Rongnongno Loc: FL

The more time passes the less palatable it is to fly.

The airline industry may suffer due to all the new regulations 'anti' whatever. In addition the greed displayed by these companies does not incite anyone to fly. Even flying PIA in 80s was better than what we have now!!!

When traveling in the US I drive. I take my time, stay in airB(and maybe B) or B&B, visit areas I would not have otherwise and make the whole trip agreeable. No stinky, overflowing passengers, idiotic chatter boxes or tapping in the back seat to deal with.

Add the idea of meeting folks, trying new food (my wife only ~ I am very conservative there) and seeing a great variety of stuff and the 'NO FLIGHT SCREAM' becomes an irresistible siren.

The cost? Just about the same considering that the food is always an expense. The nights are parts of our vacation budget in the US (or Canada) so we only see pluses in our travels.

In short I only fly when traveling oversea but...

I am considering adding 20 days the next time we go to the EU in order to use a ship instead of flying. Consider that as a cruise added to both ends. Cost is the same and you are fed! You just need to have the time, a luxury in today's world.

What are you feelings about 'mass transit flying'???

cpeter234 Loc: WA state Lost in South Boston, VA

You're right, it is AWFUL!! The only thing worse than being crammed into a modern airline 'seat' is getting around in the airport and TSA.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

It's why I don't fly. I drive. On the other end I have my car for convenience. I have enough relatives/friends scattered about that I can reduce the cost of a long trip by crashing with them.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I've done a lot of flying, and I've never had serious problems. However, I decided a few years ago that I was flying no more. Aside from the long lines and obnoxious passengers, the airlines are trying to squeeze every last cent out of passengers. I will not play their game. I had lots of airline points for free travel, but I never used them.

Plieku69 Loc: The Gopher State, south end

Rongnongno I have to say that I don't always agree with what you say, or how you say it. But this time I and you are 100% in agreement. And I have a new respect for you.
Ken

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I agree with taking your time (otherwise you'll never have a chance to see half of it - whatever that may be). When I travel somewhere, I always stay a minimum of at least a couple of month (otherwise it's not even worth going) Well there was an exception, the last time I went to the carribean, I stayed only 5 weeks, but since then I sticked to it!

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I agree with you 100%
Plus if the car quits running you can get out and walk or maybe even fix it.

Brownie45 Loc: Louisville, Kentucky USA

Another option Stateside is Amtrak. My wife and I try to travel Amtrak on all long trips. We find it most relaxing, and I actually get to see the scenery (not driving).

Rongnongno Loc: FL

... I am surely not able to do that...

Changing tires, brake pads, general maintenance is ok but beyond that I rely on experts...

Last incident was when traveling from VA to FL (2009) a carburetor membrane failed on the old BMW... 24 hours delay and I got lucky, the mechanic the car was towed too was an old geezer who knew his stuff.

I have two left hands for this type of stuff...

Ah, eh, mmmf... We did walk quite a bit because of it!!!

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Been a long time since I saw a carburetor

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Walking beats the hell out of falling out of the sky

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Got that right.

DJphoto Loc: SF Bay Area

I used to fly a lot on business because I had to and the experience got progressively worse. Depending on where you are going, the door to door time is about the same for trips of around 400 miles or so, and I usually drive. I don't have to get strip searched if I drive, and I can go on my schedule, stop if and when I want, and listen to what I want. We don't normally take long trips (time-wise, usually no more than two weeks), but often cover a lot of miles in a short time. We've done a trip driving to Portland from the Bay Area (about 620 miles each way), leaving around 2PM Friday and getting home around 7PM Sunday; it was a good Saturday there. We've also done over 4,000 miles in 11 days. We usually stay in B&Bs. However if we want a long weekend in say Seattle, we'll fly. We don't drive to Hawaii either. BTW, I really like airplanes; I'm a retired aerospace engineer, licensed aircraft mechanic and I teach aircraft design at a local university.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

And in 26 hours I will be in a flying cattle bus, shackled, stripped and...

I am soooooooo looking forward for that!