Originally Posted by
Fried Chicken
No you're right, there were seat selections available in the back of the plane, but the options were so bad I've found it better to simply not select any seat and then take whatever I can get at the airport. This netted me better legroom economy in row 10, and a regular window seat in row 35 on the way back. Still I find the practice undignified.
You're also right, flip-flops probably weren't the best option. I do always shower before flying, so my feet were clean, but yeah the other pax probably don't know that. Even still, I wasn't the only one standing barefoot in the security line, and it remains a legit sanitary concern. I hate the TSA so much.
I completely sympathize about airport security -- I hope you never fly via FRA -- they make the TSA look competent.... Almost all EU / US airports are the same these days -- as are international AP airlines (Domestic is easier) -- it's just what we have to deal with in a post 9/11 world.... There is nothing dignified about travel these days -- it's a commodity and no one makes money flying planes -- they make money on ancillaries like loyalty programs and selling your data to third parties -- Welcome to the New World!