You get what you pay for. So true about so many things.
You take the cheap air fares, you might as well know you are going to be on the flying equivalent of a third world bus.
Still, there are some bargains. When I went to book a return flight from Florida to Vermont, the first thing I did was look at JetBlue. They have fairly comfortable planes and the big draw for me is that they have flights from Sarasota to Bulington with only one stop in NYC. But the available flights for early May were three times what I paid for the trip south.
I looked at Delta and they had an available package for a much more reasonable price. And their planes are comfortable as well. I booked with Delta. The only problem was that there were layovers in Atlanta and then again in LaGuardia.
In truth I would rather have a longer layover than have to madly dash to catch a connection. Or not catch a connection and then have to go through rescheduling and a long wait anyway.
It was a long day. But it went without a hitch--well except one small one.
FOOD
Remember when a meal was served on flights? Unless you consider a small bag of pretzels a meal, that is no more.
It is really a good idea to have food with you. I packed some cheese and crackers, some raisins and nuts, and an apple to get me through the layovers. Buying food at an airport is going to cost so much it hurts.
So here is an example of not getting what you pay for. At LaGuardia, you could get a glass of wine for for $14. Mind you, the type of wine you would pay $7.99 for an entire bottle outside the airport.
CONSIDERATION
Along the lines of food...Yes, it's convenient that there is a sub shop directly across from the gate, but that pile of onions on the sandwich? Really, really not so pleasant for other passengers in an enclosed space with recycled air.
Also, while it is certainly nice to smell fresh and clean, too much perfume, cologne, or after shave isn't any better than onions.
And hygiene related...I can see make an emergency repair on a ragged fingernail, but giving yourself a full blown manicure? Kind of rude.
IS THERE A DOCTOR ON BOARD?
That was the one small hitch. A woman got very sick on the flight from Atlanta to NYC. The crew did ask if there was a doctor or nurse on board. I don't think that there was, but an ER boarded as soon as we landed and escorted the woman off the plane.
I don't think the illness was too critical but apparently she did occupy the rear toilet for the greater part of the flight. I could not see what was going on behind me--well, I didn't bother to look--but I could see that there was a long and constant line for the toilet in the front of the plane.
I was thinking maybe the passengers in the first class section might be thinking they were not getting what they had paid for since their wide aisle was consistently blocked.
You take the cheap air fares, you might as well know you are going to be on the flying equivalent of a third world bus.
Still, there are some bargains. When I went to book a return flight from Florida to Vermont, the first thing I did was look at JetBlue. They have fairly comfortable planes and the big draw for me is that they have flights from Sarasota to Bulington with only one stop in NYC. But the available flights for early May were three times what I paid for the trip south.
I looked at Delta and they had an available package for a much more reasonable price. And their planes are comfortable as well. I booked with Delta. The only problem was that there were layovers in Atlanta and then again in LaGuardia.
In truth I would rather have a longer layover than have to madly dash to catch a connection. Or not catch a connection and then have to go through rescheduling and a long wait anyway.
It was a long day. But it went without a hitch--well except one small one.
FOOD
Remember when a meal was served on flights? Unless you consider a small bag of pretzels a meal, that is no more.
It is really a good idea to have food with you. I packed some cheese and crackers, some raisins and nuts, and an apple to get me through the layovers. Buying food at an airport is going to cost so much it hurts.
So here is an example of not getting what you pay for. At LaGuardia, you could get a glass of wine for for $14. Mind you, the type of wine you would pay $7.99 for an entire bottle outside the airport.
CONSIDERATION
Along the lines of food...Yes, it's convenient that there is a sub shop directly across from the gate, but that pile of onions on the sandwich? Really, really not so pleasant for other passengers in an enclosed space with recycled air.
Also, while it is certainly nice to smell fresh and clean, too much perfume, cologne, or after shave isn't any better than onions.
And hygiene related...I can see make an emergency repair on a ragged fingernail, but giving yourself a full blown manicure? Kind of rude.
IS THERE A DOCTOR ON BOARD?
That was the one small hitch. A woman got very sick on the flight from Atlanta to NYC. The crew did ask if there was a doctor or nurse on board. I don't think that there was, but an ER boarded as soon as we landed and escorted the woman off the plane.
I don't think the illness was too critical but apparently she did occupy the rear toilet for the greater part of the flight. I could not see what was going on behind me--well, I didn't bother to look--but I could see that there was a long and constant line for the toilet in the front of the plane.
I was thinking maybe the passengers in the first class section might be thinking they were not getting what they had paid for since their wide aisle was consistently blocked.
******
Well, I am home. Everything seems fine here. I will rest up today.
All things considered, you made it back to Vermont in one piece. Good trip, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a map but I thought Vermont and Florida were on the same side of the US. Why all the lay overs? How long would it have taken you to fly from California to Vermont?
ReplyDeleteThe airlines don't have many direct flights to VT. They go through hubs. My SIL had to go through Chicago on her trip to Sarasota from Hartford, CT. Just one of the joys of plane travel
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ReplyDeleteGlad you got home safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteThe joys of 21st century air travel. But glad you arrived home safe. Now you can enjoy a Vermont spring - if it ever arrives!
ReplyDeleteIf, indeed. It was warm yesterday, but the weather channel indicates a cold front on the way.
DeleteAs the others have said, you got there safe and sound, that's the main thing. So ... welcome home!
ReplyDeleteGlad you made it safely without too many hiccups. I agree, the less costly flights are usually in the smaller planes or require numerous layovers. We often say, flying out of our small airport, you can't get there from here.
ReplyDeleteI try to make sure I take a bit of food with me, at least domestically. Trying to take food on board an international flight doesn't generally get through security.
Enjoy your stay!
I think airline travel used to be fun, even glamorous. Now it's just an uncomfortable ends to a means, getting where you want to go. I'm glad you got there.
ReplyDeleteEeewww. Wash your hands, and everything else! There is so much going around. OUr grandkids are coming this w/e and the one has been ill. sigh.
ReplyDeleteI was planning to mention the need to wash hands at every available opportunity and then forgot. But, thanks for the reminder...yes the thought of all those germs in an small space with recycled air is among the worst aspects of flying.
DeleteSo glad you at least had a safe trip. "Third world bus" in my mind is the perfect description of traveling by air. More power to you. I haven't flown in 40 years when the plane I was on blew an engine. Yep--chicken.
ReplyDeleteI love that - Third World Bus. Flying is not the glamourous sport I expected when I wanted to be a stewardess as a young woman. That never manifested and with my sometimes cranky attitude about airports, it is probably a good thing. Glad you are safely home.
ReplyDeleteI thought about being a stewardess too, but in those days you had to not have to wear glasses so that put me out of the running right there. But i am far to clutzy anyway so it was just as well.
DeleteVery interesting observations and why I love to drive when I travel.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you made it back safely, Olga. I really dislike air travel these days. However, if you live on an island in the middle of the ocean, you have to endure it. We usually look for the cheapest flights we can find.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh, the joys of air travel. It is why I drive. Good point on the onions and cologne. Both can take my breath away in not a good way.
ReplyDeleteGlad you made it home safely! When I fly, which is not often I always try and get a layover. 4-6 hours is too long for these knees to not get up and move around. I would rather arrive later and not be in pain the first night! Hope you have a wonderful spring & summer!
ReplyDelete