All
← Back to Squawk list
Airlines worry frustrations with security procedures contributing to decline in travel...
The Air Transport Association expects 2 percent fewer people will fly this Thanksgiving week compared with last year, while AAA projects a 4 percent increase in automobile travel. As the T.S.A. observes its 10th anniversary, it also faces lawsuits over the legality of its passenger searches, growing scrutiny of the cost-effectiveness of its screening measures, questions about security lapses and complaints that some agents continue to make travelers feel humiliated or harassed. (www.nytimes.com) More...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
As I read about the joys of flying the cattle Cars,it reminds me why I like flying my own plane ( no it's not a jet, the the time saved compared to arriving at the airport early and then waiting for baggage makes it possible to fly several hundred miles faster than the total time required to fly commercial)It's no wonder why more people are driving and fewer are flying.
I agree completely. I'm a pilot, too, currently renting a nicely equipped Piper Comanche from friends who co-own the plane. What a pleasure it is to drive out to the hangar at our local airport in a small central Wisconsin town and go directly to any destination of my choosing within reach of the aircraft's range. No security lines. Throw the bags in back. No 3-ounce limits on liquids. Plenty of legroom. The only reason to take shoes off is to relax after getting up to altitude and setting the autopilot to do most of the work. Of course this kind of flying involves plenty of responsibility, which is not to be taken lightly. But compared to spending time in security lines, flight planning is interesting, challenging, and--yes--fun.
In looking at the comments below, in another story here on FA, Qantas found out the hard way just how much ill will is still out there toward them. These other Airlines are worrying about security when it looks like they need to be doing some self examination. Once past their own problems they can worry about security.
Marquis de Sade seat torture lasts the entire flight. that an reduced system capacity brings schedule and wait times to where it is just as easy to drive
Three hours in the security line at Tel Aviv last Friday night. Another half-hour in line for checking baggage and getting the boarding pass and another half-hour in line for boarding the 0030 Saturday Delta flight to JFK. I'm 6'7", and, yes, I got the middle seat for the 11-hour flight over the pond. At least the person in the seat ahead of me didn't try to lean back, and thank goodness the lady at the window seat had to get up several times during the flight to use the restroom! It gave me a good excuse to spend several hours standing in the back, where I could stretch my legs--until the 747 cattle-hauler would hit turbulence, and I'd have to return to my wonderful middle seat. Arriving at JFK at sunrise, I thought that the worst was over. I didn't know that I'd be spending another hour and a half in the security line for our Mesaba flight to MSP. At least the gate agent--once I finally got there--was kind enough to give me an exit-row seat for the two-hour flight from JFK to MSP! When travel becomes torture, it's time to think twice whether it's really worth it. I guess lots of people are doing just that.
After reading your story,I thought about the blessing of 5'6". I followed Shaquile O'Neale through security once. He had to struggle through the metal detector. I feel you "big guys" pain.
Thanks! Your sympathy is gratefully received.
You talking about Shaq reminds me of the guy that owns the Dallas Mavericks. He has that Boeing BBJ and that is one comment in particular he made was about their size and how he paid particular attention to the seating arrangent and legroom on the inside when they speced it out. I know the Airlines can't give us that kind of room but I think with all the attention they have paid to it lately with Biz class and all that, the could beat what they are doing.