"Fly Airstream!"

[Cracker]

After reading about the airlines latest plans to charge passengers for extras ($15.00 for an aisle or bulkhead seat----) I thought that a new bumper sticker would be in order; i.e. "Fly Airstream!"

Personally, and since retiring, I've done everything I can to avoid flying. My working career started when drinks were free, smoking was allowed, legroom was ample, stewardesses were friendly (other comments withheld!), meals were good to great, the table service included linen and silverware, the upper deck of a 747 had a piano bar, flights were usually on-time, and you could change your travel schedule or swap a ticket (without penalties---) - even from airline to airline!

Progress???

[85MH325]

I have to agree with you... I enjoy flying itself... but I can think of a dozen good reasons not to fly commercially... none of which have to do with safety! Lines, surly screeners, having one's luggage searched, surly passengers... no food on the planes and food that is outrageously priced in the terminals, crowded facilities... uncomfortable seating ON the planes... the lines... and did I mention... the lines?

Then... there's the motel/hotel issues... dragging your luggage around... strange beds... and then all of the health issues that are surfacing... I understand that bedbugs are returning with a vengeance in some parts of the country... etc. etc. etc.

I have recently taken AMTRAK on some extended trips; of course the potential health issues remain, but at least there are no lines, luggage screeners, etc. and the food is excellent!

I'm all FOR taking my living arrangements with me as I travel! One of the best mods we've done to our Airstream is the full-size Queen 11" thick Visco foam mattress. It's identical to the one we have at home. I ALWAYS sleep well in our Airstream!

Roger

[Chuck]

just had this discussion last week, after a harried trip to FL and back....the wife (who is generally not as enthralled with alluminum as I) says to me, "the idea of hooking up the trailer and driving down to FL next time is looking better and better".
flying with a toddler is no easy task...they come with alot of equipment! big, bulky, heavy stuff. the whole thing was just one frustrating surprise after another.

then, Elmo missed the flight home. He eventually caught another flight, courtesy of the US postal service, and made it back a couple of days later. We managed for a couple of nights without him, but it was a very tense situation, indeed.

Of course, the only problem with taking such a long trip is that most of my available vacation would be consumed by driving. I guess there's alot to be said for 500mph travel...but it comes at a high price.

[tin sista]

Originally Posted by chuck

flying with a toddler is no easy task...they come with alot of equipment!
then, Elmo missed the flight home. He eventually caught another flight, courtesy of the US postal service, and made it back a couple of days later. We managed for a couple of nights without him, but it was a very tense situation, indeed.

Absolutely true about flying with a toddler! I have not experienced more stress than doing that by myself with the little guy getting his shoes off and then putting his stuffed animal in the xray machine for security in Detroit was a real trip let me tell ya! Not to mention running for connections...but then again vacation time is an issue.
I'm so glad about Elmo, that is a nice story to hear that folks were responsive. That type of service means so much to parents, and the world to the toddler who gets his security cuddler back!

[Cracker]

Originally Posted by 85MH325

One of the best mods we've done to our Airstream is the full-size Queen 11" thick Visco foam mattress. It's identical to the one we have at home. I ALWAYS sleep well in our Airstream!

Roger

Roger:

This is a bit off-topic, but where can you get a custom-fitted Visco Foam mattress??