Hi folks!

A recent conversation with my best friend got me to thinking about this and I thought this'd be an ideal place to share my thoughts on why I became so passionate about commercial passenger air travel. I am looking forward to your stories. Here is mine.

Being in motion has always appealed to me, and getting there was almost as much fun as arriving; but I was never the "are we there yet" type. As a little boy, I found just pavement markings, posted signs and the flow of traffic to be a work of art. My favorite video games were of course any arcades that involved driving. The only toys I ever wanted were Hot Wheels, Power Wheels, go carts, the Transformers, GoBots, etc. Big rigs fascinated me before I turned ten--how such a large vehicle could be maneuvered, how such a heavy object could move so fast. I sat up front on the bus whenever I could to watch the operator drive the bus for observing the art of steering, braking, accelerating--noting the way the vehicle responded. Railroads that split became another fascination of mine after becoming ten, adding to my infatuation with trollies, lightrail and Amtrak; all started with Mr. Trolley from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood (I liked that little red car more than the stupid stories they had in the land of make-believe). For years, I've dreamed of traveling the Sunset Limited in a sleeper car with a significant other. The only reason sea vessels never appealed to me as greatly was because they didn't go fast enough!

In mid-1995, I developed a relationship with a Canadian in New Brunswick that seemed impossible to consummate because at the time, we were both Jr. Highschool aged. Where there is a will, there is a way, and I know no stronger will than love; so for two years, I promised I'd some how come and see her. I turned my self-taught UNIX skills into a money-making career, and socked away as much dough as I possibly could to fly up.

I figured if I want to fly to Canada, I need to fly Air Canada so in April, 1998 I went down to LAX, and plunked down around $565, in cash, and picked up my paper tickets. All I was looking forward to at the time was seeing my girlfriend (again, since she and her mom managed to fly down first). I'd turn 18 on the 5th of June that same year, just a couple of weeks before my departure. It was on that day, while having my morning breakfast at Jack in the Box on my way to the torturous job--that, in concert with my patience, afforded my trip to Canada--that something had occurred to me. My billfold didn't simply contain airline tickets. They contained the tangible representation of literal freedom. With these giant, metal vehicles, man now can be anywhere in the world in less than 24 hours when, once upon a time, it took months and even years.

On the morning SuperShuttle drove me and my check-in, carry-on and personal item to LAX--along with two other passengers from Santa Monica and Marina del Rey--the sun was rising above Lincoln Boulevard in a way that resembled some of the finer portraits. And then, over the rising, was that trademark theme building and the airport tower near by.

My mom been worried that this great distance at which I'd be traveling for the first time might be overwhelming in the sense of becoming confused and getting lost. I wasn't as concerned although even I recognized that for my maiden experience in the skies, I was embarking on travel more complex than domestic, what with customs to have to clear and all. But the airport is one of the few places in existence designed in such a way that the only way you can become lost is if you're blind because there are so many appropriately placed signs. Made sense to me, since, most major airports have to be accessible by people from all over the world, and most people at the airport aren't from that city and wouldn't know there way around.

The relationship didn't pan out, but the experience touched my mobility cravings. I was watching jet aircraft taxi, takeoff and land the same way I watched traffic on the freeway. It was that beautiful moving-art that speaks to me in a way that I don't believe strikes too many other people. I was enamored with the logical way everything was laid out; everything made perfect sense, and went smoothly. I was well aware of the fact that this has to be the case because at least LAX was doing over 50 Million passengers that year. But it surprised me, no less, how briskly I cleared security. What boarding was like. The thrill of the take off! The amazing, amazing view at over 30,000 feet! Experiencing an in-flight movie, the delicious food... As I had dinner, I remembered about those big comfortable first class and business class seats I passed on my way in, and thought to myself, "If the food here is this good, it's gotta be Awesome up there!"

Already I was developing preferences; I decided to get packing down to a roll aboard 'cause they looked cooler, were more convenient and less awkward to handle. I hated waiting for bags to show up on the conveyor belt and after watching how they're loaded, I'd rather not have a weeks worth of close ride around in the back of a open-face truck before they're hurled onto a conveyor belt, where they sometimes fall off. I did it 'cause I had to and was fairly confident, since I figured most people do this without incident. But it's not possible for the airline to lose a carry-on because they never touch it. I didn't want to find out whether or the airline would mail my lost luggage to my house or to the address of my choice. All I could be is pissed since checking baggage automatically declares I am accepting the risk they lose my stuff.

When it was all over and I came back to L.A. for the first time, I Knew I wanted to do that again. Ever since, I'd watched jets land at LAX while eating at the In 'n Out on 96th St. and Sepulveda--dreaming of being onboard that big, powerful aircraft gliding through the air. But I wouldn't have the income to support my lofty dreams until 2001. Meanwhile, I saved up for a couple good domestic transcons--to see friends mainly. But I wanted to see Miami's South Beach, the slopes outside of Denver, New York's World Trade Center, St. Paul-Minneapolis' mall of America, taste Chicago's pizza, attend Nashville's famed Grand Ole Opry... You know. I wanted to see The World.

I'd already decided I'm seeing Tokyo in 2005 with a try for England first. I'd always had the belief air travel was too expensive though, but the interest was strong enough to get me to look into driving those costs down. Brief conversations with friends clued me into the fact that it can't be That much to fly, even if only some times. My initial efforts were, in retrospect, lame (like I had expedia.com e-mail me whenever there were low fares on cities I was interested in), but that would all change late 2002.

I met a lady from San Jose that I was interested in getting to know a little bette,r but I didn't want to blow a whole lot of time or money. So, I first took Greyhound. My visit went REALLY well, and I decided I'm flying up in in a jet from then on. I recalled seeing ads for flights from southern California to the bay area, so I knew such flights existed, and I found it hard to believe such flights would be expensive at all.

I guess among the travel savvy, everyone knows Southwest Airlines has dirt-cheap fares, and I thought they were among the airlines shown on expedia.com, travelocity.com, etc. So, when pricing fares to San Jose, American Airlines and United Airlines were the only ones showing up before the likes of America West appeared with, like, three times AA's highest fare. Because of that, I was assuming that in, this particular case, they were cheaper than SWA. UA was like a couple of bucks more than AA and UA was already in ch. 11 so I decided to start booking with AA.

Before I did, I was told the reason WN wasn't showing up on expedia.com was because they don't deal with them. They expect people to use southwest.com but when I did, and compared the prices, AA was still cheaper, and found out that's always the case as long as you plan ahead. In the process of shopping AA against WN, I thought to go to aa.com since I had to go directly to southwest.com. So when I went to book my first flight to SJC, I was going to use aa.com (especially when I found out about expedia.com and travelocity.com's $5 booking fee).

In order to make a reservation, I had to enroll in American Airline's AAdvantage frequent flyer program. At first, I hadn't been excited about that because, once, I had a secured Wells Fargo credit card that, upon having better financial resources, I was planning to close. I indeed did close it once I realized I'd only amassed 4,000+ points with people I don't do business with, and those points weren't enough to do anything anyway.

I was just enjoying flying all the time, but as I kept going back to aa.com to book more flights, I noticed my mileage balance growing wildly! Looking at my AAdvantage Summary statements, I found out I was getting 500 miles for any flight 500 miles or less, plus 1,000 bonus miles for every round trip just for booking at aa.com. In the beginning, I didn't like connecting in Orange County or Las Vegas to get a cheaper fare, but those short hops were adding 500 miles. It was becoming clear I was going to go WAY beyond 4,000 points... So, I asked myself, "All right, at one point does having frequent flyer miles matter?" and started looking for as much information I could read about AA's AAdvantage program.

I find out the basics like a free coach ticket can be had for 25,000 miles, and I thought, "Well, that's doable, but it's gonna take me the whole year to get there." But my job can be boring many nights so I spent time either browsing jetphotos.net, rec.travel.air where I found out about flyertalk.com and then hanging out at flyertalk.com; spending a lot of time at their American Airlines forum among others where I learned a ton of things in there.

I decided to go back and read more about the AAdvantage program, and realize miles can be used for much more important things. Like upgrading to FIRST CLASS on a 3-class jet sold as two-class, or a physically two-class aircraft--while earning miles. And not just a half a point per mile either. Then I started noticing this elite status business. I didn't get the point and didn't care about it as much as I did what the actual miles could for me. The perks of Gold Status were interesting, but what got me fired up about actually attaining it was finding my flight activity was getting me there--fast! I hadn't bothered to check at first, thinking I'd have to fly way too many times, beyond what I could afford, to get any kind of elite status. I knew I was buying the ultra cheap fares that only get a half a point per mile. So, despite having nearly 20,000 miles, I only had around 8,000 points. I almost glazed over the part where they mention 30 segments Also does the trick. I thought that was a lot too, until I realized I had 18 segments since January and it was April! I realized, "Wow, at this rate, I'll have more than enough to make Gold! How'd I get all these segments?" Turns out, each flight number is a segment.

I was really juiced to learn that, not only did those extra connections in Santa Ana (when they existed) or Las Vegas afford me an extra 500 miles on my round-trips to San Jose, they also gave me extra segments! So, I started deliberately booking my flights to involve extra segments, where cheaper than non-stop (which is frequentlyt he case). And, actually, it gave me more time to spend at one of my favorite places to be: the airport!

But the mileage hunger didn't stop there. I figured AA is trying to save payroll cash by making sure that customers use resources that involve not going through a live person. So I got my 500 miles for checking in online the first time, my 500 miles for using the kiosk the first time... Then, I had an operation that made me skip a flight to my girlfriends' so I sent flowers instead. ftd.com had an input field for an AAdvantage number. The little light bulb above my head appears and I'm all, "Hey, I've got one of those!" I plug it in, get an easy 300 miles just for sending my baby some flowers and balloons. I kept seeing the CitiBank logo at the bottom of aa.com so I opened up a checking account with them to earn miles on my purchases. And then added that card to iDine... I completed one of two GMAC insurance quote requests this year, surveys at Opinion Place every couple of weeks, started buying Kellogg's cereals instead and mailing in the 100 mile certificates, convinced my boss to switch my work cell to an AT&T wireless phone (and the long distance on our POTS line in the data center)--cause actually it was cheaper, renewed my personal domain names with my AAdvantage number... It turned into a really fun game for me.

I'm looking at between 19 and 29 possible segments before the end of the year and I already have 22! I hope I'm able to keep this up next year, because I am certainly looking forward to earning my four complimentary upgrades after flying 10,000 miles, earning a full one point per mile even on discounted fares, being able to upgrade from even discounted fares, pre-boarding, checking in the first-class line in the rare event I need to check bags, a hotline for that rare event when I need help, getting that pretty, shiny gold card instead of this white, paper card, heh.

My job involves sitting in a freezing cold data center at strange hours with no windows, under ground, around loud machines where often, not much, is going on. So, naturally, my mind fantasizes about a job that involves lots of travel. I cruise through the TSA, love airline food and even "traditional seating" is spacious enough for my 5'6" 145lbs. self so I would hardly dislike it except for maybe some of the places I'd be flown to. But I love being able to have said I've been there and it's good/bad.

Travel I think has got to be one of the most important things to me besides music and the people I love.

Well, I hope this story has been interesting to you.

[This message has been edited by dlombard (edited 07-13-2003).]

Very. Thanks for posting that.

For me...usual fascination with flight as a kid.

First flight that I recall was in 1962 when we flew to the Seattle World's Fair. I felt like I was some junior astronaut going on an exciting mission into space. Flying was still a huge thing back then. I remember even the adults were talking about it for weeks before the "big day."

I got every book, pamphlet and brochure I could lay my hands on beforehand. And I had plenty. Because both my Aunt and Uncle worked for United at the maintenance facility at SFO. They got us upgraded to First Class, so as was the custom back then, I had to "dress-up" in suit and clip-on tie. Wasn't too happy about that part, as I recall.

My Uncle arranged for us to arrive at the airport early and I really got the VIP treatment, walking around the plane on the tarmac with mechanics and pilots. Going into the cargo hold. Tour of the cockpit and even a visit up there in flight!

The World's Fair was equally mesmerizing to me as a kid, with the Science Pavilion and Space Needle being my highlights. That trip had a lot of effect on me and where I ended up as an adult.

Many more trips as a kid followed. As a young adult started flying as a Toy Buyer and designer for various companies. Got to go to China with the first wave of business folks after Nixon opened it up. Mostly Pan Am in those days. Lotsa Toy Fairs all over the world. In my peak year, I was in the air over 200 days of the 365! Changed industries and jobs many times since, but almost all have involved extensive travel.

Being so busy with business, I'm afraid I missed out on many benefits of frequent flyer programs in the earliest days of them. Before FF programs I was a member of United's old VIP program. But soon that was eliminated in favor of mileage bank frequent flyer programs of today. Didn't even join until my secretary just signed me up as she figured I didn't know what I was missing. She was right. Been going ever since. Both business and pleasure. I have flown over 2 million lifetime actual flight miles with United alone. Countless hundreds of thousands on other airlines as well, since that 1962 first flight.

Hope all that didn't put you sleep. I tried to keep it short.

My first flight was Chicago - Kansas City with a friend of mine - they were having a $39 RT special or something really low like that on, was it Kiwi or American - I don't remember. Uneventful. Enjoyed Kansas City. Don't know how I acquired a hatred of flying - maybe it was the time our plane lost power at 35,000 feet over the Caribbean briefly, or maybe experiences like flying Southwest last winter during that big tornado system and suffering turbulence nearly the entire flight!

My first flight was a USAir (Piedmont) flight from Roanoke, Virginia to Charlotte, North Carolina for a job interview with a bank while I was at Virginia Tech.

That is probably the reason I don't mind those commuter flights much... that was what my first flight was on.

William

My first flight was on Aeroflot's TU-134 from Anapa to Moscow (AAQ-VKO) when I was....around 4 yo I think. In fact, I think that is one my very first memories that I have now.

I dont remember the flight very well, but I do remember landing (fine) and disembarking the aircraft. They did not have much security concerns back then in the Soviet Union, so my dad was meeting my mom and I right by the aircraft on the airfield! Imagine doing it now... That was 20 years ago.

My second flight was SVO-FCO (Moscow-Rome) on SU (Aeroflot)...typical Intra European 3 and a half hours flight on a IL-62, nothing to write home about.

My first commercial flight was from LAX to HNL. My then boyfriend 2 months prior went on a 3 day ski trip to Tahoe and told me it was a "guys only" trip. I was livid so I booked a week trip to Hawaii by myself. He told me I couldn't go without him and I told him that he went to Tahoe without me...so I went.

It was on a DC10 on Continental. I had only been in a plane twice before. Once I got a ride home from some guy and a couple I met in Parker Arizona (Colorado River) and the other was a DC3 that I decided to jump out of. On the trip back home they overbooked my flight so I HAD to sit in first. It was a nice ending to a great trip.

BTW that boyfriend NEVER went on trips without inviting me again.

[This message has been edited by wingless (edited 07-12-2003).]

My first flight was on British Airways from SYD to LHR.

I decided to spread my wings and go live in Europe for a while. The first flight was scarey, there I was all alone travelling a long way from home, but once I overcame the fear I was hooked.

Pre-9/11 was something else; during my very first flight (LAX-YYZ), I asked my FA if I could take up the captain on his offer to visit the flight deck in-flight and she took me up there. It was like standing on a a platform overlooking Heaven. That cockpit was out of this world. I expected it would be but it was amazing to see in real life.

I was dressed up in a suit and tie myself, actually; even though only flying Y I still thought that for such a special occasion (my first flight, ever--all by myself), I should look good. The tie was tied by me (another first).

Man, a tour of UA's facility at SFO--that must've been a treat! I was always watching the Tarmac down at SNA, looking at the operations. I know it's just a job and they're getting paid to make it happen. But, the same could be said for the folks who built the golden gate bridge, put men on the moon, etc.

Thanks for sharing your story.

------------------
Best regards,
Dairenn Lombard
Los Angeles, CA

I was 12 years old w/my first flight. A four seat seaplane from a lake in upper MN to http://www.campbellscabins.com/ on Lac La Croix. My grandparents were taking me for a fishing trip. Pilot �let me fly� w/my hands and feet on the controls.
VERY COOL!!

Next trip was not until 8th grade when the annual 8th grader�s Washington DC trip.

Next flight after that was not until my wife and I took an Apple vacation to Puerto Vallaerta (sp).

Then was promoted to a position that required lots of travel, rest is continuing history.


------------------
Visit FlyerTalk Dining http://flyertalk.com/diningfr.shtml

I first flew when I used to fly to India on Air India on flights that seemed interminable and were full to the brim. That didn't enamor me to flying. I then started flying again on my own back when companies were desperate for people (ie dot com boom) and I was flying all around the country for interviews. I then realized that I could get companies to subsidize the habit and end up in places like Sydney, Hawaii, etc on their dime, and I've been hooked ever since.

Now that I have over 2 million miles on various airlines in three years, I've cut down a lot so I can actually burn rather than earn, but the results can not be denied -- first or biz tickets to exotic destinations after way too many trips to Poughkeepsie to count...

I started flying wearing a suit and tie, 50 years ago!
That was the flight, that I helped bus the trays, since the plan was landing!

Got no miles! Just memories!

I flew for business on occasion up until 1997, when I started working as a partner in a company that was located on the opposite coast.

Then I found FlyerTalk, and learned about elite programs and mileage runs, and my flying started in earnest.

I am grateful that I can travel, grateful for FlyerTalk, grateful that the airlines have been so good to me and continue to be good to me.

Where in Poughkeepsie dud you go? I am assuming you meand Poughkeepsien NY. I am from the Poughkeepsie area. Just curious thats all. I am guessing big blue.

When I was about 6 months old, my parents flew from HNL to OKA (1965). I had a few flights at age 5 (1970) from OKA to OTM via Tokyo (old airport), ANC (refueling), SEA, ORD then OTM.

I flew again in 1983 (DEN-LAX) as an "Amateur". Again, as an amateur, in 1988 for Christmas break (DSM-STL-COS). 1989 for job interview (DSM-MDW).

My professional travel began in the summer of '89. I have traveled in excess of 1.2 million miles on various airlines and almost all domestic. The longest flight since 1970 is SEA-IAD at 2306 miles.

I will be back in the air on 7/17.

Hi dlombard,

Thanks for the post!

I've always been fascinated by flight. When I was a child, I arranged scrap wood in the back yard to spell out "Hi Pilot"

I'd have to look in my logbook to see when my first flight actually occurred, but it was in the late 60's. I clipped a $5 "Discovery Flight" coupon out of an issue of Flying magazine and took my first flying lesson.

My air time was few and far between the next few years until I scored a summer job on a salmon troller. I took %15 of the catch, less expenses. That job gave me the funds to complete a dream and become a private pilot the following year. It must have been 1972.

My first commercial flight was in 1970 from SFO to SEA to meet up with my dad. Like PremEx, I was well dressed. That's how it was in those days, youngsters My dad had taken a new job in Olympia and I followed him by air to my new school. My mom finished selling the house in the SF area and drove to Washington with my dog. She hated that dog... It was true parental love.

I don't remember much about that flight, except that I had my nose pressed to the window the entire time - and such has been my practice to this day.

My third commercial trip was SFO to NRT to train the staff at Apple's Japanese repair center how to do module level repair of Apple II computers and disk drives.

My fourth flight was to Mexico City when an official in the Mexican government paid me to come down there to replace a chip in his Disk ][. He didn't want to wait while the drive was shipped to California and back.

After that flying became more frequent for me, both for business and pleasure, though never more than 10 times/year at it's peak.