For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: Fear of Flying!
United Airlines said Friday it will start requiring minimum stays for nearly all domestic flights beginning in October. It is also raising its cheapest fares by as much as $90 one-way....United and US Airways last week joined American Airlines in charging passengers $15 to check their first piece of luggage.
Minimum stays. Baggage fees. Fuel surcharges. Is all this nickel-and-diming impacting your vacation/business travel plans? Or, with the price of gas, does it still make more sense to fly than drive?
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Vacation close to home
June 21, 2008 - 11:14 ET by BlondeThere are fabulous places to visit within a tank of gas of every one of us here. I was in Key West last week, and in Sarasota this week....what a wonderful beach!
I had a fabulous time when I went to San Fran last January, and there were too many wonderful things to see and do in just three days.
So vacation close to home, & the heck with the idiot airlines. They have to raise their rates to cover their fuel, but this "nickel & dime" stuff (not quite the appropriate term at the rates they're charging, though) is irritating beyond belief. Just raise the bloody fares, already, and be done with it. Oh, and try to provide the service.
After my trip to Atlanta last month, I'm never flying Delta again. First rule of Customer Service, don't p**s off your customer!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Well said, Blonde
June 21, 2008 - 11:27 ET by sarcasmoThere are plenty of fun spots close by that I've never seen, too. And on the subject of airlines, Walter Williams latest column is great. Because his last three columns have been great, I'm linking to the archive. It's Saturday, read all 3!
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Airport Tyranny
June 21, 2008 - 11:34 ET by BlondeNice article, Sarc. I didn't know that the TSA "agents" had that kind of authority. Holy smokes, Batman! Furthermore, that none of the 3,000 complaints against TSA agents (nasty pieces of work, IMO) have resulted in disciplinary action.
And this is the government the dems want to run healthcare & refineries? November is truly beginning to scare me.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Lots of people have stories, including me.
June 21, 2008 - 11:42 ET by sarcasmoThey've done things like swipe my melatonin pills (a non prescription pill, but I guess they looked like good drugs of some sort!) and a few times I've accidentally carried a pocketknife and made it through their security. I managed to avoid the temptation to hijack the plane, but the knife would have come in handy against a hijacker!
And on the subject of refineries, will SOME Democrat step up and condemn the idea of our government turning them into something as "efficient" (read: Corrupt!) as "PEMEX"?
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.
Since when do government
June 21, 2008 - 11:51 ET by motherbeltSince when do government workers ever get disciplined?
"You don't professionalize unless you federalize."
Let's hear it for the "professionals"!
Shoot 'em all and let God sort 'em out! - Marge Simpson
Hey Blonde, We may take
June 21, 2008 - 12:00 ET by msh1973Hey Blonde,
We may take our kids to the Keys or we may just stay at Ft. Myers Beach. We figure folks come from all over to vacation here so we might as well take advantage. We get so busy with our "life" that we forget we live in a very beautiful place!
msh
June 21, 2008 - 12:13 ET by BlondeCheck your pm.
I know what you mean...I was in Sarasota this week, we had a picnic on Fiesta (Siesta?) Key beach as the moon came up....what an absolutely beautiful beach!
There are all kinds of cool places in the States....as Dorothy would say "there's no place like home", and that goes double for vacations. No need for the exotic (although I'll go for that every time, too). It's all good.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
I only fly when absolutely necessary
June 21, 2008 - 11:27 ET by c5thenIf I can make the trip in 6 hours or less by driving or taking the train, then that's what I do. Between the horrible security lines, and the ubiquitous delays in the flights, it's a no brainer.
All of this nickle and dime stuff that the airlines are doing is going to do nothing for their bottom lines, and it will piss off their customers, resulting in less revenue and falling profits.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
Flying these days is a whooping!
June 21, 2008 - 11:37 ET by jefflebowskiI'd rather sell my children off for medical experiments than fly these days! The PC security process is absolutely ridiculous. I'm willing to bet my life that the Amish grandmother in the wheelchair isn't going to take over the plane!
With the exception of Southwest Airlines, the others just plain stink. Especially USair (Useless Air) and American. Their employees are just plain RUDE!
Southwest is the greatest! But the DemonRats under Jim Wright (bought and paid for by American Airlines) put Southwest under the Wright ammendment which prohibits direct travel from Dallas.
I hate libs and American Airlines can kiss my big ol white butt!
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
Sorry to hear that, Jeff
June 21, 2008 - 12:34 ET by Indiana JoeI bought tix back in Feb to fly American to Vegas in a couple weeks. I'm hoping I don't have to pay the baggage fee since I bought before they started it. AND I'm flying out of O'Hare, which always sucks. Midway is marginally better, but not much.
Gonna buy a new camper this year, and I think that's how most of my future vacations will be spent. Our tourism slogan used to be "Wander Indiana." Think I'll try it.
IJ...interesting topic
June 21, 2008 - 12:39 ET by Blonde"Wander Indiana".
When we were stationed at Ft. Riley....the state slogan was "Kansas...The Land of Ahs".
And a local one...."See the Florida Keys on your hands & knees" ~ The Parrot Bar in Key West!
Anyone else care to contribute a local tourism slogan?
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blonde,
June 21, 2008 - 14:24 ET by Indiana JoeI think I've been to The Parrot. Little cantina-feeling place, not part of the "Duval crawl," right?
Geez, that was over 20 years ago, though! One and only time on KW.
The "Green" Parrot
June 21, 2008 - 14:39 ET by BlondeOops...it's been a while for me too....I know it's not on Duval, rather my preferred Whitehead Street.
Seems they've lost the slogan I referenced....but they do have a new blog....the "No Snivelling Zone". Too funny.
Here's the link...with a webcam, too!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Whitestreet
June 21, 2008 - 16:46 ET by doug1950I was stationed in Key West in part of 69 and 70 and had a blast there. Used to go snorkeling and scuba diving off the old Whitestreet pier. It was a different place then. Now is it is just one dog faced boy shy of a freak show.
There is the Iron Horse Saloon biker bar
June 22, 2008 - 00:22 ET by jefflebowskiin Daytona Beach. Their saying is:
Come on in and order a drink, you're better off here than across the street.
Of course, across the street from the bar is the old city cemetary.
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
"Tombstone - the town to
June 22, 2008 - 09:58 ET by BD"Tombstone - the town to tough to die, Bisbee - the town to DUMB to die."
BD
June 22, 2008 - 10:28 ET by BlondeI remember a pre-noon beer at the Copper Queen in Tombstone, I don't remember whether they had a slogan though.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Ahhh, I think you must be
June 23, 2008 - 10:42 ET by BDAhhh, I think you must be talking about either Big Nose Kates or the Crystal Palace in Tombstone. The Copper Queen is at Bisbee and a great place for a fancy dinner served by an aging hippee wearing semi period costume.
Indiana Joe, buying a camper?
June 21, 2008 - 13:37 ET by jefflebowskiWill you be able to leave your city with gas at $4+? Have fun on your trip and remember, what goes on in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas!
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
Well, I'm hoping gas prices
June 21, 2008 - 14:21 ET by Indiana JoeWell, I'm hoping gas prices will make for some good deals on campers. And, at $300/person to fly, I think a driving vacation will still be cheaper than a flying one. Not to mention less hassling.
Gonna be a pretty low-key Vegas trip. Taking my 11 year old son, so I can't get too wild.
;^)
No Oil
June 21, 2008 - 11:31 ET by JDWFrom one political perspective all of America's energy problems stem from oil. Their primary 'solution' at this point is electric.
Where are we going to get the electric plants to produce the electricity to recharge our vehicles? How will they be powered? What means will they use to transfer the power to our homes? ...
JDW
Will Ted Kennedy help write the universal health care bill?
Central Planning Gone Wrong Again
June 21, 2008 - 12:37 ET by dboImagine how outraged you would be if you had no electricity in your home because of a different countries laws and regulations? That's what's happening in Britain.
http://business.time...
eeeeewwww!!!
June 21, 2008 - 16:11 ET by milootooleeeeeewwww!!! or should I say EEEUUUU???
More "change" (as in
June 21, 2008 - 11:56 ET by motherbeltMore "change" (as in revision)..from Obama....first Scripture (Faith, hope, change") now he's already co-opted the Presidential Seal and is making it over in his own image.
The Latin is a rough translation of "Yes We Can."
With this man's unmitigated gall, I think his campaign slogan should be "Yes, "I" Can!" (do anything I damn well please!)
Isn't that seal copyrighted somewhere?
Shoot 'em all and let God sort 'em out! - Marge Simpson
I just got back Thursday
June 21, 2008 - 11:57 ET by msh1973I just got back Thursday evening from Colorado...I flew Ted United (economy), round trip cost $300. I had not flown since 9/11, I was very nervous. The security lines both ways were a breeze. Everyone was nice, there were no problems...I guess I was lucky. The only problem was the bumpy ride from Denver to Tampa (scared me, I don't think I opened my eyes the entire trip).
Nickel and Diming
June 21, 2008 - 12:23 ET by Remixer96I'm not so sure the airlines are nickel and diming us this time. Jet fuel is rising just as fast if not faster than gas, and thye've got to pay for it somehow. Passangers don't have a right to airfare at a given price.
Check out this NPR broadcast on it for more info.
http://odeo.com/epis...
Adding conditions and
June 21, 2008 - 12:47 ET by Indiana JoeAdding conditions and charges is, by definition, "nickel-and-diming." And no one said there's a "right" to anything, or complained about ticket prices.
In fact, I'd rather they just raised prices a few bucks than this "back door" price increase. If the checked-baggage charge isn't enough, why not a carry-on charge? Or $2.50 for a bottle of water? Maybe an "excess fuel surcharge" for people over a certain weight? When you take off your shoes for security, there could be a scale there. After all, a small woman and her luggage could weigh less than a large man. Where does it end? And will any of these charges ever go away? Doubtful.
If costs are up, raise prices. That's a normal business model.
Ya Can"t get mad at Airlines, Exxon, etc.....then who's next?
June 21, 2008 - 12:35 ET by JayTeeWho's NEXT.....CONGRESS ? Yes, there's a Start...
The Airlines buy Gas just like me. I'm gonna start charging for Riders too.
Congress has the Fat bank accts and they are the ONES who have LOST TOUCH with Americans looking for the untouchable 85% of the Oil in the USA.
Congress Says we can't Drill our way out of this.....? ? HEY, 5th Graders....get a Clue, will YA ?
FACTS:
Alaska Pipeline was Built in TWO YEARS
TIME for an Oil Well to be Drilled: 1 MONTH
Congress's Current RATINGS: HISTORIC LOW APPROVAL
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
Jay Tee, we've given up
June 21, 2008 - 12:50 ET by jefflebowskiI gave up on Congress a long time ago. Government is NOT the answer.
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
JeffL AWD...Congress IS the ANSWER to Oil Prices...right now
June 21, 2008 - 17:10 ET by JayTeeI'm beginning to think the DEMS. want a RECESSION to get a Democrat elected, and trying to point at Exxon and Friends to Deflect attention away from them.....$6 a gallon Gas WILL cause a Recession.
Just ask any 18 wheeler......CDL people.
It's a MSM sponsored Conspiracy....it's a Fight for the RIGHT to be Free of Govt. Influence.
I'm Mad as Hell, and I'm not gonna take this Anymore.
The Republican Revolution will not be Televised
Didn't see much about this
June 21, 2008 - 14:25 ET by dboDidn't see much about this in the MSM this week. Hugo Chavez bans 400 political opponents. Danny Glover and Sean Penn will be so proud.
http://www.examiner....
Stay Home & Drill
June 21, 2008 - 14:47 ET by CaringwhiteguyStay home and drill an exploratory oil well in your back yard. Who knows, you may strike it rich . . . and for sure you'd be doing more to make the US energy independent than anything Congressional Democrats have done or Obama has proposed.
IRAN: YOU ARE FULL OF IT
June 21, 2008 - 16:41 ET by reelman46IRAN: YOU ARE FULL OF IT
JUNE 21, 2008
The UN atomic watchdog chief warned on Saturday that an attack on Iran
over its controversial nuclear programme would turn the region into a
fireball, as Tehran rejected an Israeli strike as “impossible.”
Mohamed ElBaradei also warned that he would not be able to continue in
his role as International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general
should the Islamic republic be attacked.
His stark comments came as Iran stressed yet again that it will not
negotiate with world powers over its nuclear programme if it is
required to suspend its controversial uranium enrichment.
“A military strike (against Iran) would in my opinion be worse than
anything else … It would transform the Middle East region into a ball
of fire,” ElBaradei said in an interview with Al-Arabiya television.
CRAWFISH NOTE: What is it about these moslem radical
countries? They bluster and talk smack but can never back it up. Its
like psycho warfare. Anyone remember the “5th largest army in the
world” that was going to kick our butt? The army that the libmedia said
would fill 10,000 body bags with our soldiers week one. You know, the
Iraqi Army that dropped their guns and ran… yeah, that group of
“allah’s spartans”. They are back.
After the Jews mopped the floor with them for 60 years they are again
running their mouths. After the Jews bomb the crap out of their atomic
weapon (uranium enrichment) sites (it can’t be too soon for the sane
free world) their misled people will again be shamed.
The real shame is so many countries think its wrong to stop the total
atomic destruction of your tiny country before the first mushroom cloud.
Little do they suspect…they are on the long list of infidels, devils and islamic strawmen. Liberals are such dangerous fools.
Doug Schexnayder, Ph.D. (theconservativecrawfish)
reelman... Could not
June 21, 2008 - 16:53 ET by bigtimerreelman...
Could not agree more.
I also have been paying close attention to all of this.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
Having been a flight attendant for umteen years
June 21, 2008 - 16:56 ET by DelsaI say drive.
You sit next to someone you enjoy, you can start with snack you like, you can stop where and when you want to get more snacks, your luggage will not be lost, and you can listen to talk radio along the way.
The good ole days are long gone.
agree
June 21, 2008 - 17:13 ET by doug1950And a lot less likely to pee on yourself from trying to stand (men only, ladies), brace yourself against a bulkhead while trying hit a pot the size of a salad bowl while flying through some turbulence.
Doug1950
June 21, 2008 - 18:38 ET by DelsaYou Navy types used to pee on yourselves for various reasons but waiting in line?
Love the Navy.
I flew for National Airlines 69 and 70 we used to fly into key west.
We were the first in and out of Cuba before Castro too.
No, before castro I was 4 and my dad was Ex O of Gitmo.
Gitmo
June 21, 2008 - 23:20 ET by BurroCrane 3098Hey Delsa, my dad was a Lt. in supply for a Navy Air Wing in Gitmo in 59'-60'. I started 1st grade at Victory Hill and my sister was born there in 60'. We went to church at Chapel Hill. Using Google Earth I found the house we lived in a few hundred yards south of Fleet Landing. I still remember the fireworks off the shore from the Officers Club. Did you fly with Nat. Air straight out of school?
Breaking News... McCain
June 21, 2008 - 22:07 ET by bigtimerBreaking News...
McCain get's the blame instead of President Bush for a change...
Oh, I forgot...he's Bush the Third according to the msm.
"Never murder your opponent when he is committing suicide." ~ W. Wilson
First it was bikinis, then shorts and now jeans...
June 21, 2008 - 23:57 ET by R D HelmLOL-Will Burkas be next?
:-O
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
RD
June 21, 2008 - 23:59 ET by botgwhat was?
Support our Troops
botg, THE CONSERVATIVE T-SHIRT GIRLS!
June 22, 2008 - 00:03 ET by R D HelmSorry, my bad. :-(
LOL.
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
well they are advertising
June 22, 2008 - 00:06 ET by botgshirts
Support our Troops
botg,
June 22, 2008 - 00:23 ET by R D HelmThey are now.
Darnit. :-(
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
RD i'll tell you a secret
June 22, 2008 - 00:33 ET by botgif you click on the ad, all the t-shirt gals are hidden within the site modeling the shirts
Support our Troops
botg, LOL-Actually, that's not exactly a secret.
June 22, 2008 - 00:40 ET by R D HelmI wuzz just bored and tryin' to start a little, ahh, trouble. :-)
Slow night at NB.
The truth is insensitive. - Neal Boortz
Government keeps 2 sets of books.
June 22, 2008 - 10:07 ET by sarcasmoMeaning, among other things: "...budget surpluses of the late 1990s actually were deficits when the costs are included."
Well, knock me over with a feather...
JMR
The tax & spend drug war looks racist in the real world.