Are there ANY pleasures left with flying?

I was trying to explain to someone what a treat it was to fly back years before 9/11 and also, before flying became so "blah" with the long lines for security purposes and the new rules, etc.

My guess is that unless I'm willing and/or able to fly on an airline like Cathay Pacific or Quatar (although I've heard that Virgin is appealing) that for me, flying is just going to remain a convenience for quickly getting from Point A to Point B and the actually flying experience is less than appealing.

Is this the general consensus for all of you high fliers?

Best,
Elisabeth Originally Posted by ElisabethWhispers

Qatar Airlines in my experience in overrated...it was pleasant enough but for any long haul flight to the other side of the planet, from where I am in the States, Singapore Airlines is better flying experience. Even when you arrive at Changi airport in S'Pore it makes that incredibly long flight most enjoyable. And don't get me started on those gorgeous Singapore Airline girls.

Flying is a horrible experience in general. The pressure changes and dryness are my least favorite parts. I try to fly business class or at least priority if they only have coach.

The only way I've found that tolerate flying with my goodwill towards my fellow man staying intact, is to time my flights so that the least amount of time in the airport is spent possible and have one good stiff drink at the bar to send me to dreamland once I board the plane.

Just about all flights are wifi enabled these days, which helps a lot, however, sites like eccie are blocked. Also a pair of beats dr dre eases the stress.

I used to fly quite regularly and many times spontaneously (like the time I had to get to Dallas in a few hours for a Madonna concert). Running through an airport to say goodbye or even catch a flight was pretty common for me. I imagine now I would be tackled or tased, or both.
Private jets have lots of advantages, but if I had my choice I would pick a civilian Osprey for both its airplane and helicopter (STOL) capabilities.

It seems as thought the only pleasure is when you and your luggage arrive together and on time.

Here's how NOT to get caught...

Originally Posted by JessicaKnightly

That was actually pretty hot lol

It seems as thought the only pleasure is when you and your luggage arrive together and on time. Originally Posted by Grizkiller375

Seems like this is a thing now more than ever. I fly something like, I don't know...30-60 times a year depending on life and only in the past year have I had my luggage moved to other flights because of "anticipated delays" and the likes.

Also, tsa(dot)gov/tsa-precheck

Just saying . This along with a Nexus card are essentials for travelling imo.

Flying certainly has gotten lazier -- gone are the days of free snacks, headsets, and entertainment. Now it's "you better have a cell phone and eat first". Sigh.

Also, airlines got stingier with more seats, less legroom, and no complimentary Anything, as well as more baggage fees.

Flying a pain in the ass.

Flying a pain in the ass. Originally Posted by Fancylady

Surprised you say that - Indy is always voted in the top 3 US airports. I loved flying from there.

Flying was not "a treat" prior to 9/11.

It was still a royal pain in the ass.

Now it's just a bigger, more time consuming and intrusive pain in the ass. Originally Posted by atlcomedy

Amen. The only positive thing post 9/11 is no kids is the terminals.

I would put up with the kids instead of the half drunk guy who goes for hours with his obnoxious "funny" stories about drinking, cheating his partners, swindling his customers, and telling everyone near by--whether they want to hear it or not--that women love him because he has the biggest penis in 800 miles. It seems every time I change planes at DFW there is at least one of them in the terminal waiting for the same flight I am waiting for.

Are we supposed to tip TSA after one of their intimate pat downs? Or would that be poor form?

Surprised you say that - Indy is always voted in the top 3 US airports. I loved flying from there. Originally Posted by HAG7591

Lines and baggage.delays.Welcome to Indiana

Just about all flights are wifi enabled these days, which helps a lot, however, sites like eccie are blocked. Also a pair of beats dr dre eases the stress. Originally Posted by CaptCroakers

Bose.