It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

As the song goes, (in my best Bing Crosby voice) “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go.”  That includes the airport.  Poinsettias, Christmas Trees, hanging lights and fake presents are all around your local terminal this time of year.  Don’t be tempted and believing that the Christmas Spirit has been passed along to Airline workers either. 
Another sure way you can tell it’s the holiday season is the number of people running late to catch a plane to MiMa’s house.  Have you ever seen the movie Home Alone?  The McCallister's rush like crazy to the airport, run like hell through Chicago O’Hare to the gate, make it just in time to get on the plane and then take a deep sigh of relief.  That happens a lot this time of year.  I don’t know how many of these people are leaving a kid at home but the frequency of people getting to the gate just in time is much higher.   I have witnessed this 4 times in the last week alone.  I would have been the recipient of a Stand-By ticket had these people not shown up.  Instead, their tardiness gave me false hope that I might make it to my destination sooner. 

The airports are busy and full with lots of holiday travelers.  These travelers don’t hang the stockings by the chimney with care but they do place wrapped presents in overhead bends very gently, trying hard not to rip the pretty paper.  They must think that rule of 1 Carry-On and 1 Personal item doesn’t apply this time of year or they are exempt because they are doing Santa’s work.  I watched a woman argue with a gate agent the other night about this very topic.  With some of the words she choose to use, I think she qualifies for Santa’s naughty list.  As usual, the gate agent won and the passenger uttered those famous words, “I will never fly this airline again!” 

This time of year also brings a higher frequency of unpredictable weather and delays.  The DE-ICING of the Plane is one of the most tedious necessary evils ever.  This process can take over an hour depending on your location.  Small regional airports generally don’t have lots of trucks so if you are the third plane in line for De-icing, go ahead and start writing a book on your experience of being held captive on a plane.  By the time the de-icing is done, you should have the first draft of your manuscript completed.  Additionally, if you are flying out of a larger Hub, the de-icing process causes congestion on the run way, thus lots of time sitting on the tarmac.  Watching people get antsy, take big sighs and ask questions aloud to anyone who will listen is entertaining.  “Why are we not moving?”  “What is going on up there?”  “What is taking so long?”  I will admit that sometimes, the Captain of the Plane could make an announcement to inform people of what’s happening but his job is to fly the plane, not serve as our play by play commentator.  SAFETY FIRST!

So, if you are traveling this holiday season, travel safe.  I would suggest shipping your presents ahead of time; it will save you lots of hassle.  Be patient and understand that the airlines and Air Traffic Control cannot control the weather.  And try to get the airport on time.  You don’t want to play the Stand By game and make Mi-Ma wait at the airport any longer than she needs to.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Griswold Family Vacation

 Last week, I was the rear end of my own joke.  I was what I would normally cringe at when I walked into an airport.  I was on a family on vacation. 

My parents are getting ready to celebrate their 40^th wedding anniversary.  So my sister and I, along with our spouses, decided it would be nice to take the folks on a family vacation.  Take them some place they have never been for a once in a lifetime trip.  We took them to the Hawaiian Island of Kauai.  My sister, her husband and 3 children make 5.  My wife, daughter and myself make 3 and our parents are 2 more.  We were a group of 10 making our way through airports and across the country.  Because my sister is the ultimate procrastinator, she booked separate flights, thus taking a different route.  Nonetheless, this was a family vacation even Clark W Griswold would be proud of.  Between the luggage, excessive in the case of my wife, a stroller, carry-ons and anything else we can find, were a sight to see.   I am not sure who our cousin Eddie was but there was several people deserving of a nomination.

On this trip, I was forced to break every travel habit I have.   Checking luggage, which means waiting for luggage once we arrived.  No express lane at security.  Nope, head straight for the family lane.  Nothing halts progress with TSA like a stroller with cow manure on it.  I guess we should have washed it after visiting the state fair.  I often frequent the same airports; therefore I have my favorite places to grab something to eat.  Not this trip as I have 9 other people to please.   Boarding the plane is now a process.  Even though all our seats are together, this still becomes a long, unnecessarily drawn out process, thus holding everyone else up from finding their seat.  I became what annoys me deeply. My ability to live in a shell on a plane was gone.  When you look like a traveling circus family, everyone wants to talk to you.  They want to know where you are going, what ‘s the occasion, how long are you staying.  I can’t plug in my earphones and be my typical self and make this go away.  Oh no, someone from the herd had to break the silence, thus creating a conversation I typically dredge.  Of course, you are forced into similar conversations on your way back.  YEAH, there was something for me to look forward to.  (note the sarcasm) 

10 hours of flying is long for anyone, especially for my little girl who will be 3 in December.  My IPAD was consumed with kids app’s and many episodes of her favorite TV show’s.   She did squeeze in nap somewhere in between.  My wife on the other hand thinks she has an illness.  She thinks she gets motion sickness when she is forced to fly coach.  Since our little girl now requires her own seat, first class is no longer an option.  Buy 2 first class seats maybe, but never 3.  So she had to tough it out.  I was not opposed to drugging her, my wife that it is for my own sanity.  My sister, because of her procrastination, had 2 tight connections.  She and her family had to look like the McCallisters from Home Alone as they ran through ORD and LAX.  

They did manage to make all 4 connections, which were each less than 60 minutes.  To bad for them, the Captain for one of their flights didn’t make it causing them to miss a connection in ORD on their way home.  Luckily for them, they were able to get on the next flight to IND, 5 hours later.

On our version of the Griswold Family Vacation, it took everything I had to keep my sanity in check, much like Clark. There were a handful things that did get on my nerves and annoy me.  People walking slow and my own family riding the moving sidewalks.  I bit my tongue and pressed forward.  We are family, together on vacation and they tell me nothing could be better.  We survived and all made it home safely.  We are still talking to each other, which is a plus.  Most importantly, our parents had the time of their lives.

Next spring, I will report on Griswold Vacation Family #2, which is a RV Trip across the country with wife’s family.  Again, YEAH, something to look forward to!!!

Its time to get off the plane

I have often said I believe people should be required to take a test before flying.  There are some simple rules that if followed, would increase traveling efficiencies.  One of those rules is boarding and de-boarding a plane.  It is amazing to see people struggle with something so simple but I see it time and time again. 

I ate lunch with a colleague last week.  Let’s refer to him as the NUT.  NUT is a pretty loyal reader to this blog and asked why I haven’t posted for a while.  I did not have a good reason.  NUT was telling me about a recent flight he had.  He was sitting in row 17.  During the de-boarding process, NUT became annoyed.  He said the people in row 16 sat in their seats.  When it came time for them to de-board, it was then they decided to stand up and get their things out of the over head bin.  This wouldn’t have been an issue had they gotten their things quickly.  Instead, it took them several minutes to collect their belongings.  NUT’s complaint was they had 15 rows of people to stand up and begin collecting their things.  It wasn’t until the last minute that they decide to get up and collect their belongings and delay the de-boarding process for the rest of the passengers. 

I have experienced NUT’s frustration with this process myself.  The de-boarding process can feel like an eternity when you are at the back of the plane, especially if you have a tight connection.  Even without a tight connection, I want to get off the plane as quickly as possible.  And waiting on people who make a simple process complicated is annoying.

I realize a portion of the travelers on the plane who are on vacation and they are in no hurry.  I don’t blame them.  I am usually not in a hurry when I travel either.  Nonetheless, being in a cramped space with a group of complete strangers is not where I look to spend my free time so I do try to move as quickly as possible.

Be respectful of your fellow passengers and try to be efficient when boarding and de-boarding the plane.  We are all going or coming from somewhere and we will all get to our destinations eventually.  Being efficient can and should be a part of the process.

I like to read and there is no better way to pass the time on a plane than reading a good book.  Last Christmas, my family bought me an IPAD and one of the first things I downloaded was the Kindle App.  Since then, I carry the IPAD on all flights and usually have at least one book I am reading on there.  There is a book I have been reading with a Men’s group I am part of that isn’t available on Kindle.  So I have been carrying around a paperback for a few weeks.  Before I continue on, I have to preface this by saying I have a bad on habit on planes.  Yes, I know, its hard to believe but I do.  My bad habit, I stick things in the seat back pocket in front of me.  I always stick a newspaper in there, the IPAD, my cell phone and whatever else might be in my hand that I might want to access during the flight.  My wife has ridiculed me for years for doing this.  She tells me that pocket is not for my personal items and I am bound to forget something.  Plus, think of the germs.   Well, last night it happened.  That paperback I have been carrying for 2 weeks is LONG GONE.  In the words of my loving supporting wife, “You fool!  It was bound to happen!”  Thank you dear for the support. 

There have been countless times I have found stuff in those pockets and I think, “What kind of person leaves stuff in here?”  Now I know what kind of person, me.  I haven’t felt so irresponsible for some time.  How could I do this?  I think about all the flights I have been on over the last few years and I have never left anything on a plane before.  I suppose it is a blessing that is was a $20 book and not something more valuable to teach me this lesson but still, I feel silly.

This flight had distraction written all over it.  A delay because of weather before takeoff, a delay once I landed because another plane was at our gate and I had a short connection that was getting shorter.  I started reading once we finally took off.  I had a bit of headache so I put the book in the pocket and closed my eyes in attempt to relax.  When I my headache passed, I took in the view of NYC while landing at Newark airport.  I did not put other things in the pocket.  This time, I only put the book.  This was part of the problem.  By only the putting the book, it was more easy to forget and I was distracted by the other things going on.  I realized it as soon as I got on the next plane and reached into my back pack looking for it.  My initial thought to myself was, OH POOH!  Have I done the unthinkable?  I could already hear my wife in my head.  I won't live this one down for a while.

Here is my advice travelers, or should I say my wife’s advice, do not put things in the pocket in front of you.  Its that simple.  The chances of finding a forgotten item on a plane are slim to none.  There is the occasional success story but they are rare. 

Travel safe!

Carry ON

I know I have ranted about this before but because of this mornings experience, I feel it's worth mentioning again because people are not getting the hints.  You can only bring 2 things on the plane!  Ladies and some Guys, your purse is considered 1 of those 2 items, no matter how big or small.  Therefore, you can not bring your computer bag and roller bag with your purse.  I watched a woman argue with the flight attendant for more than 10 minutes this morning on this topic causing the plane to leave late.

Speaking of carry on's, folks, don't try to roll your bag down the aisle of the plane.  Pick it up and carry it.  The room for error is very small and the likelihood of you whacking someone in the knee is very high.  Plus, you look really silly when your bag catches the arm rest and throws you backwards.

Regional Jets are the new normal in flying.  Airlines are using them more and more because of efficiency and to limit supply of seats.  Therefore, your carry on that could easily hold a baby elephant will not fit in the overhead.  Check it and save yourself the embarrassment.



It's getting cold out which means everyone will be wearing coats again when traveling.  DO NOT PUT YOUR COAT IN THE OVERHEAD.  They take up to much space.  Hold it, put in the seat in front of you or here is a concept, leave it on.  It's kind of like my shoe argument, if it's that uncomfortable, don't wear it.

On a separate note, don't drink heavily in airport bars or take lots of medication before flying.  It doesn't end well for anyone.  I sat beside this lady on a recent flight. 

She was out cold for the majority of the  2+ hour flight and when she was awake, she was incoherent and made a fool of herself on more than one occasion.  She could hardly stand, speak and her bowel movements were out of control.  This was to the displeasure of myself and the people sitting beside us.  Take care of yourself before and during flights.

More to come soon!

Good Morning!

I apologize for my tardiness in post recently.  I have been traveling a lot lately and have lots to share.  I just haven’t had time to get it all captured. 

I am a morning person.  I like to get up early and get things done.  I am not sure why.  My wife likes to get up early as well.  Because of this, our 2 year old is a very early riser, which we prefer.

I love to see people who are not morning people on really early flights.  Words cannot describe these people, but I will try.  Some are still in their PJ's.  I for one find that completely inappropriate and unacceptable.  You were too tired to even put on clothes this morning?  Do you really expect me to believe you couldn't get up 3 minutes earlier and put on something other than a faded Van Halen tee shirt from 1986 and flannel pants?  I am assuming you slept in those clothes and if you didn't, you should tell people you did because they look that bad.

I love those non morning people who wake up late, rush like crazy to airport, beg the ticket counter to let them check in and then curse the gate agent because the plane left on time.  "How dare you leave on time?  It's your fault I'm going to miss my connection!  Ugh!  I'm never going to fly your airline again!”

In the small sample study of non scientific research I have done, I have found non morning people are usually tardy people by nature.  Maybe it's just people I know.  My theory is since it takes them a while to get going in the morning, they are usually late to their first appointment, thus late for everything the rest of the day.  They then go to bed late because they have been playing catch up all day, thus returns another slow morning the next day.  It's a viscous cycle. 

If you are not a morning person, don't book an early morning flight.  Leave the day before.  You and your fellow passengers will thank me for it.

Conversation Stereotyping

IND to DSM via ORD

DSM to IND via ORD

Stereotyping is bad.  Make no mistake about it.  When you stereotype, you judge someone and judging people is bad.  You form an opinion of someone based on how they look, the way the dress, what they are doing and many other things.  After you form this opinion, you put these people into mental boxes.   And they will never get out of his box because you likely will never talk to them to learn the truth.

When you spend as much time in an airport as I do, you see lots and lots of strangers.  Thousands of people I will never talk to or likely see again.  When I am walking on the moving sidewalks, I don't take the time to form an opinion.  I am to focused on getting to my gate.  I do form an opinion of the people riding the moving sidewalk but you should read an earlier post to understand that.  But once I arrive at my gate, I sit.  And it is here where I generally form an opinion of thousands of people, unfairly.  I keep these thoughts to myself and occasionally share them with you, my loyal readers.  I will admit that I do stereotype while passing through security but that's not to judge, that's for my own sanity.

When you are in an airport or on a plane, it is next to impossible not to overhear people's conversations.  I don't try to eaves drop but sometimes you hear people.  For instance, there was a woman sitting behind me yesterday from IND to ORD.  She turns to her colleague and says, "the last time I was in Chicago, I went the the Jerry Springer show".  When I was in college, I watched the Jerry Springer show a time or two.  I have a pretty good idea of the type of people who go watch Jerry Springer.  When I hear this woman say this, how do I not put her into that category of people that I am envisioning in my head?  I have no idea what she looks like, right or wrong, I have developed a mental picture.  As soon as we arrive and everyone stands, a quick glimpse back by me and yep, she was exactly who I thought she'd be.

The next time you are travel, think about what you wear, think about how you behave and think about what you say.  People will always judge you.  Just limit the material you give them to work with.

Are we lazy?

IND to DEN
DEN to CID
CID to IND via ORD

I kind of bounced back and forth a little bit last week.  I had to fly to Denver for a Company meeting and then stopped in Cedar Rapids to see a customer on my way home.  As usual, I got to spend some time in ORD, my home away from home.

If you have ever traveled through ORD, the trip over to the C Concourse is a unique one.  Go down some big escalators, WALK across 2 long moving sidewalks and back up another big escalator.  Below is a photo from that section of ORD

If I land in the B Concourse in ORD, my connection will be in C.  If land in C, my connection is in B.  Thus, I spend a lot of time in this unique area between concourses.  It is here where I witness some really lazy people.



When people ride the moving sidewalk like its an actual ride at an amusement park, it annoys me.  How lazy are you that you can't walk?  You walked to get on the moving sidewalk.  You will walk when you get off of it.  Why can't you walk while you're on it?  It is a very high percentage of people who ride these things.  Its usually the vacation traveler who has the family and they are on island time with no where to go.  Still, vacation or not, you can't be that lazy.

As to any rule, there are exceptions.  If you have crutches or a bum knee/leg/foot.  Its OK to stand.  If you have small children.  Kids will ride these things for hours.  As a parent who travels with my daughter from time to time, you do anything you can to keep kids busy in an airport. 

If you are elderly, go ahead and enjoy the rest.  Everyone else, your excuses are unacceptable.

If you must STAND, at least follow the proper etiquette.  Stand to the right, walk to the left.  Get out of the way so the person who wants to get by can.  If you are with your buddy, don't stand by one another.  Move over to the right side.  Our country has lots of issues.  I think as a society we are getting lazier.  Moving sidewalks aren't helping this either. 

I have never pushed anyway out of the way.  I have wanted to but I refrain from it.  I do say some really loud Excuse Me's or give "the look".  It's only because I want to get to my gate and hurry up and wait for my next flight.

Next time you travel, walk on the moving sidewalk and observe the number of people enjoying the ride!

Stuck in the middle

IND to DEN

DEN to IND via ORD

Occasionally, my companies policy won't allow me to fly my airline of choice. When this happens, all the special treatment that I have come accustom to disappears.  This was the case this week as I made a quick trip to Denver and back.  As I printed my boarding pass, I noticed my seat was 29 E.  Nothing good can come from a flight when your row number is close to your age, especially if you are over 30.  If sitting in the back wasn't bad enough, I was stuck in the middle. 

 A 3 hour flight with little to no personal space, Yippee!  I was lucky enough to be sitting next to a nice, elderly lady.  I watched her attempt a Sudoko game for the duration of the 3 hour flight.  She didn't get very far.  I have never played the game but after watching her, I've learned what not to do.  The other lady sitting next to me was traveling with her husband and 2 children. They were sitting across the aisle from us.  She was lodged into a book for the duration of the flight.  She hardly acknowledged me or her family.  That must have been some book.

I'm not a big guy by any means but the middle is never comfortable.  For starters, you have to share both of your arm rest.  You would think the person who has one to themselves would give a little on the co-share.  No!  I have seen people lean over and protect that thing like it was their first born child.  Hey lady, I am not excited about the situation either but C'mon man!

If having 2 people leaning towards you wasn't bad enough, the one thing that can make this worse happens.  The guy in front of me leans back. 

And not the gentle ease back either.  He pushes that button and slams back.  It's like he is claiming his territory and staking a flag in it.  If that 3 inches is the difference between you being comfortable and completely miserable, then by all means, lean back buddy.  But the slam back is a bit uncalled for.

I hope the next flight you check into to doesn't leave you in the stuck in the middle

Random Travel Thoughts

IND to DSM via ORD
DSM to IND via ORD

I dedicate this site to writing about things that see while traveling.  Things I find odd.  They may be normal to others, but they are odd to me.  The last few weeks, I have witnessed a few things that are, well, just plain dumb.

DUMB THING #1:  I use hotel business centers a lot to prepare for upcoming meetings.  These are public computers and obviously a lot of random people use them.  These random people do various things on these computers.  Twice in the last week, when I have sat down at one of these hotel public computers, I have noticed that the person before me did not log out of their GMAIL account.  I was able to see everything about their email account.  I could have easily stole their identity and lots of personal information.  How do you log into a public computer and not remember to log out?

DUMB THING #2:  This isn't something I witnessed recently, but a friend of mine had a unique experience with a fellow passenger who probably had to much to drink.  Excessive drinking is never good.  Excessive drinking in an airport is a recipe for disaster because you usually have to much time to kill.  A friend of mine was recently traveling when a man who had to much to drink sat down beside her on a long flight.  He began their conversation by telling her he wanted to wrestle her in a swimming pool.  Drunk or not, that is never a good way to start a conversation.  The inappropriate comments carried on for the duration of the long flight.  Don't get DRUNK Airports, EVER!

DUMB THING #3:  I recently got caught in some nasty weather in Omaha.  My Wednesday flight was cancelled and United told me the first opening was FRIDAY morning.  Really?  I could drive from Omaha to Indy in less time than waiting that long.  There were a lot of angry people that wanted to leave Omaha so badly.  Did I mention Memorial Day Weekend was approaching?  So the airport was busier than normal.  People were yelling like crazy at the ticket agents.  Like they controlled the Universe and those storms were all a part of their evil plan.  Don't yell at gate agents.  I admit customer service doesn't exist in the airline industry but you acting irrational is not acceptable.  Everyone is cranky.  The calm person usually wins here.

SMART THING#1:  While driving across IL this week, I spotted the below license plate.  IL is known for the amount of vanity plates per person.  But this one takes the CAKE!!!  This one hits home for me for lots of reasons.  1)  I am PURDUE ALUM!!!!  2) My wife is an IL ALUM and grew up in IL!!!!  3) I have a few friends from IL and this will burn them up. 

There is no doubt in my mind that this is the smartest person in the entire state of ILLINOIS!!!!!

Travel safe

Oh the irony

IND to DFW
DFW to DIA
DIA to IND

Last weeks travel was simple, but complicated. 3 direct flights, 2 cities and home. Simple right? That is until a thunder storm sits on top of DIA and shuts the airport down. Followed by hail damage to my plane which rendered it useless. United airlines scrambles, finds us a new plane and we get home, several hours late but hey, at least I'm home. I spent 36 additional hours in DIA last winter when a snow storm hit so I'm not complaining.

The first 2 flights seen very little airport time, thus minimal people watching for me to report. I did sit beside a dear, sweet woman on my first flight. She told me she was returning home after spending 12 days with her son and his family. 12 days? I can't imagine 12 days with a grandma in the house. That's all I have to say about that.

Let's get back to DIA, where I spent nearly 12 hours. People who know we well know I have a weakness for ice cream. After 12 hours, I had ice cream, twice. Actually it was yogurt but close enough. On round 2, I opted for a milkshake. I am a simple guy so vanilla it was. The fine young man asked me if I wanted fat free yogurt. Since this was round 2 in a 12 hour period, I thought, yeah why not. Then he pours the milk in. I couldn't help but notice the milk he was using was whole milk. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of the fat free yogurt versus ice cream? I love whole milk, but it isn't great for my waistline so I limit myself. So when I eat fat free yogurt, I feel a little better about myself. But if you add whole milk to the fat free yogurt, you might as well eat the real ice cream. When I asked the young man about this, he looked at me very confused. I was to tired to explain it to the confused soul.

My simple trip ended up being not so simple. My fat free milk shake ended being not so fat free. Here's hoping next weeks travel are more, less simple.

Play nice

IND to CID via ORD
CID to MSP via DEN
MSP to IND

I was in Iowa last week. While sitting in ORD on a short layover, I seen a guy explode at a gate agent. He asked her, "Don't you know I am"? In which turn the agent responded with a simple "No, should I"? I laughed out loud for several reasons. First and foremost, before you play the "Don't you know who I am card", you better make darn sure people know who are. If you were so important that random gate agents should know who you are, I am not so sure you would be waiting in Terminal E at O'Hare flying to Cedar Rapids Iowa on Wednesday night. Secondly, I believe yelling at gate agents is bad karma. Gate agents have to have one of the most thank-less jobs ever. This poor gate agent knows nothing of this mans recent travels. She has no idea what has went wrong or inconvenienced this guy. So why is she to blame? I always giggle when people say, "I will never fly your airline again.". I know the airlines have struggled and want every customer they can but really?

What does yelling at the gate agent accomplish anyway? If anything, yelling at her is going to make her mad. Sure, she will put you on the stand by list. The bottom of the list. I don't if it is a society thing or just certain people in general. But there are a lot of people who yell at gate agents. I watched a guy one time get arrested in PHX because he threatened an agent.

Play nice when you travel. Be nice to your fellow travelers but most importantly, be nice to the airline employees. Happy gate agents, happy flight attendants, happy pilots usually equal a more pleasant flying experience.

Get out of here

I have been home since April 1st. It's hard to write a blog about traveling when you don't travel. This usually doesn't happen to me but I've enjoyed the time at home. My wife on the other hand is ready for me to leave. Me being home cramps her style I think. I was gone one night this week. It's a start. Next week is about the same.

Even though I have been home, I've been on the lookout for things. In small town Indiana, there is plenty to see and write about. For example, we were driving to church last week and drove by this sign

Read that marquee really slow to yourself.  Nothing says were open for business quite like taunting your customers and calling them out.  After you put those letters up, don't your read aloud to yourself?  Don't you have any other letters in your kit add something to that?

Recently I attended an auction with my dad and some friends.  Auctions are great for people watching.  It was cold and rainy so that brought out the real crazies, including this guy

Notice the braids in goatee?  To each their own in how to wear your facial hair but this was something I had never seen.  Not to mention he is standing beside a Jedi Knight at a Farm Auction.
So you see, my life has still be turning even though I have not left the friendly confines of small town Indiana.  I am hoping, and my wife, that I will be back on the road soon enough to bring you the commentary you have come to expect.

Look for some guest post from some colleagues of mine.  Their adventures are to good not pass along.

We've just landed!

MCI to ORD
ORD to IND

I'm hanging out in the L concourse of ORD this afternoon. Again, this has me out of my comfort zone but I'm dealing with it.

If you have ever listened to Bob an Tom, you have heard of Kenny Tarmack. If you have ever flown, you have probably heard a real life Kenny Tarmack. You know who theses people are. The ones who turn their cell phones on and begin dialing immediately. And then start their conversation with those famous words: "Hi, yeah, we just landed". And for some reason they feel the need to yell at the top of their lungs. Maybe it's because their ears haven't popped yet. Or maybe it's because planes weren't designed for phone conversations. I don't know buts it's annoying.

I think I had the actual Kenny Tarmack sitting right beside me on the first leg of my trip today. We weren't even on the ground yet and this guy had his phone turned on. Ugh! Really? You can't wait two minutes? Before I go down this road any further, I have to admit I turn my phone as well after the flight attendant gives the ok. I check emails while we taxi or listen to voicemail. But I never make a call to a person. None the less, Kenny wasted no time starting a conversation and he meant it when he said we just landed. He was talking so loud, I'm pretty sure that everyone on the plane heard his plans for the next week or so. So much for company confidential.

It's hard not to feel embarrassed for these people. They don't realize how silly they look. They also dont realize how much they are annoying their fellow pasengers. I truely believe those conversations can wait. I heard your conversation buddy, I wasn't that impressed.

Be on the look out for Kenny Tarmacks. They come in all shapes and sizes. They dress like businessmen, grandmas, frat boys and everything else. They are loud, annoying and completely unaware of their surroundings.

Comfort zone

Today's post has 2 topics but they are relatable.

First, I usually fly one airline exclusively. That's how you get to elite status. But occasionally, I have to fly a different airline because of company policy. This has me out of my comfort zone a bit. My relationship with my favorite airline is kind of like a marriage. I know pretty much everything they are going to say and do. I know their habits, likes and dislikes and even how to manipulate them a bit. I am still on my first, and hopefully only marriage but I assume when I fly a different airline, it would be a similar feeling as a new relationship. You don't know their habits, the way they like things done and you aren't treated as well. To them, I am just another passenger. Maybe I miss the warm and fuzzy feeling I normally get from my preferred airline. I just realized I sound a it needy. From an airline. OUCH!

The second part of this post is what I experienced flying from IND to DFW yesterday. Some people get just a little to comfortable on a plane. The guy sitting next to me takes his shoes off and then crossed his legs, placing his foot very close to me. There are so many things wrong with this, I don't even know where to begin. Before I go any further, I must preface that I have issues with feet. Especially other peoples feet. I don't want your feet near me. Do you realize how many people have sat in that seat before you, thus placing their shoes on that floor? Do you have any idea where their shoes have been? Exactly! It's dirty and you should not be putting your feet on that floor. Your shoes serve as a barrier to protect you. I'm not a germ a phobe but some things are really dirty. Secondly, are your shoes that uncomfortable that you can't bear to wear them any longer? My wife and I go around and round on this. She takes her shoes off the first chance she gets and I prefer to leave mine all the time.

The point I'm trying to make is, this guy, in an attempt to be comfortable made me extremely uncomfortable. Not because I don't like feet. Because he choose to place his feet close to me. A plane is a public place and for the most part, you can do as you see fit. But that airplane is not your living room and should not be treated as such. Realize you have complete strangers around you and your comfort is not their number 1 priority. So the next you are doing something that you think is normal for your own interest, thinknof those around you.

Travel Tip Thursday #1

I have decided to add some value to you, my loyal readers.  At least I think its valuable.  I am calling it Travel Tip Thrusday.  It's a new segment here where I plan to offer a Travel Tip that will help on your travels.

Travel Tip #1 - Getting through Airport Security

Going on vacation is suppose to be fun.  But there is one part of air travel that most people dread, SECURITY.  If you only deal with the fine, personable people of TSA a couple of times a year, they can be scary.  But in all reality, passing through airport security can be and is easy.  Here some tips to make ease the pain.

1. Accesorize Accordingly - Ladies, I am talking to you.  The day you head to the airport is not the day you want to empty your jewlry chest.  I have seen it time and time again.  Woman getting held up in security because they choose to wear bracelts that go up to their shoulder or that necklace that wraps around their neck 7 times.  The new screeners at airports require you to remove everything but your clothes.  That includes belts, watches and anthing else that isn't attached to your clothing.  So plan accordingly.
2. I got a little change in my pocket? - Guys, this all you.  If your like my dad, you always have change in your pocket.  There are some days, I am pretty sure my dad could break a $20 with the loose change he has in his pocket.  Getting all that change out while standing at the metal detector can be a hassle.  So leave it in your car or better yet, clean your pockets before you ever leave for the airport.  This will save you some time.
3. Use the family lane - If you are traveling with small children, utilize the family line.  Most of the major airports have one and they are a blessing.  You aren't rushed, the TSA agents are more tolerable and the overall experience of going through security with small childern is a little easier.
4. Less is more - Just remember, the more you can pack, the better off you will be.  The more you carry with you, the more you have to drag through security.  Is your pillow really necessary?  How about that hand bag that's big enough to smuggle a small child in?  My wife is guilty of this.  She is going to be on a plane for a few hours but yet she will bring enough stuff to keep her occupied for a few days.  She claims it's for the kid but last I checked, 2 year olds don't read People with The Bachelor on the cover.  The more stuff you take with you, the slower the process.

Going through security should not be compared to getting a root canal.  It can be easy with some simple planning.  Just remember, less is more!

You can always check out http://www.tsa.gov/ for some tips as well.

At home

I am in the same state this whole week. I am actually at home every night this week. My wife is very used to me traveling and when I'm home for several nights in a row, she gets annoyed with me. It's usually bad a sign when your wife ask you when you're leaving again. I do have a customer function on Friday night. Not my idea of a great start to the weekend but what do you do? The worst part to Friday night is my beloved Purdue Boilermakers play in the NCAA tournament then. Here's to a week at home, the NCAA tournament and Boiler Up!

Back to the air next week and it's a busy one.

I don't understand

DEN to ORD to IND

I have been a frequent flyer for some time. For the most part, I have the airline companies figured out and give them the benefit of the doubt. But today, United Airlines confused me. I got to the airport early today. Flying stand by is nothing new to me. When I checked in at the counter, I asked the agent if I could be put on standby. She said no problem. My original schedule was a connection through ORD. I told her there was a direct flight in 1 hour. She said she could not put me on stand by for that flight because that was a different route than my original schedule. I said this will actually save your airline money. She said rules are rules. I just don't understand why I can't be on stand by for a flight if it gets me to the same end. Silly rules United

Spring break season?

FSD to DEN

While traveling to Denver today from Sioux Falls, I realized it was spring break season. I believe spring break to be an actual season and here's why. It starts the first of March and depending on where you live, doesn't end until mid April. Spring breakers clog airports, travel in large groups and for the most part are unaware of their surroundings. I don't like being in airports this time of year because of spring breakers. Security lines are longer and generally take longer to get through because most of them don't know the basic fundamentals on how to get through airport security.

I have a 2 year old at home and the day will come when I am one of those parents taking my kids on a spring break vacation. I just hope I have the common sense to be courteous to the frequent traveler who just wants to get from point A to point B as quickly and easily as possible.

Drive time

The last few weeks, I have seen a lot of drive time and not so much airport time. That's very unusual for me but hey, I don't mind the change. I spent all last week in Las Vegas. If you spend anytime walking the strip, you will agree there are aliens among us.

This week, back to the friendly skies. IND to ORD to MSP. A short drive down to Mankato for a meeting. Then a snowy drive over to Sioux Falls. While I was eating breakfast at the Hampton Inn this morning, a guy came down to eat his breakfast wearing his pajamas. I'm sorry, that's crossing a line. The hotel public areas are not for you to feel comfortable in. We are not roomies, this is not your home, so please do not take liberties while you are staying at this hotel.

In and out

Last week was pretty uneventful. I had one flight on Monday (IND to DEN). And then one flight on Friday (DEN to IND). Really no time to watch people.

Yesterday I flew IND to CLT and had a short layover before moving on to TPA. The guy sitting across from me was wearing brown sandals with black socks. That's a classic old guy move. He is announcing to the world that I am old and I don't care. His wife on the other hand was announcing she was still in her prime. Fake parts and all.

Today, TPA to CLT and CLT back to IND. I love trips that are 36 hours or less. Get in, get out and get on with it. It's all drive time the rest of this week and next with trips to KY and MI. That doesn't mean I won't see anything interesting. If I do, I will let you know.

Easy

It should be an easy week for me traveling wise anyway.  IND to DEN today, DEN to IND on Thursday.  I am hoping the mess of weather that is suppose to hit the MW tonight will be cleaned by Thursday night.  With only 2 flights and 2 airports, I may not have much to report this week.  Then again, I am never suprised at what I see in airport

Getting Through Security

ATL to IND via CLT today

Why why why do people not realize they are going to an airport?  Have they not turned on a TV or Radio or Computer in the last 25 years.  To get through airport security, you have to pass through a metal detector.  You know this the moment you book your ticket.  So why would you show up at the airport with $14 dollars in change your pocket?  Why would you show up wearing more earings, braceletts and necklaces than are on the shelf at Walmart's jewelry department?  There is an old saying that the Common Sense is not that Common.  When people go to the airport, Common Sense goes out the window. 

And the frequent traveler line is designed for just that, the frequent traveler.  It is always a shorter line because the frequent traveler knows how to manuenver through security.  Don't get in that line because you don't want to wait. 

Traveling without a phone

IND to ATL via CLT

I left for the airport this morning.  There was nothing new about that.  When I got on the Economy Parking Shuttle, I realized I left my phone at home.  I got inside the airport, pulled out my computer, checked my email just to find my wife had sent me an email to heckle me.

I never realized how much time I spend messing with my phone while traveling.  But as I watched other travelers with their phones, I thought to myself, thats usually me.  Its been kind of nice to be phone less for the day.  Although I had my wife play my messages for me tonight through the hotel phone.  That wasn't fun.  Tomorrow, I have a conference call and will be looking for a pay phone in PHL.  Wish me luck!!

Tomorrow - ATL to IND via PHL