Ahh...I often reminisce about the days when flying was actually a part of my vacation experience. You know what I mean: being awarded free travel that was earned through frequent flier programs; frequent upgrades into Business or First Class; hassle-free security check-in; johnny-on-the-spot service from flight attendants (particularly in First Class) -- all adding an element of luxury to the overall travel event. I often felt that my vacation began the moment I parked my car in the garage and rolled my bag into the terminal. It was as if my hectic life was waving me goodbye at the curb.
Sadly, those days are gone. With the constant change in award programs, luggage requirements, security checks, seat spacing, and in-flight services, flying has become more stressful than the actual trip preparation! By the time I've wrangled my luggage through check-in, undressed and re-dressed at the security checkpoint, and scrambled for overhead luggage space, I need more than just a vacation! I'm not alone -- read this WSJ article where others have encountered even worse.
So what can you do? Change the way you view flying. Flying is no longer a part of my vacation; it is merely a means of getting to my vacation. Flying is now one more grueling task on my vacation to-do list: leave instructions for the pet sitter--check; cram two-weeks worth of clothes into one suitcase--check; weigh luggage to avoid fees--check; coordinate clothing to eliminate security checkpoint hassles--check; eat before boarding plane--check; rearrange overhead luggage bin--check. You get the idea.
I may not be able to beat the system, but I refuse to let it beat me! My hectic life must now be content to wave me goodbye when the flight attendant says, "Thank you for flying with us!" as I exit the plane.
