Perhaps you’ve noticed that air travel has become a drag since 9/11, and is getting worse.
Added to the terrorist-fear-inspired stuff you can and can’t do, wear and bring when traveling by air, we are now being slapped with extra charges just to bring luggage. And forget airlines feeding you. You’re fortunate if you get a functioning bathroom and a two-inch packet of peanuts.
I consider all this stuff a direct result of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, since I blame what’s going on with the economy at least partially, on the ripple effect caused by those attacks. And since those monsters were aiming at our economy, not to mention our freedom of movement when they slammed those planes into those buildings, I feel it is incumbent on all of us to find a way to deny them the pleasure of seeing our way of life diminished as a result.
Let’s beat them at their own game.
In terms of how to make lemonade out of the lemons the terrorists have made out of the air travel industry, I have several suggestions.
I’ve made some of them before. For instance, if everyone were required to disrobe and wear only a hospital-gown-type garment while flying, a lot of the “random selecting” of people for searching will no longer be necessary. Can’t hide anything in those. Plus, they’re open in the back, which will discourage unnecessary moving around the plane.
And, of course, it’s difficult to take seriously anyone whose fanny is hanging out, and I think for that and the previously mentioned reasons, practically naked flying would discourage hijackings.
I also suggested before that those little air-blowing devices above each seat be equipped with a tube that will dispense some kind of knock-out gas, that can be activated by the pilot in case of an emergency. This could serve the dual purpose of providing anesthetic relief to those of us terrified of flying.
Lately, I’ve been trying to think of ways around the suitcase surcharge and what I’ve come up with is a way someone can make money while creating convenience for travelers.
I understand airlines wanting to recoup their huge fuel bills, so while we wait for someone to develop an alternative that will free us from our dependence on the very people who started this whole mess, I’m afraid we’re heading to a time when only the wealthy will be able to travel. And then they win.
In the meantime, how about adding a new type of store at airports — ones that rent clothes and shoes for travelers who only really need a limited number of things anyway. Most people take way more than they really need or ever use when traveling. If they can borrow what they need, they don’t have to bring it.
People can rent tuxes and gowns, why not jeans and flip-flops? They could rent towels, sweatshirts, shorts, whatever.
And these stores could carry travel-size containers of the kinds of personal toiletries that give travelers such trouble in these days of no liquids on planes.
The more stuff you can rent or buy at the airport, the less you’ll have to bring with you, so all you’ll need is one carry-on bag, and everything about the trip becomes instantly easier and cheaper.
I don’t know, it’s a thought. I’d just hate to see the bad guys win here, that’s all.
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