Have you decided to fly less to avoid TSA harrassment?
Aug 9, 2007, 7:46 am
#34
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Definitely I avoid flying in the USA! I just tried visiting for the first time since 2001 last month -- naïvely I thought they must dealt with the problems by now with all the attention they have been getting, e.g., putting Ted Kennedy on the "selectee" list. If anything, things were worse. Fortunately, most of my US trips can be done overland from a neighbouring country -- have had a few trips to Michigan -- I flew into Toronto and went by train/bus from there -- and to Boston -- flew into Montreal and bus from there and Albuquerque -- flew Mexico-Cuidad Juarez and then taxi/bus. But this fall I have to go to Research Triangle, North Carolina. A little tricky but I think I have it figured out -- Virgin Atlantic to Freeport, Bahamas, then the ferry to Ft. Lauderdale and train to Raleigh!
I always ask the TSA -- how is it that every OTHER country in the world can protect their air passengers without harrassing/intimidating them but you cannot? They never have an answer.
I always ask the TSA -- how is it that every OTHER country in the world can protect their air passengers without harrassing/intimidating them but you cannot? They never have an answer.
Aug 9, 2007, 10:31 am
#35
Join Date: Aug 2006
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I can't WAIT until I get fully moved and off the weekly commute. The TSA issues are only part of it - the other part is the (seemingly weekly) disruptions at the major hubs (in one case, caused by the TSA).
Aug 9, 2007, 11:02 am
#36
Join Date: Jul 1999
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Posts: 3,520
I do continue to fly, except to/through the UK due to their inane 1-Bag rule.
I also make it a point to file regular complaints to the TSA for their asinine policies, challenge any TSO who breaks the rules, and educate anyone else I know who is flying about how stupid the TSA really is.
I also make it a point to file regular complaints to the TSA for their asinine policies, challenge any TSO who breaks the rules, and educate anyone else I know who is flying about how stupid the TSA really is.
Aug 9, 2007, 5:03 pm
#37
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Posts: 794
I'm not disagreeing with anyone that TSA practices can be incredibly unnecessary, but I find it ridiculous that would be THE reason to fly less. Why would you not make a trip you want/need to go on because of a few annoying minutes in your life? It's not like it's going to acheive anything, except you not going where you want to go.
Aug 9, 2007, 5:16 pm
#38
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I'm not disagreeing with anyone that TSA practices can be incredibly unnecessary, but I find it ridiculous that would be THE reason to fly less. Why would you not make a trip you want/need to go on because of a few annoying minutes in your life? It's not like it's going to acheive anything, except you not going where you want to go.
That said, is it really worth it to get harassed only to receive poor service on a flying bus anymore? I think folks would be more willing to put up with one or the other, but not necessarily both at the same time.
As for vacations, there are plenty of places I can go that are easy to drive to and can be just as fun as going some place far.
Aug 9, 2007, 5:24 pm
#39
Join Date: May 2005
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I'm not disagreeing with anyone that TSA practices can be incredibly unnecessary, but I find it ridiculous that would be THE reason to fly less. Why would you not make a trip you want/need to go on because of a few annoying minutes in your life? It's not like it's going to acheive anything, except you not going where you want to go.
Especially those from anywhere it snows come Winter
Aug 9, 2007, 5:52 pm
#40
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 106
It's not all TSA's fault. Airlines have done their fair share of gutting service to the bone as well.
That said, is it really worth it to get harassed only to receive poor service on a flying bus anymore? I think folks would be more willing to put up with one or the other, but not necessarily both at the same time.
That said, is it really worth it to get harassed only to receive poor service on a flying bus anymore? I think folks would be more willing to put up with one or the other, but not necessarily both at the same time.
Aug 9, 2007, 6:57 pm
#41
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DTW
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Posts: 613
I'm flying less than last year, but still quite often. I guess for me, its just that I enjoy it a lot less. The Kippie bag I can tolerate, since I just pull the bag out of the front pouch of my rollaboard (though I very much disagree with). The shoe carnival and electronics nonsense is what really gives me red-bum. I mean honestly, the X-ray machine can't see through my nylon Targus bag? Seriously.
Aug 9, 2007, 8:01 pm
#42
Join Date: Aug 2006
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It's not all TSA's fault. Airlines have done their fair share of gutting service to the bone as well.
That said, is it really worth it to get harassed only to receive poor service on a flying bus anymore? I think folks would be more willing to put up with one or the other, but not necessarily both at the same time.
That said, is it really worth it to get harassed only to receive poor service on a flying bus anymore? I think folks would be more willing to put up with one or the other, but not necessarily both at the same time.
Better than 50% of my flights this year have encountered long delays or cancellations, between TSA, airline issues (crew or mx), or weather.
Aug 9, 2007, 8:05 pm
#43
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Add the weather and you've got a triple-play. Mrs GHF was supposed to be landing at DCA right now... she has not even left the ground at MCI yet.
Better than 50% of my flights this year have encountered long delays or cancellations, between TSA, airline issues (crew or mx), or weather.
Better than 50% of my flights this year have encountered long delays or cancellations, between TSA, airline issues (crew or mx), or weather.
Coming back we hit weather as we began to approach BWI and had to go around it. That added 40 minutes to the flight.
Super
Aug 9, 2007, 8:12 pm
#44
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Aug 9, 2007, 8:18 pm
#45
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