Fed Up With Flying? You're Not Alone

(CBS)  After thousands of flight cancellations this past week, American Airlines is back to normal today … and not a moment too soon, in the opinion of our Contributor Nancy Giles:

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I remember my first time. On an airplane.

The stewardesses were cool. The seats were comfy - my knees, my hips, everything fit. We had a "light snack." So elegant!

As we glided in for the landing at JFK, I thought of all the times my family parked the Volkswagen on Rockaway Blvd. to watch the planes come in. We'd watch them get closer, closer until the metal birds were right above our heads, and we'd shriek our guts out, but the overpowering noise would drown us out. It was great.

Lots of passengers feel like screaming again. What happened? Did it all start to go wrong when President Reagan fired striking air traffic controllers years ago?

And how did he get an airport named after him?

Somehow we've gotten used to long lines, longer delays, and mass confusion. Why do we accept shoddy treatment?

Remember when "American Idol" gave their voters the wrong phone numbers? And when Starbucks closed for three hours for "re-training"? And when millions of BlackBerry users had their service interrupted? It was infuriating, right? We need coping strategies!

And so, my fellow passengers: don't get mad. Get zen. Find your inner Yoda. Blaming the ticket agents won't help - it's not their fault. Breathe. Bring a neck pillow and a fashion magazine. Don't have children, so you won't have to travel with them. Carry bottled water and extra toilet paper.

As the hours tick by, ask yourself: Do I really have to go on a honeymoon? Can't we watch movies?

Close your eyes. Focus. And meditate on the fact that you'll never fly that stinkin' airline again.

[taylord002]

Normally I don%u2019t feel the need to comment on your, as Barack Obama would say, %u201Cbitter%u201D puff pieces every other Sunday, but today was different.
Your comments regarding airports and the inconvenience for travelers during required maintenance for the many MD-11 has nothing to do with the Republicans and Ronald Reagan. I would applaud the many business people that have done what was right to ensure the safety of the public while they fly around the world and not turn this into an obvious election year hatchet piece. You cannot really expect Americans to swallow your Oberlin %u201CGrape%u201D seeds without spitting them out; after all they leave a %u201Cbitter%u201D aftertaste.
Regards,
Daniel Taylor
Arlington, VA

[charl82]

Reporters are suppose to report the exact news.
Let the reader interpret and decide.
Example: Let the voters know from birth to present day what each person''s background is who are running
for office. Parents, education, associates, business
connections, religious background, and full name which includes first, middle and last.

[kimnkitties]

I rarely find Nancy Giles humorous, but I do often find her aggravating. In a piece about frustation with flying, she still has to get a jab in at Reagan by commenting on why an airport should be named after him. There is always some smart aleck political comment made on her commentaries which is why we often do our channel surfing when we know she is about to be on.

[Snerdguy]

Sometimes, people need to ask themselves, "Is this trip really necessary?" This is especially true for business and government travelers. Nothing seems to generate needless travel more than doing it on someone else''s dime.

For years, businesses and the government touted the wonders of the Internet that would allow them to attend meetings and such without leaving the office. The equipment is there, especially in the federal government which has invested millions in electronic conference rooms over the years. But, it is grossly underutilized.

So, cut the congestion, the waste of time and fuel and the damage to the environment. Stay home.

[cyberus-2009]

Current "crisis" = LOOK OVER THERE!

Every time polls show something going on that negatively impacts the administration something like this appears out of nowhere to distract the media and the people.

[rpbohman]

One word: AMTRAK...

[cpaide]

"Did it all start to go wrong when President Reagan fired striking air traffic controllers years ago?"

No, if you recall, that''s when things went right: lower fares and better on-time service (i.e. Southwest). Things started to suck big after billary clinton bailed out bankrupt airlines that should have been allowed to go under to make way for better service and lower fares.

[artandtravel]

I LOVE Nancy Giles and always look forward to seeing her on the CBS Morning Show. She is bright, funny and witty. Keep up the great work Nancy!

[it_oldtimer]

I''d actually rather have a root-canal done than fly on a commercial airliner, the way things are these days.

Any other form of transportation is preferable.

[dmckim3]

Deregulation of the industry in the late ''70s has lead to many of negetive changes that were compared in this little bit of "journalism?". Sponsered by Ted Kennedy and signed by Jimmy Carter it has also resulted in much lower fares and traveling choices (especially in the major markets). Nothing... NOTHING... about todays flight problems have anything to do with RR. Take a history class.
I think Nancy''s colors are showing...