Hobby Airport

[HudsonHawk]

If you haven't been to Hobby recently (and by recently I mean in the last few months), you're in for a treat the the next time you do. They've recently started to open up all the renovations they've been doing the last few years, and it looks fantastic. They've almost completely restored the original 1920's art deco look, as well as drastically increasing the ease of movement and functionality. At any rate, I spend a fair amount of time in an airport, and they've really done a nice job with this one.

[Limey]

On a related topic, IAH has added a fast track immigration and custom system for those with carry on only.  When you enter the immigration hall, there's a couple of lines before you get into the snake that are for this fast track.  You clear both immigration and customs at the immigration window, then take a slightly roundabout route to the main concourse, bypassing all the lines.

Saved me about an hour on a recent flight returning from Mexico.

Next trick:  add a security line for those without carry on.  If you're going to charge me for checking a bag, I want to get some benefit from it.

[Trey]

On a related topic, IAH has added a fast track immigration and custom system for those with carry on only.  When you enter the immigration hall, there's a couple of lines before you get into the snake that are for this fast track.  You clear both immigration and customs at the immigration window, then take a slightly roundabout route to the main concourse, bypassing all the lines.

Saved me about an hour on a recent flight returning from Mexico.

So, I can look forward to more people having carry-ons the size of a small elephant?

[subnuclear]

So, I can look forward to more people having carry-ons the size of a small elephant?

Delta made me check my bag for being too thick even though it was a short overnight bag.  So apparently, they are doing some filtering.

[Limey]

So, I can look forward to more people having carry-ons the size of a small elephant?

Well, to be fair, the carry-on only line is only relevant to international travelers, and most of those will have checked a suitcase.

But, I agree that "Carry-on" is absolutely insane right now.  This whole thing about charging for checked bags, driving people to carry on when they might otherwise check bags, makes absolutely no sense.  The way they enforce carry on rules now means that 75% of the people going through security have two bags and need 2 or 3 plastic bins.

I recently travelled to Biloxi on a golf trip, so I checked my (carry-on sized) case and my golf clubs.  That cost me $55 each way - which annoyed me but I knew this in advance so I just factored it into the overall cost of the trip.  However, what was worse was that I was going through security with a book and my iPod, but was stuck in line for nearly an hour while supposedly professional travellers clusterfucked their way through the checkpoint.  If they're charging to check bags - they should open a separate "no bags" security lane.

There is clearly a massive disconnect between the airlines, the airports and the TSA.  Seems to me that checked bags are safer than carry-on, because they cannot be accessed during flight.  The airlines could alleviate the security crunch by encouraging people to check bags but, instead, they force many more people to carry on (my company won't pay for checked bags without pre-approval), making security a joke, putting pressure on the bag screeners and making the simple task of getting on and off the plane a fucking disaster.

[MikeyBoy]

Well, to be fair, the carry-on only line is only relevant to international travelers, and most of those will have checked a suitcase.

But, I agree that "Carry-on" is absolutely insane right now.  This whole thing about charging for checked bags, driving people to carry on when they might otherwise check bags, makes absolutely no sense.  The way they enforce carry on rules now means that 75% of the people going through security have two bags and need 2 or 3 plastic bins.

I recently travelled to Biloxi on a golf trip, so I checked my (carry-on sized) case and my golf clubs.  That cost me $55 each way - which annoyed me but I knew this in advance so I just factored it into the overall cost of the trip.  However, what was worse was that I was going through security with a book and my iPod, but was stuck in line for nearly an hour while supposedly professional travellers clusterfucked their way through the checkpoint.  If they're charging to check bags - they should open a separate "no bags" security lane.

There is clearly a massive disconnect between the airlines, the airports and the TSA.  Seems to me that checked bags are safer than carry-on, because they cannot be accessed during flight.  The airlines could alleviate the security crunch by encouraging people to check bags but, instead, they force many more people to carry on (my company won't pay for checked bags without pre-approval), making security a joke, putting pressure on the bag screeners and making the simple task of getting on and off the plane a fucking disaster.

afuckingmen, brother.

[Alkie]

Well, to be fair, the carry-on only line is only relevant to international travelers, and most of those will have checked a suitcase.

But, I agree that "Carry-on" is absolutely insane right now.  This whole thing about charging for checked bags, driving people to carry on when they might otherwise check bags, makes absolutely no sense.  The way they enforce carry on rules now means that 75% of the people going through security have two bags and need 2 or 3 plastic bins.

I recently travelled to Biloxi on a golf trip, so I checked my (carry-on sized) case and my golf clubs.  That cost me $55 each way - which annoyed me but I knew this in advance so I just factored it into the overall cost of the trip.  However, what was worse was that I was going through security with a book and my iPod, but was stuck in line for nearly an hour while supposedly professional travellers clusterfucked their way through the checkpoint.  If they're charging to check bags - they should open a separate "no bags" security lane.

There is clearly a massive disconnect between the airlines, the airports and the TSA.  Seems to me that checked bags are safer than carry-on, because they cannot be accessed during flight.  The airlines could alleviate the security crunch by encouraging people to check bags but, instead, they force many more people to carry on (my company won't pay for checked bags without pre-approval), making security a joke, putting pressure on the bag screeners and making the simple task of getting on and off the plane a fucking disaster.

And you want the gov't to be in charge of retirement money, schools for children under 18, and basic crime security and fire putting outting.

[Limey]

And you want the gov't to be in charge of retirement money, schools for children under 18, and basic crime security and fire putting outting.

At least.

[Outlawscotty]

And you want the gov't to be in charge of retirement money, schools for children under 18, and basic crime security and fire putting outting.

and health care.  Don't forget the health care.

[Bench]

and health care.  Don't forget the health care.

I really like parks as well. Pretty trees.

[JimR]

I really like parks as well. Pretty trees.

i wonder if free beer could be provided?

[MusicMan]

i wonder if free beer could be provided?

Only the German Socialists did that.  And we saw how that ended up.

[homer]

Only the German Socialists did that.  And we saw how that ended up.

11 posts in. Good job.

[HudsonHawk]

Well, to be fair, the carry-on only line is only relevant to international travelers, and most of those will have checked a suitcase.

But, I agree that "Carry-on" is absolutely insane right now.  This whole thing about charging for checked bags, driving people to carry on when they might otherwise check bags, makes absolutely no sense.  The way they enforce carry on rules now means that 75% of the people going through security have two bags and need 2 or 3 plastic bins.

I recently travelled to Biloxi on a golf trip, so I checked my (carry-on sized) case and my golf clubs.  That cost me $55 each way - which annoyed me but I knew this in advance so I just factored it into the overall cost of the trip.  However, what was worse was that I was going through security with a book and my iPod, but was stuck in line for nearly an hour while supposedly professional travellers clusterfucked their way through the checkpoint.  If they're charging to check bags - they should open a separate "no bags" security lane.

There is clearly a massive disconnect between the airlines, the airports and the TSA.  Seems to me that checked bags are safer than carry-on, because they cannot be accessed during flight.  The airlines could alleviate the security crunch by encouraging people to check bags but, instead, they force many more people to carry on (my company won't pay for checked bags without pre-approval), making security a joke, putting pressure on the bag screeners and making the simple task of getting on and off the plane a fucking disaster.

As a frequent business traveler, I agree with your sentiment here.  Nothing is more annoying than having to wait behind some yahoo screening two suitcases, their purse, their computer bag, their backpack and their stroller.  And then act suprised that their keys and pocket change set off the alarm and have to go through the metal detector twice.  This same yahoo then tries to load the same shit on the plane, only they don't have the stoller to carry the kids, so they're trying to carry them with their purse, backpack and computer bag slung over their shoulder, smacking everyone in the aisle seats, and constantly spinning around trying to pull their damn suitcases.  They then get royally pissed when there is no overhead space left.  Only slightly less annoying are the kids traveling alone, which are everywhere now that summer is here.  They wouldn't be so bad, except that they are kids and cannot sit still in their seat for an hour, which means they're jumping up and down, kicking the seat in front of them, screaming at each other and spilling their hot cocoa.

And I'm usually not even in a hurry.  I don't mind the waiting, necessarily, I just mind that people who are the most intrusive act like they're the only people attempting to get on the plane.

On a side note though, even when I only carry on my "messenger bag", it takes me three bins; one for my computer, one for the bag and one for my shoes, phones, keys, belt, watch, wallet and change.

[hostros7]

On a side note though, even when I only carry on my "messenger bag", it takes me three bins; one for my computer, one for the bag and one for my shoes, phones, keys, belt, watch, wallet and change.

Same here, but the system makes it so.  I travel with at most a laptop bag and a hanging bag.  I have my liquids in my laptop bag.  I take those out, take out my laptop, shoes, wallet, keys, blackberry.  If I'm wearing a suit, the jacket has to come off as well.  My hanging bag doesn't need to be opened and goes right on the conveyor belt.  That requires three bins.  The hold up isn't ever because of how many bins one uses.  The hold up is because Joe Traveler doesn't know all the stupid hoops TSA requires one to jump through these days.  I don't blame them; I just try and not be behind them in line. 

[HudsonHawk]

Same here, but the system makes it so.  I travel with at most a laptop bag and a hanging bag.  I have my liquids in my laptop bag.  I take those out, take out my laptop, shoes, wallet, keys, blackberry.  If I'm wearing a suit, the jacket has to come off as well.  My hanging bag doesn't need to be opened and goes right on the conveyor belt.  That requires three bins.  The hold up isn't ever because of how many bins one uses.  The hold up is because Joe Traveler doesn't know all the stupid hoops TSA requires one to jump through these days.  I don't blame them; I just try and not be behind them in line. 

It never ceases to amaze me at those in line who are dumbfounded that they have to take off their shoes.  "Since when?", they whine.  "Ummmm...since 9 years ago, dumbass".

[Guinness]

Same here, but the system makes it so.  I travel with at most a laptop bag and a hanging bag.  I have my liquids in my laptop bag.  I take those out, take out my laptop, shoes, wallet, keys, blackberry.  If I'm wearing a suit, the jacket has to come off as well.  My hanging bag doesn't need to be opened and goes right on the conveyor belt.  That requires three bins.  The hold up isn't ever because of how many bins one uses.  The hold up is because Joe Traveler doesn't know all the stupid hoops TSA requires one to jump through these days.  I don't blame them; I just try and not be behind them in line. 

I don't necessarily think it's a new thing.  In the late 90s we lived in Dublin and I travelled a lot, usually with no notice, and always thought there should be a line for business travellers and for regular people.

[HudsonHawk]

I don't necessarily think it's a new thing.  In the late 90s we lived in Dublin and I travelled a lot, usually with no notice, and always thought there should be a line for business travellers and for regular people.

Back in the late 90's, you didn't have to even slow down to go through "security", at least here in the US.  You didn't have to have a boarding pass, show an ID, take off your clothes...nothin'.  Just throw whatever you had on the conveyor belt and walk through the metal detector. 

[Limey]

Same here, but the system makes it so.  I travel with at most a laptop bag and a hanging bag.  I have my liquids in my laptop bag.  I take those out, take out my laptop, shoes, wallet, keys, blackberry.  If I'm wearing a suit, the jacket has to come off as well.  My hanging bag doesn't need to be opened and goes right on the conveyor belt.  That requires three bins.  The hold up isn't ever because of how many bins one uses.  The hold up is because Joe Traveler doesn't know all the stupid hoops TSA requires one to jump through these days.  I don't blame them; I just try and not be behind them in line. 

When I do an overnight to Mexico City, I take my expandable computer bag.  I wear my suit jacket with jeans, and put my suit pants, shirt, tie, fresh grundies, toiletries in the middle section.  At the security point, that's one bag that goes through on its own, one bin for the laptop, and one bin for shoes, jacket, liquids, belt and watch (keys are in the case).

Oh, and while we're talking about travel fuckwittery: the plonker who decides to sort out all of his shit at the conveyor belt is going to get bowled over by yours truly, who has picked up all his shit and is trying to get out of everyone's way.

[MusicMan]

When I do an overnight to Mexico City, I take my expandable computer bag.  I wear my suit jacket with jeans, and put my suit pants, shirt, tie, fresh grundies, toiletries in the middle section.  At the security point, that's one bag that goes through on its own, one bin for the laptop, and one bin for shoes, jacket, liquids, belt and watch (keys are in the case).

Do you guys understand that not everyone is living out George Clooney's "Up in the Air" role?

Oh, and while we're talking about travel fuckwittery: the plonker who decides to sort out all of his shit at the conveyor belt is going to get bowled over by yours truly, who has picked up all his shit and is trying to get out of everyone's way.

I'm all in favor of separate lines for frequent travelers.

[BudGirl]

You guys would love being behind me in a security line.  I check my luggage because I don't want to worry about going through security.  I put my purse in the bag with my book and whatever else I need for trip.  I usually wear clothes that do not require me taking them off (i.e a jacket or belt) and I wear shoes that slip on and off.  I use only one bin.

[HudsonHawk]

Oh, and while we're talking about travel fuckwittery: the plonker who decides to sort out all of his shit at the conveyor belt is going to get bowled over by yours truly, who has picked up all his shit and is trying to get out of everyone's way.

I have mixed feelings about that.  On one hand, I collect my things, and try to get out of the way before I start getting dressed again.  But often there is some dickweed shoving me out of the way, reaching into the xray machine trying to grab his shit, while mine is still coming out.  I'll try to get out of the way as soon as possible, but I didn't make the rules.  If you're in that big of a hurry, you need to get in line sooner.  If you travel frequently, you know the drill and should shut the fuck up about how time consuming it is.  If you don't travel frequently, you should still shut the fuck up about how time consuming it is.

[HudsonHawk]

You guys would love being behind me in a security line.  I check my luggage because I don't want to worry about going through security.  I put my purse in the bag with my book and whatever else I need for trip.  I usually wear clothes that do not require me taking them off (i.e a jacket or belt) and I wear shoes that slip on and off.  I use only one bin.

All of this is well and good going through security, but when it comes your time to buy a round at the bar, is your purse available or do you say "oops, I left my money in my checked bag"?

[BudGirl]

All of this is well and good going through security, but when it comes your time to buy a round at the bar, is your purse available or do you say "oops, I left my money in my checked bag"?

Why would I be buying a round?  And the purse is in the bag with the book and magazine.

[HudsonHawk]

Do you guys understand that not everyone is living out George Clooney's "Up in the Air" role?

Absolutely.  Do the rest of you understand that some people are?  Do you realize that you're not the only ones trying to get on the plane?  Do you realize that airport security is different now than it was in 1978, the last time you flew?

I'm all in favor of separate lines for frequent travelers.

Some airports tried that, but it didn't work to well.  Everyone ended up in the frequent traveler line, no matter what.

[HudsonHawk]

Why would I be buying a round?

So you'd expect me to pay?

  And the purse is in the bag with the book and magazine.

Checked?

[Limey]

I have mixed feelings about that.  On one hand, I collect my things, and try to get out of the way before I start getting dressed again.  But often there is some dickweed shoving me out of the way, reaching into the xray machine trying to grab his shit, while mine is still coming out.  I'll try to get out of the way as soon as possible, but I didn't make the rules.  If you're in that big of a hurry, you need to get in line sooner.  If you travel frequently, you know the drill and should shut the fuck up about how time consuming it is.  If you don't travel frequently, you should still shut the fuck up about how time consuming it is.

The dickweed you describe gets a swift rejoinder from me.

As for knowing how time-consuming it is, I agree.  What fucks me off are the selfish pricks who think we should all get out of their way, but they don't need to get out of ours.  Get there in time, or buy a jet!

Which brings me to the people who think that they can move your bag, from immediately above your head, to somewhere else so they can put their bag up there.  Presumably they think I can stick my bag up my arse.

[BudGirl]

So you'd expect me to pay?

If you wanted to get to know me.

Checked?

nope, that is the only carry on i have.  I usually put it under the seat because it fits.  I hate trying to put a suitcase in the overhead bin.  That is just an accident waiting to happen.

[HudsonHawk]

Which brings me to the people who think that they can move your bag, from immediately above your head, to somewhere else so they can put their bag up there.  Presumably they think I can stick my bag up my arse.

I saw this on a plane once:

Passenger A has his bag overhead and is sitting down in his seat.  Passenger B comes along, removes Passenger A's bag and moves it several bins away to put his bag overhead, then climbs over Passenger A to get in his window seat.  Passenger A then gets up, retrieves his bag from several bins away, removes Passenger B's bag from overhead and places it on the floor.  He puts his own bag back up overhead then sits back down.

Only slightly less annoying than the "bag mover" is the guy who thinks the entire overhead bin is his and his alone, and that whatever he has needs to be physically seperated from all other bags.  And raises holy hell if you dare to put your bag in the same bin as his, as if he paid for his bag to fly first class.

[Alkie]

Passenger A has his bag overhead and is sitting down in his seat.  Passenger B comes along, removes Passenger A's bag and moves it several bins away to put his bag overhead, then climbs over Passenger A to get in his window seat.  Passenger A then gets up, retrieves his bag from several bins away, removes Passenger B's bag from overhead and places it on the floor.  He puts his own bag back up overhead then sits back down.

Find Passenger A so I can pay for his next beer.   That man is a real hero.

[MusicMan]

Absolutely.  Do the rest of you understand that some people are?  Do you realize that you're not the only ones trying to get on the plane?  Do you realize that airport security is different now than it was in 1978, the last time you flew?

Of course.  But I'm not the one complaining that lesser travelers haven't developed my refined packing skills.

[HudsonHawk]

If you wanted to get to know me.

What if I already know more about you than I wanted?

nope, that is the only carry on i have.  I usually put it under the seat because it fits.  I hate trying to put a suitcase in the overhead bin.  That is just an accident waiting to happen.

On almost every flight, some poor schlub gets cold cocked from someone trying to drag their heavy bag out of the overhead bin.  I always offer assistance, as I am taller and stronger than most folks, particularly little old ladies, but it never fails that they say "no, I got it" then proceed to drop the bag on the head of the poor guy sitting in front of them.

[HudsonHawk]

Of course.  But I'm not the one complaining that lesser travelers haven't developed my refined packing skills.

No one is complaining that they aren't seasoned travelers, we're complaining that they refuse to acknowledge
this fact.

[homer]

Only slightly less annoying than the "bag mover" is the guy who thinks the entire overhead bin is his and his alone, and that whatever he has needs to be physically seperated from all other bags.  And raises holy hell if you dare to put your bag in the same bin as his, as if he paid for his bag to fly first class.

I've seen this guy put his bag and/or jacket in on one side and then close the overhead bin as to appear full.

[BudGirl]

What if I already know more about you than I wanted?

Then why would you have bought the first round or stayed around for a second?  And honestly, I don't sit at the bar in airports.  So, it really wouldn't be an issue.

On almost every flight, some poor schlub gets cold cocked from someone trying to drag their heavy bag out of the overhead bin.  I always offer assistance, as I am taller and stronger than most folks, particularly little old ladies, but it never fails that they say "no, I got it" then proceed to drop the bag on the head of the poor guy sitting in front of them.

And that is why I check my bag.

[HudsonHawk]

I've seen this guy put his bag and/or jacket in on one side and then close the overhead bin as to appear full.

I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he thinks it's courteous to close the lid.  But...every inch of that overhead is fair game and that jacket or birthday cake you put up there is subject to getting sandwiched in between other objects to the extent I can crush them.  You don't want your jacket to get wrinkled, ask the flight attendent to hang it up for you.  The overhead bin is NOT your own personal space in which to lay out your clothes.

[HudsonHawk]

Then why would you have bought the first round or stayed around for a second?

Maybe I like what I found out about you.

  And honestly, I don't sit at the bar in airports.  So, it really wouldn't be an issue.

Well, we said you were with me...so...

[Limey]

On almost every flight, some poor schlub gets cold cocked from someone trying to drag their heavy bag out of the overhead bin.  I always offer assistance, as I am taller and stronger than most folks, particularly little old ladies, but it never fails that they say "no, I got it" then proceed to drop the bag on the head of the poor guy sitting in front of them.

On a slightly related note...

I'm waiting for the elevator.  It's morning, and I have yet to have any caffeine.  Two ladies wander up just as the lift arrives.  It's the one nearest them, so it's easy for me to be chivalrous, and let them board first.  They amble in the general direction of the door, but it closes before they get on.  They then stand in the way of the call button - without pressing it.  More than a little miffed now, I proffer a loud "Excuse me!" and press the button.  They laugh sheepishly and crack some lame joke about slowing me down.  No shit, lady!

By the time the next elevator arrives, 4 million people have showed up to get on.  I am on the highest floor for that bank of elevators.  We stop at every other floor along the way.

ETA:  When I drive in rush hour, I have what I call my "zero tolerance" policy.  Mostly this means that I don't go out of my way to get out of your way.  If you want in my lane, there's space right behind me, because there's none in front.  If you're in the wrong lane, the only way you'll learn is by getting stuck out there.  Next time, maybe you'll plan ahead and not be a cocksucker.

I believe that it's circa 100% of the time that the driver to whom you show courtesy, will then fuck you over so fast it makes your head spin.

[HudsonHawk]

On a slightly related note...

I'm waiting for the elevator.  It's morning, and I have yet to have any caffeine.  Two ladies wander up just as the lift arrives.  It's the one nearest them, so it's easy for me to be chivalrous, and let them board first.  They amble in the general direction of the door, but it closes before they get on.  They then stand in the way of the call button - without pressing it.  More than a little miffed now, I proffer a loud "Excuse me!" and press the button.  They laugh sheepishly and crack some lame joke about slowing me down.  No shit, lady!

By the time the next elevator arrives, 4 million people have showed up to get on.  I am on the highest floor for that bank of elevators.  We stop at every other floor along the way.

When the other elevator arrived, you should have shouted "I shall now board this lift in fulfillment of the prophecy!"  Ten bucks says half of them wait for the next one.

[Ebby Calvin]

When the other elevator arrived, you should have shouted "I shall now board this lift in fulfillment of the prophecy!"  Ten bucks says half of them wait for the next one.

I am totally doing that this week.

[BudGirl]

Maybe I like what I found out about you.

Well, we said you were with me...so...

that isn't the way you said you knew all you wanted to know.

and when did I/we say I was with you?  I said I was in front of you in line. 

[HudsonHawk]

that isn't the way you said you knew all you wanted to know.

What if this one thing...something I really didn't want to know...is so wonderful that I don't want to know anything else?

and when did I/we say I was with you?  I said I was in front of you in line. 

Yeah well, I'm pretty good at picking up chicks at the airport.

[BudGirl]

What if this one thing...something I really didn't want to know...is so wonderful that I don't want to know anything else?

Yeah well, I'm pretty good at picking up chicks at the airport.

That something would be me and you should be picking up chicks at the airport since you are married.

[Bench]

If y'all end up getting a room, please provide Mikeyboy with a written description.

[JimR]

If y'all end up getting a room, please provide Mikeyboy with a written description.

excellent!

[BudGirl]

If y'all end up getting a room, please provide Mikeyboy with a written description.

I'm not going anywhere with him.  He's turned into a stalker.

[JackAstro]

I'm waiting for the elevator.

Sure, I'm with you. Go on.

Two ladies wander up just as the lift arrives.

Wait, what? Where'd the elevator go?

...it's easy for me to be chivalrous.

OK, OK. What the fuck does that even mean? QUIT MAKING UP WORDS AND SPEAKING FUCKING ENGLISH.

[MusicMan]

OK, OK. What the fuck does that even mean? QUIT MAKING UP WORDS AND SPEAKING FUCKING ENGLISH.

SAY WHAT AGAIN!

[Astroholic]

If y'all end up getting a room, please provide Mikeyboy with a written description.

nominated.  Oh wait can I do this?

[Limey]

SAY WHAT AGAIN!

YTIFY

[Outlawscotty]

On a slightly related note...

I'm waiting for the elevator.  It's morning, and I have yet to have any caffeine.  Two ladies wander up just as the lift arrives.  It's the one nearest them, so it's easy for me to be chivalrous, and let them board first.  They amble in the general direction of the door, but it closes before they get on.  They then stand in the way of the call button - without pressing it.  More than a little miffed now, I proffer a loud "Excuse me!" and press the button.  They laugh sheepishly and crack some lame joke about slowing me down.  No shit, lady!

By the time the next elevator arrives, 4 million people have showed up to get on.  I am on the highest floor for that bank of elevators.  We stop at every other floor along the way.

ETA:  When I drive in rush hour, I have what I call my "zero tolerance" policy.  Mostly this means that I don't go out of my way to get out of your way.  If you want in my lane, there's space right behind me, because there's none in front.  If you're in the wrong lane, the only way you'll learn is by getting stuck out there.  Next time, maybe you'll plan ahead and not be a cocksucker.

I believe that it's circa 100% of the time that the driver to whom you show courtesy, will then fuck you over so fast it makes your head spin.

Contrary to what the law says, what the books say, what your instructor said, and what you believe is the right thing to do, and when you make up your mind about which lane you need to switch into, don't use your blinker.  This is the warning to the people around you that you really need over, but their interpretation is 'Fuck You'--'Fuck You'--'Fuck You'--'Fuck You'--'Fuck You' in unison with the blinking light as they speed up to prevent such a move.  I watch this develop from afar and it happens almost every time.

[JackAstro]

SAY WHAT AGAIN!

ENGLISH MOTHERFUCKER! DO YOU SPEAK IT?!?

[Bench]

Contrary to what the law says, what the books say, what your instructor said, and what you believe is the right thing to do, and when you make up your mind about which lane you need to switch into, don't use your blinker.  This is the warning to the people around you that you really need over, but their interpretation is 'Fuck You'--'Fuck You'--'Fuck You'--'Fuck You'--'Fuck You' in unison with the blinking light as they speed up to prevent such a move.  I watch this develop from afar and it happens almost every time.

And that's why you'll never see a police officer ever use his turn signal.  Ever. 

That or they think the law doesn't apply to them.

[Limey]

Contrary to what the law says, what the books say, what your instructor said, and what you believe is the right thing to do, and when you make up your mind about which lane you need to switch into, don't use your blinker.  This is the warning to the people around you that you really need over, but their interpretation is 'Fuck You'--'Fuck You'--'Fuck You'--'Fuck You'--'Fuck You' in unison with the blinking light as they speed up to prevent such a move.  I watch this develop from afar and it happens almost every time.

The problem is that there should not be space in front for another car to take.  If you can speed up into the gap, you should've been there in the first place.  I never have to pull this move, because behind me is the only space you'll get.  You'll be amazed at how much aggravation you can save simply by being positive about where you are and where you're going.  Dithering will get you in a world of shit every time.

[AtascAstro]

The problem is that there should not be space in front for another car to take.  If you can speed up into the gap, you should've been there in the first place.  I never have to pull this move, because behind me is the only space you'll get.  You'll be amazed at how much aggravation you can save simply by being positive about where you are and where you're going.  Dithering will get you in a world of shit every time.

The entirety of my father's driving advice:  Do it like you mean it.

[JaneDoe]

The problem is that there should not be space in front for another car to take.  If you can speed up into the gap, you should've been there in the first place.  I never have to pull this move, because behind me is the only space you'll get.  You'll be amazed at how much aggravation you can save simply by being positive about where you are and where you're going.  Dithering will get you in a world of shit every time.

Right.  Unless of course there is an undercover cop with an axe to grind on Superbowl Sunday.  Who gives you a ticket for 68 in a 65 (WTF?) and for following too close (in heavy traffic--which he wrote on the ticket).  There was room for a car and a half in front of me.

[Lurch]

Right.  Unless of course there is an undercover cop with an axe to grind on Superbowl Sunday.  Who gives you a ticket for 68 in a 65 (WTF?) and for following too close (in heavy traffic--which he wrote on the ticket).  There was room for a car and a half in front of me.

65+ with a car and a half in front of you?  Look, I'm an aggressive driver, but thats fucking stupid.

[Limey]

Right.  Unless of course there is an undercover cop with an axe to grind on Superbowl Sunday.  Who gives you a ticket for 68 in a 65 (WTF?) and for following too close (in heavy traffic--which he wrote on the ticket).  There was room for a car and a half in front of me.

Can't legislate for dickishness.

Conversely, a colleague of mine was trying to get over the to southbound lanes of 59 at 610, from the northbound only lane*.  A old Crown Vic was next to him, but there was a big gap in front.  My colleague punched it and put on his blinker but, before he could get over, the Crown Vic sped up.  He blocked him out until the wall, at which point my colleague had to slam on the brakes, and he managed to get in behind.  It was at that point, the undercover cop in the old Crown Vic put his lights on.

The cop strolled up to my colleague's truck, and demanded his documents.  My colleague handed them over and demanded the cop's badge number.  The cop was taken aback, but when it was pointed out that a safe passing move was turned into a near crash by the cop's overly-aggressive driving, the cop backed off.  Said he was just trying to get home, and that he'd let it slide.

He then put his lights on to get back into traffic, pushed his way into the left lane on 59 and did about 90 mph all the way past the Beltway.  My colleague was on his butt the whole time.

* This is a move that bugs the shit out of me, because I want to take the northbound exit, but it's clogged with people jamming on their brakes as they desperately try to get over to the southbound lanes.  Fuckers.

[austro]

65+ with a car and a half in front of you?  Look, I'm an aggressive driver, but thats fucking stupid.

That's why you and I live here and they still live in Houston.

[JaneDoe]

65+ with a car and a half in front of you?  Look, I'm an aggressive driver, but thats fucking stupid.

A car and a half, meaning what a normal car plus its normal following space and another half following space.  Not just a car and a half.

[Limey]

A car and a half, meaning what a normal car plus its normal following space and another half following space.  Not just a car and a half.

According to the UK Highway Code, you should allow enough distance between you and the car in front so that, if it somehow came to a dead stop, you'd still have time to stop.  At 60 mph, they estimate the overall stopping distance to be 73 metres, or 18 car lengths.

[JaneDoe]

According to the UK Highway Code, you should allow enough distance between you and the car in front so that, if it somehow came to a dead stop, you'd still have time to stop.  At 60 mph, they estimate the overall stopping distance to be 73 metres, or 18 car lengths.

Right. In Houston traffic.  Cars passed me on either side going at least 10 mph faster than me.

[EasTexAstro]

When I moved to Houston, I swore I would never be the aggressive driver. I soon learned how to be. Blood pressure medication is expensive.

I have now learned how fun it can be to be the driver that everyone wants to get around because I am taking my merry time driving slowly.

I understand being shot could be more expensive than the BP medication, but I am willing to take my chances for now.

[Outlawscotty]

The problem is that there should not be space in front for another car to take.  If you can speed up into the gap, you should've been there in the first place.  I never have to pull this move, because behind me is the only space you'll get.  You'll be amazed at how much aggravation you can save simply by being positive about where you are and where you're going.  Dithering will get you in a world of shit every time.

My point is that if I wanted in front of you at any point in time, including when you think there is no room, I won't telegraph my move by asking please.  The answer nine times out of ten is 'Fuck you and your blinker, I'm in a hurry', when it's obvious they're just being an asshole.

[Limey]

My point is that if I wanted in front of you at any point in time, including when you think there is no room, I won't telegraph my move by asking please.  The answer nine times out of ten is 'Fuck you and your blinker, I'm in a hurry', when it's obvious they're just being an asshole.

If you're not eating, drinking, texting, jamming a cell phone in your ear, putting on make up, shaving or otherwise inspecting your lower intestine, you can tell what a driver wants to do by watching where he/she is looking and at the behaviour of the car*.  I don't need a blinker to know if you want to get in my lane.

* For example, before someone makes an unannounced lane change, they invariably back off from the car in front and drift over to the side of their lane that is next to where they want to go.

[Andyzipp]

If you're not eating, drinking, texting, jamming a cell phone in your ear, putting on make up, shaving or otherwise inspecting your lower intestine, you can tell what a driver wants to do by watching where he/she is looking and at the behaviour of the car*.  I don't need a blinker to know if you want to get in my lane.

* For example, before someone makes an unannounced lane change, they invariably back off from the car in front and drift over to the side of their lane that is next to where they want to go.

This only works if the person in question actually knows where they want to go in advance of actually going.  Which is at best a 50/50 bet.

[Limey]

This only works if the person in question actually knows where they want to go in advance of actually going.  Which is at best a 50/50 bet.

Then the trick is to seal them off, so that they cannot lunge into your space when they suddenly wake up.  The trick to sealing them off is that they cannot fail to see you as soon as realisation dawns.  If you're hiding in their blind spot (see Limey, the former Mrs), expect to have trouble.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

If you're hiding in their blind spot (see Limey, the former Mrs), expect to have trouble.

Wait, are we still talking about traffic?

[Limey]

Wait, are we still talking about traffic?

Yes, we are.  But I understand the confusion.

[Lurch]

If you're hiding in their blind spot (see Limey, the former Mrs), expect to have trouble.

Scuffing sitter after sitter?