This was not a destination for which I normally would have selected air travel. I like control over the way things go and value it highly, so ordinarily the time advantage must be substantial before I elect to travel by air.
However, part of the goal this time was to get Nathan an airplane ride, and we’ve definitely done that.
We have two more airplane rides coming later today. But oh, by the way, sir: they’re five and a half hours later than what you reserved. Also, your five-year-old will be sitting by himself on your second flight.
Relinquished control.
The delay is annoying, but not really a big deal. I’m mightily pissed about the seating, though. The telephone agent was unable to help me, but said the gate agent may be able to. There’s nothing to do but wait and see whether she’s merely passing the problem along. (Oh, the airline knew his age when they did this, too.)
Relinquished control.
There’s a cost advantage to driving. As I mentioned above, there’s a huge control advantage to driving. The main penalty is time. But slapping this additional five and a half hours on the deal diminshes that advantage rapidly, does it not?
All y’all frequent flyers can have it.
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Right there with ya. Oh and as for the underage travel seating companion, someone will happily trade with you. Just tell the boy to start asking tons and tons of nonstop questions to the person sitting next to him. Especially if they are wearing a suit.
Bummer, Bo. Really sorry you’re being hassled. Don’t suppose you could get your money back on the airplane and rent a car, could you?
On the bright side, I don’t know a single 5-year old other than Nathan that would be up to that challenge. But he’s a great kid, and he’ll be fine. Still – hardly comforting to you, no doubt. Hang in there.
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Home. They did indeed have it straightened out when we got to the gate in Atlanta, and we sat together on the flight home. Thanks for the well wishes and kindred cheers.
As angry as the whole episode made me, I’m not going to blame (or name) the airline. This is not an airline-specific thing; it’s air travel in general. And as many miles as get flown every day in this country, I’m not about to suggest they’re doing anything particularly wrong. Obviously, they do well enough, else I’d expect a sustained rise in interest in high-speed rail in the U.S., for example.
But there’s no doubt my leisure air travel threshold rose considerably this week. I know it’s as high as 1500 miles. It might be 2000. Take the extra day or two off, drive it, and keep control of the trip. The increase in my serenity is worth the trade-off.