Judy and I are experienced when it comes to air travel. We have journeyed to many parts of the world, both near and far. However, I am getting to the point that as much as I love to visit, I really hate the process. I eagerly wait the time I can step into a time machine, push a button and miraculously arrive at my destination.
Currently, airports and airplanes are my downfall. I used to love them, now it’s the complete opposite. Crowds, long lines and self-service machines that don’t work properly along with the lack of help from the few available staff make life miserable for the traveller. The assigned staff look like deer caught in the headlights if you ask for assistance. Airports leave me frustrated and irritable.
I’m not just talking about our beloved Pearson Airport in Toronto but almost every airport I have encountered in the past few years. Many are beautiful edifices with miles of shopping that meets the requirements of the best plazas. Whether Dubai or Aruba, Singapore or Sydney, they have all turned into monsters.
No matter your desires, there seems to be no simple and easy way to board your plane without encountering a stressful situation.
Recently at Toronto Pearson we had several encounters with malfunctioning machines that wouldn’t acknowledge my existence. Judy yes, but not me. Just like at home with the kids!
Eventually, we were able to produce the appropriate documents. It was now possible to board our flight. However, it took an hour to correct the problem. It took the human touch to prove I existed.
The other part of flying used to be the wonderful meals they served with real dishes, silverware and fine linens. Long gone!
Who remembers the joys of Wardair, Canada’s favourite airline! Real service with royal treatment. Gobbled up by the big boys. History!
On our recent travels, we encountered meals that are quickly forgotten. In a couple of cases, I don’t even know what we were eating. Remember that old quiz, twenty questions? That’s how bad the food was.
I’m finding more and more that people are packing their own lunches to eat onboard rather than chance the airline meal.
I guess what disappoints me is that in the past the whole holiday experience included the flight to and from your destination. Now it’s a case of survival.
Finally, there’s the insidious re-circulated air in the planes. The last two international flights have left both of us sick as dogs with severe colds and coughs. We were healthy getting aboard but twenty-four hours after our flights ended we were ailing.
This doesn’t mean we are finished with travelling but somehow I must find a way to combat the evil ways of modern airlines.
Sniffling and coughing from our last flight, Kent can be reached at [email protected].
