Cedarjet From United Kingdom, joined May 1999, 7724 posts, RR: 55 Posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4985 times:
I know, you would think so, wouldn't you? But there is a constant drumbeat of complaint on here about flying. Not TSA nightmares or delays, that's all crap all the time. But people saying how unpleasant a 757 is across the pond, or "I'd be on suicide watch after an 11 hour flight", or, most of all, if there's no PTV, it's a oneway trip to hell. Boy, the last thing I want to do on a plane is watch a movie. Try looking out the window, having a deep thought, reading a book. The only thing better than an 11 hour flight for me would be a 12 hour flight. The view, the vibes, the power, the food, the dozing, the crew, the lack of mobile phone signal... Bring it on. But I seem to be in a minority. Most of you seem to hate flying even when you've got a window seat, you pushback on time and there's an empty seat next to you. So how many of you really enjoy the experience? I think it's basically just me. The rest of you either like watching crappy blockbuster movies (with the shagging edited out) or composing letters of complaint to United Customer Services. Am I right? Any thoughts?
fly Saha Air 707s daily from Tehran's downtown Mehrabad to Mashhad, Kish Island and Ahwaz
Newark777 From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 9348 posts, RR: 33 Reply 1, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4958 times:
Hey, I'm with you. Nothing is better than just looking out the window on a long flight. I assume a lot of the people here fly a lot on business, or it is their job, so it might have lost that special feeling for them. Nothing makes me happier than going on a flight, no matter the plane (unless some brat kid is making noise behind me, but that doesn't have to do with the actual flying. )
BR715-A1-30 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 2, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4959 times:
Well, you have a very interesting post here Cedarjet. I love to fly on the 717, but I do not know if I could sit on that thing for over 3 hours without some sort of entertainment... A 747-400 perhaps on a 3 hour flight, would keep me peaked, as I would be exploring the aircraft.. I love to fly, and it all depends on several factors as to whether or not I will enjoy my flight... A/C type is one of them. Don't gimme a CRJ on a 3.5 hour flight
Geoffm From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2004, 2111 posts, RR: 7 Reply 3, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4938 times:
I'd love it if it wasn't for all the other pax... especially those rude enough to buy a 1st class seat and deny me a free upgrade!
I do find the airport experience quite stressing though. Getting there (inevitably public transport for me), huge queues everywhere, hustle, bustle, squeezed into a small space for several hours, then possibly immigration queues at the other end!
I guess the flying itself is pretty good, as long as it's not tooo long. It's everything that goes with it that is the problem.
USAFHummer From United States of America, joined May 2000, 10685 posts, RR: 54 Reply 4, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4933 times:
For me, flying has gotten slightly dull, largely because I mainly fly the same airline on the same few routes...however, to compensate, at every available opportunity, when flying a new route or one that my main airline doesn't serve, I do my best to get on a new airline or new aircraft type, to make proverbial lemonade out of the flying lemon...
Greg
Chief A.net college football stadium self-pic guru
AeroWesty From United States of America, joined Oct 2004, 19233 posts, RR: 64 Reply 5, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4909 times:
I can't think of anything I'd rather do than get on a plane and go somewhere. I do, however, choose wisely, so I'm not stuck in the middle of a row with 28" pitch. It's all in how you approach it. My good experiences far outweigh the occasional bad experience, just like anything in life.
And I may be alone in this view, but the constant flicker of PTVs is more of a hindrance than a help. I want to be able to open the windowshade and look out the window.
Skidmarks From UK - England, joined Dec 2004, 7121 posts, RR: 60 Reply 6, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4901 times:
Well, I'm still a kid at heart and flying on anything, for any length of time is still a thrill. Whether it's a half hour hop to MAN or 8 hours on a 744 to ORD, its all fun.
I even enjoyed 3 1/2 hrs on a Nimrod circling fishing boats in the Moray Firth - even if I did throw up rather a lot !!!!!!!!!!
However, 5 hours in a C-130 wasn't my favourite experience. But hey, it's flying!!!!!
OzGlobal From France, joined Nov 2004, 2614 posts, RR: 4 Reply 7, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4877 times:
Cedarjet,
By criticizing, we sometimes attempt to sound more expert than we are. It is also a human temptation to focus on the half empty glass...
As for me, I usually travel for work, but still very often enjoy it immensely. I guess I'm becoming numb to the various sounds and forces at play, even sustained tubulence. What I really appreciate is long haul international travel (preferably in premium classes, but who wouldn't). The appeal is the feeling at LHR, HKG, CDG, SIN or SYD of being on the 'world's doorstep', with so many languages, cultures, races, carriers and destinations looking at you. Then there's your own flight. I particularly like the Kangaroo route (Europe-Oz) for this reason. As you watch the flight path, you cover W.Europe, E.Europe, central asia, the Middle East, India and Asia. Stop in Asia: wham! Pludged into an Asian version of LHR, then off again to Oz. 5 hrs just crossing Oz on this route to MEL. The whole flight is usually 23hrs, so C class is much appreciated. Two crews, 4 full meals, lots of wines and foods to sample, great in flight service, several hour conversations with your neighbour and, one of the best parts for me, the fun of a great 8-9hrs sleep in a lie flat seat/bed(Melatonin also helps, with 10-11 time zones difference) and all on the same flight number!
This is a marvel of aviation and great fun. Of course then there's the business to take care of, but no reason not to enjoy that too.
When all's said and done, there'll be more said than done.
Antares From Australia, joined Jun 2004, 1402 posts, RR: 41 Reply 8, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4875 times:
I love flying. That's why I don't worry about points or status. Like to try different carriers all the time.
This goes way back to a childhood on inter island steamers in the South Pacific. Once I grew out of sea sickness I never tired of looking at the sea and the sky.
Then I moved to Australia where my parents came from at the end of WW11 and discovered STEAM TRAINS and rare interstate flights on DC-3s then Skymasters, then Viscounts and DC-6Bs.
Cedarjet is right.
Look out the window. Those of you who are young, think about the great things the future will bring. You'll fly beyond the ceiling of the sky one day. Those of us who are old, dream of what was, and what will be.
Antares
PS I'm often disappointed by the trip reports. People fly across the north pole and high Greenland and never describe the view.
AirWillie6475 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 2448 posts, RR: 1 Reply 9, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4868 times:
Why is it that people object to watching movies on flights? Have you actually try to read a book? You read a boring chapter and its only been 20 minutes. Plus the noise doesn't help. We watch movies so the time can fly quicker. I have yet to experience a PTV but for those who don't like the flicker of the screen, can't you just turn it off?
TUGMASTER From Northern Mariana Islands, joined Jul 2004, 582 posts, RR: 10 Reply 10, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4847 times:
Hey Charlie,
Very valid points made there old boy. You know my views on flying...... i'd do it for fun anytime anyplace anywhere ( martini style you might say). What i think has changed alot of peoples views are " EXPECTATIONS". Once someone has tried the finers classes available, F & J and they have to go back to flying FR or U2 or even god forbid 'charter',they tend to become a little spoilt or dare I say "up themselves" and instead of realishing the experience, they would rather spend 6 hours thinking of ways to complain,so maybe the next time they actually flew, they might recieve the covetd "free upgrade".
Just my two pennies worth.
Tugmaster
p.s Charlie,I'm trying to work something out for the RG MD11 if intrested.. ?
AeroWesty From United States of America, joined Oct 2004, 19233 posts, RR: 64 Reply 11, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4829 times:
Quoting AirWillie6475 (reply 9): I have yet to experience a PTV but for those who don't like the flicker of the screen, can't you just turn it off?
The first PTV system I ran across was on an HP Airbus for a 3 hour flight after dark. All it did was cycle through advertisements the whole flight. 150 screens flickering for no purpose to me as a passenger was absolutely horrid. And no, I couldn't turn a planeful of screens off.
My main objections to PTV systems are that they take up legroom, and force me to sit in an atmosphere of 100's of flickering screens, and with AVOD, not even simultaneously. And I'm still restricted from opening the window shade. Hmpf.
ANstar From Netherlands, joined Nov 2003, 4869 posts, RR: 6 Reply 12, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4810 times:
Ever tried looking at a window on a 12 hour flight? It's either going to be VERY bright or dark. Not enough tokeep me occupied for 12 hours. Books, magazines, PTV all do the trick.
Newark777 From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 9348 posts, RR: 33 Reply 13, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4760 times:
Quoting TUGMASTER (reply 10): Once someone has tried the finers classes available, F & J and they have to go back to flying FR or U2 or even god forbid 'charter',they tend to become a little spoilt or dare I say "up themselves" and instead of realishing the experience, they would rather spend 6 hours thinking of ways to complain,so maybe the next time they actually flew, they might recieve the covetd "free upgrade".
That's true. Coming from someone who has never flown anything but coach, I have actually become used to it, and really don't mind traveling long distances in coach. If you don't know anything better, there is not much to complain about.
Jsnww81 From United States of America, joined Jan 2002, 1867 posts, RR: 16 Reply 14, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks ago) and read 4719 times:
While the airlines and US government have tried their hardest to suck all the fun out of flying, it's still my favorite thing to do.
For me, there's nothing finer than the last few hours of an eastbound transatlantic flight. The sun is just starting to come up, the aroma of coffee brewing is filling the cabin, and the aircraft is still silent except for the dull roar of the engines. Down below is nothing but ocean, and Europe - a land where aircraft enthusiasts are celebrated, not harrassed - is just a few hours away.
Antares:
If you read some of my trip reports, you'll notice that I focus on almost nothing BUT what I see out the window! I get tired of trip reports where people talk for six paragraphs about the food or the design of the seats. I travel to *see* the world, and you better believe I'm glued to the window the entire time. For me, a flight in an aisle or a middle seat is a trip to purgatory. I like PTVs as a distraction on long overwater flights, but as long as we're over land, I'm not even turning the damned thing on.
I try to get on a plane and fly somewhere (even if it's just a short hop somewhere here in the Midwest) at least once a month. I'm very fortunate to be out of college and earning an income that allows me to feed my indulgence.
So yes, I love flying. My friends and coworkers think I'm crazy (I just flew to London and back for the weekend) but I couldn't stand being rooted to the same place for so long.
M404 From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 2214 posts, RR: 5 Reply 15, posted (8 years 3 months 3 weeks ago) and read 4646 times:
The knowing of something better also explains mine and possibly others complaints. I grew up flying when passengers wore ties and load factors were in the sixties. I don't miss the ties but the wide open spaces were surely wonderful. On the rare times I can get a window seat now on a geographically interesting route I can still raise a glass (now plastic) and watch the sunset/rise through the wine (now ginger ale - sigh) and get a glimmer of the good life. Age and exposure can rub the sheen off a bit when jostled by the crowds, lines, restrictions, lack of space, individuality, and class. The sameness of the aircraft, overpacked overheads, overworked Flight Attendants, undermanned podiums and counters. In comparison to the airfares we have overpriced car rentals, hotels, restaurants, and overcrowded destinations filled with people that all take pride in "attitudes" or just don't like us for something we didn't do or in fact doing "it" by simply being there.
Yes, some of the thrill has burned off but I still get a rush being pushed back in the seat and watching the wing tips raise up then pull us along with them. I enjoy reading posts by young enthusiats here who have no other memories to taint the experience and want to know all they can about the mechanics of it. I find myself more and more trading the middle seat for my camper when time is not an issue and the bed by the clear stream rather than bucking the jet stream. I enjoy looking up through the leaves as much as down at whole mountain ranges.
And yes, I'll still take a book inflight were I can immerse in a tale I've chosen rather than endure sophomoric humor or crassness I never subscribed to but still have to pay for.
I love flying. It's just that todays is not yesterdays and nothing can turn it back. If we could all taste the old perhaps we would demand better now but prices and statistics would not allow it. Savor the experience folks.
Less sarcasm and more thought equal better understanding
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8275 posts, RR: 56 Reply 16, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 4640 times:
I love flying, about the only place you can escape the cell phone!
On a serious note, I find it very relaxing. A nice glass of wine or something, a good meal and a book,nothing better. This said, all my recent long haul flights have been in Business Class, don't think I could handle 'Y' again!
Sabena332 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 17, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 4616 times:
To be honest, I don't enjoy flying as much as I used. This is one reason why I decided to fly less but in Business Class, I rather prefer a nice long-haul flight in Business than two long-hauls in Economy Class.
I also stopped these "pointless" flights just to fly to some airport for spotting (actually I lost interest in spotting).
SLC1 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 18, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 4560 times:
Personally I like the airport more than the actual flight, I am interested both in airport systems/flows and architecture, and like to explore various caverns watching how everything gets moved and flows together, from baggage handling from check-in to the gate back to baggage claim to special channels for departing/arriving/pre-cleared International passengers twisting in and out to get to the right swing gate. Also I love to see the varying sorts of planes what flights are flying to which destinations, especially those that are obscure, like watching Big Sky alongside the EVA Air 747, Northwest DC-10, Horizon Dash 8, or Aeroflot at the Satellite at SeaTac, then sitting eating some crap food watching that aforementioned EVA 747 takeoff astounded that thing can actually get up into the sky. I enjoy the flight as well, but really only on taxi, takeoff, and descent. Being in the air loses its novelty quickly, usually after I'm done with the airline's magazine.
ZOTAN From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 571 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 4535 times:
I l
Quoting Jsnww81 (reply 14): For me, there's nothing finer than the last few hours of an eastbound transatlantic flight. The sun is just starting to come up, the aroma of coffee brewing is filling the cabin, and the aircraft is still silent except for the dull roar of the engines. Down below is nothing but ocean, and Europe - a land where aircraft enthusiasts are celebrated, not harrassed - is just a few hours away.
I have to agree with you that eastbound transatlantics are great. I love waking while everyone else is still asleep. The cabin is so quiet and there really seems to be nothing to worry about.
N766UA From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 8008 posts, RR: 27 Reply 20, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 4520 times:
I love flying and just sitting back and enjoying it. Screw PTVs. I flew night time CLE-SEA in Sept and was entertained for about 30 mins watching a long line of thunderstorms rumble across the vast nothingness of central idaho. Everyone was either asleep or watching the movie but I was plastered to the window, hands cupped so I could see it all. One of the most amazing things I've ever seen, to be able to watch all the way down the line of storms with little bits of lighting popping and lighting up the clouds for miles and miles.
ATLFlyer323 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 558 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 4494 times:
Geoffm, I LOVE THE AIRPORT!!!! How can you hate it!!! THe rushing of all sorts of people trying to get where their going, the really bad stores that I somehow love to explore anyways and the terminals, just watching people do there job is facinating. I admit it can be stressful but to me the airport is one of the best parts of flying. Where else could you walk around and see so many different types of airplanes and there c/s. To me the airport is AN AWESOME PLACE!!!!! But hey im wierd like that
ATAIndy From United States of America, joined May 2004, 579 posts, RR: 4 Reply 22, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 4467 times:
Flying is my favorite thing. I wouldn't give it up for the world. To me, all of the lines, and security, and delayed flights, its all part of the adventure, you know?? It would get boring if everything went right, i mean it would be a change, but when i fly i fell like theres always something new everytime. But maybe thats just because i dont get to fly very often. As long as i have a window seat, i'm all for flying. I love to look at the landscape down below, look for other airplanes in the sky. I mean isnt that what flying is about? If it isnt then i missed a beat somewhere. I think sometimes we just need someone to complain to, and where's the perfect place, but the number one avaition site?
Antares From Australia, joined Jun 2004, 1402 posts, RR: 41 Reply 23, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 4396 times:
Hey Jsnww81, M404 and N766UA,
Thanks for those comments. I feel I'm not alone in my window fixation after all. Wondering if M404 ever flew in a Martin 404. That would have been something if you did?
Back in the late 70s, I think 1979, there was a Qantas captain who pulled a big surprise on a those passengers who were looking out the window on a Honolulu to west coast, probably SFO leg.
He realised that his route and timing would take him close to the shadow track of a total eclipse of the sun, so he detoured something less than 200 miles and flew for a few minutes right inside the eclipse zone. People looking out the window must have thought the sky looked a bit weird, only to look incrdibly weird when totality overtook the jet.
I've only heard this incident described third hand. There may be posters who can add some detail to it.
Fbgdavidson From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2004, 3688 posts, RR: 31 Reply 24, posted (8 years 3 months 2 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 4362 times:
Quoting Cedarjet (reply 0): Boy, the last thing I want to do on a plane is watch a movie. Try looking out the window
I dare you to go on a Transpac and look out the window for 11hrs
Personally I have been spoiled as a youngster, too much F & J and I got a little blase about it at one time, although now I am funding my own premium travel I really enjoy my flights in the knowledge I've earned it. The only non F/J I've had to do recently I became a very angry, grumpy and somewhat short tempered young man and I really didn't enjoy it. Time seemed to drag on and on despite being only an 8hr flight....Alas I was back in J about six weeks later and really enjoyed the flight.
To be honest it baffles me why people really enjoy flying in the back. Car enthusiasts don't love riding in the back of Daewoos, interior by KIA or not
"My first job was selling doors, door to door, that's a tough job innit" - Bill Bailey
25 M404: Antares You bet I did. We used to call them the Rolls Royce with Morris Minor engines. They had incredible seats you really could just surround yourse
26 Lvkewlkid: I love flying and airports, but I do need something to entertain me.
28 NYCFlyer: The pros: Flying is wonderful because it's the only place where YOU CAN'T BE REACHED. Nothing is asked of you or expected of you until you land. Your
29 Lucky727: Cedarjet - nice rant When I started flying in the late 60s/early 70s there were no upgrades, no PTVs - it was all 'old-skool' as they say. All about t
30 Airtrainer: Cedarjet is absolutely right ! A few days ago I spend 19 hours in a old Greyhound coach between Brisbane and Sydney, with a guy in front of me who obv
31 WindowSeat: Harry, if you fly F or J a few times, you'll see why people get hooked on it. For a simple reason it is just so much more confortable. The few times
32 Jsnww81: On US domestic sectors, there are ups and downs to first class travel, believe you me. On my last first class trip I was detained by a federal air mar
33 GoCOgo: Cedarjet, I'm adding you to my respected users list! I do agree it's idiotic that people come to this board, where we come because we love aviation an
34 Eric777: I only fly a few times a year so I try to savor the experience as much as possible. It gives me a good feeling from when I booked the flight to the en
35 Antares: Hi M404, Damn I would have loved to do that. Yes I flew on the Ansett (or at times Airlines of NSW) flying boats a bit but never on a Drover. Not only
36 Tungd: I love driving cars, and I love flying in aircraft. Yet because I'm spoiled (like most of us), I find myself bitching about the 6-hour, 350-mile drive
37 Airgeek12: Very interesting perspective thoughts on the whole airliner thing. It was nice to hear what you think, seriously! geek
38 Aerorobnz: I find I am more likely to panic away from the airport environment than i am once I'm there so I absolutely love to go to the airport hours before I h
40 Jamman: Hey I love to fly, can't get enough, I even entertain my self at home with FS2004 when I get the time, I mean I'm even looking forward to Flying with
41 Cornish: I love to fly -always have done, and am lucky enough to fly frequently for my job (and in the comfy seats). However I can understand where some enthus
42 Amy: The problem is that the really interesting stuf is at the beginnign and end of the flight. You can see the aircraft from the outside before you board,
43 Mozart: Shorthaul scenario 1, I love it: Get to the airport without traffic jams, check-in without queue 1 minute before deadline, whisk through security with
44 Bully707: Hi all !! Cedarjet...well said, still not all are like you!!! Well...here are my thoughts. When going on a trip and I'm spending my hard earned cash,
45 Captaink: I am sorry but the movies on airplanes aren't always worth watching. Sometimes, they show movies that I already saw, or have no intention to see. MY I
46 KALB: The only IFE I tune into is ATC (when available on UA) Other than that, all I need is a window seat and the shades up (thus I am happy on WN). At two
47 Samair: To be honest the most annoying thing about flying to me is the sound in the back ground! ,imagine being stuck on this 757 for 6 hours View Large View
48 Aer Lingus: I really like flying especially on the F seat on single aisle a/c.
49 A999: There is one thing that is better than the flying itself- spending time connecting at major airports; the more time the better! My favorite place is t
50 Crash65: Pack the bag, put on the uniform, everything is where it should be, looking freshly pressed and dry cleaned. Drive to the airport, watch out for mania
51 Ejmdwfan: I love to fly. I have only flown domestic route usually back and forth to Florida for vacation. I have a decent salary and only get to fly once or twi
52 TriStar500: I have to differ between three situations - flying for business, flying in order to go on vacation/ visit friends and flying just for fun. I. Flying f
53 ANCFlyer: When I had to fly in a previous job - I averaged 175,000 miles a year. Almost all of it within the States, Caribbean and a dozen times a year Trans Pa
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