I never fly anymore.
At all.
Last time I flew anywhere was 1999.
Shame really. I like flying in and of itself. But this kind of BULLSHIT at major airports and airline companies is why I won't do it anymore.
One of my favorite quotes in fact has always been from Douglas Adams, "The phrase as lovely as an airport
doesn't exist in any language." I'd argue that SMALL airports for small airplanes can be nice. But anything where commercial airliners operate is
GHASTLY. Not necessarily in aesthetics, but in overall experience. Architecturally speaking, there are some lovely buildings that are airports. But not a one
of them can I stand for more than a couple of hours at a time. I know my limitations. My tolerance for stupidity lessens each year that I'm alive. I keep
myself away from large airports as a result.
I'm halfway trained on light aircraft myself and If I ever get together the time, money and wherewithal to do it, I'll formally get certified so that I
can fly myself in our family's Cessna 170. That's the only way I'm ever flying again. (Or I'll fly with my brother, who's already certified
and a damn good pilot with fast reflexes. I'll have to tell you the story sometime of the way he kept us alive when a giant skycrane nearly smashed us into
the runway on landing at the local airport.)
Barring that, I'm just going to drive if I have to get anywhere in North America. I like driving. I prefer being in control of my own path. I like taking
the scenic route. Even through places most people consider the boring parts of the country. I consider myself most fortunate that I've had the opportunity
to see first-hand at least some portion of the majority of the lower 48 states (and British Columbia). If I had the choice that they always present the boys on
Top Gear, I'll take the Jeremy Clarkson option almost every time.
And I'd only consider flying if it were somewhere outside of the Continent. And even then I'd give serious thought to looking into options like cruise
lines and perhaps even taking passage on a freighter. Yes, I'm THAT serious.
As to your personal situation - DAMN. I'm sorry to hear about that. I echo the sympathy already given. With the added advice - get a drivers licence. As
soon as you possibly can. Keep it updated. You might never use it. But when you NEED it, such as a situation like this, you'll be glad you did.
EDIT:
Amendment - trains are good alternatives as well. Slower than airlines. But in some cases, can be faster than driving, especially on longer trips. Plus - you
get to see the country around you AND you don't have to concentrate on driving. Speaking of that scenery - you see lots of places that you never would from
a car, as train tracks often cut through country that isn't crossed by major highways. Lovely way to see the backyards of America/Canada! ^_^
At all.
Last time I flew anywhere was 1999.
Shame really. I like flying in and of itself. But this kind of BULLSHIT at major airports and airline companies is why I won't do it anymore.
One of my favorite quotes in fact has always been from Douglas Adams, "The phrase as lovely as an airport
doesn't exist in any language." I'd argue that SMALL airports for small airplanes can be nice. But anything where commercial airliners operate is
GHASTLY. Not necessarily in aesthetics, but in overall experience. Architecturally speaking, there are some lovely buildings that are airports. But not a one
of them can I stand for more than a couple of hours at a time. I know my limitations. My tolerance for stupidity lessens each year that I'm alive. I keep
myself away from large airports as a result.
I'm halfway trained on light aircraft myself and If I ever get together the time, money and wherewithal to do it, I'll formally get certified so that I
can fly myself in our family's Cessna 170. That's the only way I'm ever flying again. (Or I'll fly with my brother, who's already certified
and a damn good pilot with fast reflexes. I'll have to tell you the story sometime of the way he kept us alive when a giant skycrane nearly smashed us into
the runway on landing at the local airport.)
Barring that, I'm just going to drive if I have to get anywhere in North America. I like driving. I prefer being in control of my own path. I like taking
the scenic route. Even through places most people consider the boring parts of the country. I consider myself most fortunate that I've had the opportunity
to see first-hand at least some portion of the majority of the lower 48 states (and British Columbia). If I had the choice that they always present the boys on
Top Gear, I'll take the Jeremy Clarkson option almost every time.
And I'd only consider flying if it were somewhere outside of the Continent. And even then I'd give serious thought to looking into options like cruise
lines and perhaps even taking passage on a freighter. Yes, I'm THAT serious.
As to your personal situation - DAMN. I'm sorry to hear about that. I echo the sympathy already given. With the added advice - get a drivers licence. As
soon as you possibly can. Keep it updated. You might never use it. But when you NEED it, such as a situation like this, you'll be glad you did.
EDIT:
Amendment - trains are good alternatives as well. Slower than airlines. But in some cases, can be faster than driving, especially on longer trips. Plus - you
get to see the country around you AND you don't have to concentrate on driving. Speaking of that scenery - you see lots of places that you never would from
a car, as train tracks often cut through country that isn't crossed by major highways. Lovely way to see the backyards of America/Canada! ^_^