Some observations on travel.
Took a business trip last week. Southwest Air from Houston to BWI on Tuesday morning, and then back to Houston on Friday evening.
- Security was very good. They used a wand on me, searched one of my bags, and frisked me on the first leg of the trip.
- Waiting times were very reasonable. I actually arrived at the gate 10 minutes early for the first flight and had no trouble getting on the plane.
- Flights were 30% full on Tuesday morning and about 60% full on Friday evening. Of course, Friday always is a busier time.
- The lines at the ticket counter were very long, but I didn't go thru these because I had carry-on baggage only adn proof of my flight.
- On six flight segments, there were no children. This, combined with the light load, made for some of the most relaxing flights I've ever had.
- Driving from Baltimore to southern PA, and then from PA to Washington, it seemed to me that people were going much faster than usual. Maybe its because I haven't done much freeway driving lately -- maybe people are being more aggressive now. I'd be interested if anyone else has noticed this.
Musings, Conclusions and Recommendations:
- Word will get out from others like myself how easy and safe the trips are, and most people will return to flying shortly.
- It will take a while before families begin flying again, and I believe some will not fly. Tourist cities like Orlando will take longer to recover than will Vegas and New Orleans.
- If you book your ticket on the Internet, be sure to bring a printed copy of your receipt with you so that you can go directly to the gate if you are not checking luggage.
- How do I buy stock in cork screws and nail clippers? I left mine home so they wouldn't get confiscated. People need these things. Will nail salons do more business than before? Isn't a pen more dangerous than a nail clipper?
- This is a better time to fly than any time in the recent past. Take advantage of specials, drag yourselves away from the tube, and go party in Vegas, New Orleans, San Francisco, San Diego, or any of the other fine places in the US.
God Bless America.
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