guy who thinks that his jacket is the only thing that should be allowed in the overhead.  9 people have to use that bin, asshole.

Jackets are hung up in the little closet in fir...oh right.  Yeah!  Bad jacket people!
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Bench on August 25, 2011, 01:50:59 pm
Or the guy who thinks that his jacket is the only thing that should be allowed in the overhead.  9 people have to use that bin, asshole.

That one kills me every time.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: BatGirl on August 25, 2011, 02:01:35 pm
i learned recently that you can bring all manner of food aboard a plane
but arriving to one's seat with a beer is considered a "big no-no"
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 02:05:04 pm
i learned recently that you can bring all manner of food aboard a plane
but arriving to one's seat with a beer is considered a "big no-no"

Out of curiosity, how did you get the beer to the plane?  Beers are too big to check, and typically you're not allowed to leave an alcohol service area with an alcoholic beverage.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 02:05:42 pm
Jackets go on top of bags, or can be conveniently hung up on the tray table toggle.

I have been on a plane when someone took someone (else's) bag out of the overhead, put it in the aisle, put theirs up in its place and took their seat.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: BatGirl on August 25, 2011, 02:07:31 pm
bought it along with a small fruit salad just before boarding at IAH
it was open and i was consuming it in full view of everyone
the only person that mentioned anything at all was the flight attendant standing in my row as i sat down
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 02:08:01 pm
i learned recently that you can bring all manner of food aboard a plane
but arriving to one's seat with a beer is considered a "big no-no"

Especially if you're the pilot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hL6nXfBhj0).
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 02:09:55 pm
I have been on a plane when someone took someone (else's) bag out of the overhead, put it in the aisle, put theirs up in its place and took their seat.

Oh I see that all the time.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 02:11:07 pm
Oh I see that all the time.

I always carry on bar soap wrapped in a towel for such things.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 02:11:48 pm
bought it along with a small fruit salad just before boarding at IAH

Fruit salad without beer is like bangers without mash.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 02:11:57 pm
bought it along with a small fruit salad just before boarding at IAH
it was open and i was consuming it in full view of everyone
the only person that mentioned anything at all was the flight attendant standing in my row as i sat down

Ah...nothing washes down a fruit salad like a frosty brewskie...

Sounds like they frowned upon leaving the purchase area with an open container.  I bring those little airplane liquor bottles on all the time. 
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 02:13:13 pm
I always carry on bar soap wrapped in a towel for such things.

Yep.  It's like people automatically think there are no more rules of behavior, as soon as they step through the door.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: BatGirl on August 25, 2011, 02:19:39 pm
Ah...nothing washes down a fruit salad like a frosty brewskie...

Sounds like they frowned upon leaving the purchase area with an open container.  I bring those little airplane liquor bottles on all the time. 

for the record, the fruit salad was going to be the chaser
who can eat that while standing around holding 5 carry-on bags?

(and, let the record reflect, another "big no-no" is asking to be allowed to finish the beer)
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 02:22:03 pm
Yep.  It's like people automatically think there are no more rules of behavior, as soon as they step through the door.

A friend of mine was traveling back from the UK with his wife and three kids, ranging from <2 to 6 years old (the kids, not the wife).  He had got seats assigned so that he was on a bank of 3 with the 2 older kids, and his wife was nearby with the baby.  Some a-hole was sitting in his assigned seat, suggested that my friend ask someone else to move if he wanted to sit with his kids, and then made a big drama about moving to his own assigned seat elsewhere on the plane.

Honestly, how I have completed any flight without justice-beating someone to within an inch of their life is beyond me.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 02:22:36 pm
Yep.  It's like people automatically think there are no more rules of behavior, as soon as they step through the door.

See also freeways and grocery stores.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 02:24:00 pm
(and, let the record reflect, another "big no-no" is asking to be allowed to finish the beer)


Your mistake was asking.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: BatGirl on August 25, 2011, 02:42:02 pm
i also asked her if it was such a big deal
how did we make it to our seats with them?

she considered the bottles of shiner
and said it was probably because everyone thought it was root beer

regardless, the next time i travel i'm bringing longneck koozies
because it's about safety first
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: HudsonHawk on August 25, 2011, 03:05:03 pm
i also asked her if it was such a big deal
how did we make it to our seats with them?

she considered the bottles of shiner
and said it was probably because everyone thought it was root beer

regardless, the next time i travel i'm bringing longneck koozies
because it's about safety first

3 oz. or less in a clear zip-top baggie...
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 03:08:03 pm
3 oz. or less in a clear zip-top baggie...

Has to be in a 3oz container, in a zip lock baggie.  I once had a near-empty tube of toothpaste confiscated because the container size was 3.2oz.  They don't care about the amount, just the container size.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Bench on August 25, 2011, 03:15:45 pm
Has to be in a 3oz container, in a zip lock baggie.  I once had a near-empty tube of toothpaste confiscated because the container size was 3.2oz.  They don't care about the amount, just the container size.

And the baggie must be quart sized and you may bring only one.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: MusicMan on August 25, 2011, 03:28:10 pm
Yep.  It's like people automatically think there are no more rules of behavior, as soon as they step through the door.

Thanks a lot, bin Laden.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: VirtualBob on August 25, 2011, 03:59:16 pm

And if you attempt to walk down the aisle with a backpack on, you immediately get fined.  And dope slapped by everyone in an aisle seat.
I already do that (except the fining part) ... it is absolutely outrageous the way some of these people plow a path through shoulders and chins.  I always grab the strap and give it a hefty jerk.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 04:02:51 pm
I already do that (except the fining part) ... it is absolutely outrageous the way some of these people plow a path through shoulders and chins.  I always grab the strap and give it a hefty jerk.

TZ Airlines - sit the fuck down and shut the fuck up!

Fly the Unfriendly Skies.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: VirtualBob on August 25, 2011, 04:03:24 pm
See also freeways and grocery stores.
Yeah ... I politely (more or less) asked some jerk at HEB the other day, "Isn't this the 5-item line?" ... he grumbled away in a huff and the checker gave me a dirty look too before finally catching the spirit and almost laughing out loud.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: VirtualBob on August 25, 2011, 04:04:30 pm
And the baggie must be quart sized and you may bring only one.
I sneak in with 1 Liter bags from Europe all the time.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Astroholic on August 25, 2011, 04:05:01 pm
I sneak in with 1 Liter bags from Europe all the time.
rebel.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: VirtualBob on August 25, 2011, 04:05:10 pm
TZ Airlines - sit the fuck down and shut the fuck up!

Fly the Unfriendly Skies.
Sign me up.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Andyzipp on August 25, 2011, 04:07:17 pm
TZ Airlines - sit the fuck down and shut the fuck up!

Fly the Unfriendly Skies.

It goes without saying that we get to bring back this:



(http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/southwestairlinesflightattendent.jpg)
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: MusicMan on August 25, 2011, 04:11:53 pm
It goes without saying that we get to bring back this:

That all depends on who's doing the flight attending.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 04:13:44 pm
That all depends on who's doing the flight attending.

Easy (http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lgh4pp4Mzk1qea0odo1_400.jpg)
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Andyzipp on August 25, 2011, 04:25:42 pm
That all depends on who's doing the flight attending.

Obviously I was referring to someone resembling the girl in the foreground, rather than Phillip Seymour Hoffman displayed in the background.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: 94CougarGrad on August 25, 2011, 04:26:09 pm
Shame they must remain off during takeoff and landing

SFN
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: 94CougarGrad on August 25, 2011, 04:38:47 pm
My husband's flying to London soon for a conference. British Airways. A colleague at the university, who has flown BA all his life, informed him that they were the only way to go, ever.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: hostros7 on August 25, 2011, 04:41:34 pm
My husband's flying to London soon for a conference. British Airways. A colleague at the university, who has flown BA all his life, informed him that they were the only way to go, ever.

Except when they downgrade you from first class because they need to use a smaller plane and offer you a pittance for your trouble.  I'll never fly BA again, unless I have to which is a shame because the trip there in my little pod laden with booze and movies was quite lovely. 
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 25, 2011, 04:44:27 pm
My husband's flying to London soon for a conference. British Airways. A colleague at the university, who has flown BA all his life, informed him that they were the only way to go, ever.

I've had issues with BA before, but if you're flying between Houston and London direct, they're the only choice.  The 4 fare classes give you pricing flexibility and the free drinks help to pass the time.  CO does have a better entertainment system on board (although what's more entertaining than free drinks?), but I know people who have had the 777 swapped out for a United 767, which are shit reportedly.

BA also has a better schedule, and you get to leave from Terminal D, which is a breeze compared to C or E.  You have to have your parking sorted though, as you end up at E on the way back to go through immigration & customs.  You need to know where the inbetween parking is, or park offsite.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: WakePhil on August 26, 2011, 08:30:58 am
Has to be in a 3oz container, in a zip lock baggie.  I once had a near-empty tube of toothpaste confiscated because the container size was 3.2oz.  They don't care about the amount, just the container size.

Was trading stories with a guy in the security line and he said that TSA wouldn't let him bring this antique tea pot through. It did not have anything in it, but the TSA guy said, "It could contain more than 3oz." Ridiculous, I could hold 3+ oz of liquid in all sorts of places, like my shoe....oh, right.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 26, 2011, 09:28:25 am
Was trading stories with a guy in the security line and he said that TSA wouldn't let him bring this antique tea pot through. It did not have anything in it, but the TSA guy said, "It could contain more than 3oz." Ridiculous, I could hold 3+ oz of liquid in all sorts of places, like my shoe....oh, right.

Before getting on the plane, I've usually got a couple of pints in my belly.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: MusicMan on August 26, 2011, 09:33:08 am
Before getting on the plane, I've usually got a couple of pints in my belly.

A friend once declared the two liters of vodka he brought back from Moscow in his liver.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: 94CougarGrad on August 26, 2011, 02:41:16 pm
I've had issues with BA before, but if you're flying between Houston and London direct, they're the only choice.  The 4 fare classes give you pricing flexibility and the free drinks help to pass the time.  CO does have a better entertainment system on board (although what's more entertaining than free drinks?), but I know people who have had the 777 swapped out for a United 767, which are shit reportedly.

BA also has a better schedule, and you get to leave from Terminal D, which is a breeze compared to C or E.  You have to have your parking sorted though, as you end up at E on the way back to go through immigration & customs.  You need to know where the inbetween parking is, or park offsite.

He's actually flying out of DFW, but it is direct. Since it's on the university's dime, I'm sure he's in BA's version of coach, which his colleague feels is still superior to American-based airlines' coach sections. Something about the chair space for sitting and sleeping.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Guinness on August 26, 2011, 02:44:20 pm
When we were flying back and forth from London a lot BA was our first choice, as they had more room.  I always thought it was down to Airbus vs Boeing.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: austro on August 26, 2011, 03:40:40 pm
When we were flying back and forth from London a lot BA was our first choice, as they had more room.  I always thought it was down to Airbus vs Boeing.

It's the airline's choice. The seating is very flexible, it's just a question of how the airline chooses to lay it out.
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Limey on August 26, 2011, 05:08:48 pm
He's actually flying out of DFW, but it is direct. Since it's on the university's dime, I'm sure he's in BA's version of coach, which his colleague feels is still superior to American-based airlines' coach sections. Something about the chair space for sitting and sleeping.

I have heard that economy seats on US airlines are bigger than economy eats on non-US airlines because...well...Americans are fat.  I have no personal knowledge, however, never having flown economy on BA (I am in premium economy this trip, which has extra Leroy).
Title: Re: Your Life in Steve Jobs' Hands
Post by: Lefty on August 26, 2011, 05:58:43 pm
little pod laden
Holy shit, there's more of 'em?