Remember when flying was a luxury? Only the well off could afford to board a plane, be served a meal with silverware and even enjoy a cigarette in flight. We all know those days are far behind us, but there should be a bit more dignity to flying. Has society really reduced themselves to a series of surly security agents who usher the masses of rude passengers through a line sans shoes and belts?
I recently returned from a relaxing visit to Florida only to land in a seat next to a fellow who must have not seen a shower in the past few days. I spent most of trip trying to avoid the odoriferous passenger just millimeters from my nose. The flight attendants strong perfume was welcomed as she passed by me. The smell of watery coffee was welcomed in my aisle. Once he dozed off, his snores could wake the front half of the plane!
If that wasn’t enough, the passenger right behind me decided to use the seat separator beneath my seat as a footrest. He kicked my ankles for nearly 3 hours. See photo above. You just can’t make this stuff up!
To add to my traveling pleasure someone near the rear of the plane, not too far from me got sick and had to endure the stares from the line of people waiting for the lav. You see, a line is permitted in back but not in front. It’s rude to form a line near the front of the plane as that’s where the more dignified passengers relax.
How about the boarding process? Once the line of wheelchairs clear out the “A” group is permitted to board. Now, I’m not new to air travel but I have yet to figure out what one must do to achieve this status. I am sure a sociologist would have a fun time learning about the mores of group “A”. They dare not make eye contact with anyone in another group for fear of being ostracized. They are not particularly kind to one another nor to the gate agents. Maybe this is how they train the TSA?
So you might wonder, what’s the lesson learned? Next time you travel, take a shower. Don’t kick my seat and try to smile a bit more. At worst it’ll make others wonder why you are happy to endure such a travel experience.
{ 0 comments }
