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.