patrick.net

Flying sucks.

That's why I pay more to get non-stop flights whenever I can.

Not "direct" flights. Those flights allow stops. My mother owned a travel agency and taught me a few things.

Did you miss the sale of sister wives @ 50 percent off?

Patrick says

Flying sucks.

That's why I pay more to get non-stop flights whenever I can.

Not "direct" flights. Those flights allow stops. My mother owned a travel agency and taught me a few things.

First rule is don't check bags. Fits under the seat and could easily pack a weeks worth of clothing if it's leisure travel. Backpack: https://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Expandable-Backpacks-Resistant-Weekender/dp/B0B6GCHWW2?th=1

Then bring a roller carry on if you want more or extra accessories for the trip to fit your cooler or this could be used as a carry on itself. I usually make it my dirty clothes bag at the end since it's hitting the wash as the bag might be wet so no biggie. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0102B9DI6?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1 The cooler is a must if you're a beer drinker or have kids that want drinks on adventures. I'm not a big fan of doing commercial tourism activities. You get ripped off so a cooler comes in handy.

Domestic airports need more lounges is the big problem. When I go to Puerto Rico, Dominican (one has a pool), Mexico, etc. International technically but as close to me as LAX. If you have a layover you sit back and relax with free drinks, food and wifi. Some have nap areas and showers. I know American, Delta and United have some member lounges, but usually not for economy and their points programs are trash. Also the legacy carriers are ALWAYS delayed. Have had great luck with SW on 100 or so flights. As a tall guy the leg room sucks, but I'll take free flights any day of the week.

As Maga Chaos mentions your home airport is a biggie. Southwest does non stop to flipping Bozeman, MT. Spokane, WA. San Antonio, TX. Panama City, FL. All this is out of Midway Chicago. I hate O'hare, but they do fly out of terminal 5 now.

I'm at an advantage as a lot of Southwest layovers are through Chicago and have more non-stop opportunities. Nashville, Orlando, Vegas, Denver and Phoenix are the big layover airports going west or South for me. And I hate the Denver airport. Takes an hour to get out of the fucking place and another 30-40 min. to city center. Nashville is also annoying with all the country music. Don't need that forced into my ears.

MolotovCocktail says

For some of us, yes.

Fucking bullshit!

15 mins on the tarmac and we can't park because some asshat is in our way!

Because wind. So the other plane hasn't been cleared to leave yet.

How about those fuckers back out and wait instead.

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

Fucking bullshit!

15 mins on the tarmac and we can't park because some asshat is in our way!

Unfortunately it was probably some ass hat before and messed up the flow. Or they're lying and the gate is not ready. Usually they want to keep the taxiways as clear as possible. Full taxiways will block the runway once jammed up. Can't land any planes on that runway.

It was a 45min wait. To people's objections, I got up and took a piss because at one point the pilot said ten more minutes. So did some chick in the back of the plane when she saw me coming.

I saw all manner of parking spots. They can drive up the mobile staircase as well.

Now I'm in a smelly hilton garden inn. I get that it's SSF but it's wet inside this building. No ventilation. Old carpet. In a lot of ways The Anderson in Hot Springs was nicer last week and it's over 100 years old and falling apart. Except for the showers. I always bring sandals but you're taking your life in your hands taking a shower at The Anderson without them.

When?

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

It's clean and has a nice selection of beer.

$10 BEERS?

There is a bit of stylish rant here, but needs some more rage accents and fillers. What's a rant without the rage?

WookieMan says

First rule is don't check bags.

Somewhere I read that executives usually just have their secretaries ship their luggage to the hotel. Then they go first class and have a car waiting to pick them up.

Still, that's lower than the level of the really rich, who have their own planes.

komputodo says

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

It's clean and has a nice selection of beer.

$10 BEERS?

Naw, the IPAs I bought were $8 but I tipped $2 so yeah 10 at the end of the day. But I'm used to shelling out cash for beer. Especially in Texas. Regular brand canned beer there at the grocery store is more expensive than California. I'm not sure why. Maybe more taxes.

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

But I'm used to shelling out cash for beer. Especially in Texas. Regular brand canned beer there at the grocery store is more expensive than California. I'm not sure why. Maybe more taxes.

No, it's because the beer distribution in TX is a locked-up monopoly. Hell, Mexican beer costs more in TX than in NY.

Patrick says

Somewhere I read that executives usually just have their secretaries ship their luggage to the hotel. Then they go first class and have a car waiting to pick them up.

I'll use 3rd party services in the future. Ship sticks is one for golf. I think they do snowboards as well. My issue is it's included with Southwest for a checked bag, at least if you have the CC. I need non-stops if I'm going to check it.

I don't know how I managed one guys trip. Went to Phoenix and golfed for 3 days and then flew up to Bozeman to snowboard for two days. I may act like a know it all, but I had never driven a convertible. Rode as a passenger in the past. So I get a small BMW in AZ with a golf bag and snow board. I'm like shit I'm a fucking idiot.

Was fun driving around AZ for a few days and not dealing with IL and it was warm until I left. The drive to the airport it was 50ºF and I had to drive with the top off to fit the gear. One of those two seaters. Whatever, it was cheaper than other rental cars and I had winter gear with me. F'ing cold though going 70mph.

As a business traveler in the past, the BEST flying ever was after 9/11. Planes were virtually empty!

SharkyP says

As a business traveler in the past, the BEST flying ever was after 9/11. Planes were virtually empty!

I was too young for 9/11 (freshman in college). Covid was the best besides the mask for my age, but I just drank something and was sipping on it. See an FA and go for a bottle of water or a beer. Can't give me water or sell me a beer and say I can't drink it. With covid is was the hotel, houses and resorts that were dirt cheap as well. Double win.

Took trips that would be $10-14k now for $3k in 2020-2021. That's not inflation, that's paying the bills for the properties on the resorts end so they didn't default. But what do I know. Didn't live it. Not a shot at you SharkyP.

Maga_Chaos_Monkey says

I've had 7 flights this summer, a mixture of Southwest

I may have just jizzed in my pants. 100% free flights (for me/family) to St. Thomas now and no international fees since it's a territory. Starts in March. Game changer. Just got the email this morning. Used to have to do a puddle jumper from San Juan which was cheap, but still money and a pain especially with 5 @ about $700 total.

Will miss San Juan's lounge but the money saved overall can go to lodging or boat charter. Good day.