Years ago I worked at the ticket counter for a major carrier in El Paso. Everyone's favorite skycap was an older gentleman named "Julius." He was the kindest and sweetest man, worked very hard every day, always had a smile, and when angry pax would yell at me he would walk by and mutter, "Don't let those folks get you down now." Julius was my favorite co-worker ever, in any job.

I guess there really is something to the phrase "Good old days." Too bad surly slackers are taking over. Going to the airport nowadays is like running the gauntlet. If the skycaps don't get ya' --- TSA will. Then you get on board and the fruits and nuts... Ah, well.

This new "skycap charge" is ridiculous---the airline collects extra revenue for checking luggage. If you're anything other than a frequent flyer, the airport is practically a minefield. Lines everywhere, kiosks and trying to figure them out, more lines at security and people barking at the masses, ziploc bags for liquids, booties for bare feet, and if you don't know every little rule you get your toiletries confiscated. It's enough to make ya' wanta' stay home...