[KC Burke]

Last nine years I have done a lot of flying. It varies from year to year. Some years ten legs, some years 70.

85% on Southwest. Kansas City, Midway, Phoenix, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Denver.

I was also flying during the 9/11 period. I saw the adjustments and the missteps.

I am 6’1’, 220 lbs, size 48 long. I always get an aisle seat but try to sit toward the front and get any coat off and stowed. I see a lot of people that make it hard on themselves. To much carryon, bringing food that is too aromatic and a bother to others, unreasonable expectations as to the flying experience and boarding.

I have had luggage delayed, been blown off runways, blown a tire when landing, been snowed into the airport, missed flights a couple of times only, been soaked to the bone trying to catch a cab and then set drenched on the plane, and had two near miss incidents.

I don’t have a problem flying. I bring a good book, keep a good atitude and try and help others and it makes all the difference. Probably about 700 flights in the last 15 years overall — its the attitude and the spirit of being helpful and kind.

[stormer]

You sound like a pretty right on guy. Traveling sometimes isn't fun, but I think people have taken for granted the ease of modern travel. My father was born in 1922; when he was a boy, the idea of him getting coast-to-coast in something under than a couple of days was incredible - when his parents were born it was almost quicker to sail around the horn than to go overland. Today, I can leave my home on the US West Coast at the same time my wife leaves for work, and be in Tokyo or Paris by the time she gets home. Pretty cool.