I traveled to Key West, Florida last week for a business meeting. I know–tough duty, but someone had to do it. Due to the cold weather and snow in the south east, many flights were delayed and canceled. The airlines were overwhelmed, but I did not see additional staff to deal with the thousands of customers who were stranded. A mix-up in Key West, (I think the gate agent partook in too much rum at one of the local bars the prior evening) left us stranded in Fort Lauderdale with out boarding passes standing in a very long line with two overwhelmed agents. Long story short, we arrived the following day, much better than some of the other people who are probably still stuck in South Florida.
But the behavior exhibited by my fellow travelers was horrendous, and my heart sunk. People were pushing, shoving, calling each other and the gate attendants names. Deplaning in Atlanta, I quietly asked two men who were shouting and cursing at each other about who was more important, to get along. The rest of the plane had agreed to let those who had tighter connections to get off first. (The flight attendants ignored their behavior.)
Years ago, traveling by plane was an adventure. People dressed up, you were treated with respect, and you were not charged for soft drinks, peanuts, and luggage. Now plane travel is Greyhound in the sky, but not as predictable. As for me, it’ll be awhile before I take to the “friendly skies.” I hope some of those nice people I met in Key West finally get home.
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