fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

I just returned from a Florida trip. Two weeks before we left, we made an appointment with our local TSA to do a "pre-check" that would get us into an express security line at the airport (of course we had to wait almost an hour at TSA because their system went down). Upon getting to the airline, we had to check our own bags via a computer terminal that ran out of the paper that printed the luggage tickets. Once an employee loaded new paper, we printed the labels, affixed them to our luggage and then still had to wait in line at a check-in counter for the employees (there were only three) to weigh and take our baggage. Boarding was delayed because the flight attendants had to literally run from a flight that just landed, to our plane (no break for them). Luckily it was a direct flight; no connecting flight problems that are all too common.

A lot of the delays are due to 9/11, COVID and lack of staff but gone are the days when you purchased printed ticket, got to the airport maybe half an hour before your flight, quickly checked your baggage and walked to the gate for a direct flight to anywhere in the country. I look at the '70's and '80's as the golden age of air travel. It was quick, easy, reliable and comfortable.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Sorry to hear the trip was canceled. Remember “there are acres of diamonds in your backyard”; this might lead to you finding wonderful things to point your camera at that are nearby.

Walkabout08

Só sorry for your missed trip. I hope you can eventually reschedule and complete this trip. SA is a beautiful country with unique landscape and wildlife that are really inspiring.

MosheR Loc: New York City

Hello Philo.

Please don't give up. This little bit of unsolicited advice from a very experienced traveler may help you. Simply book your flight for a day or two BEFORE your OAT tour begins. I know that OAT has the flight built in to the itinerary, but I'm sure that, if you request it, they will get earlier flights for you. This will cost you a bit more in terms of gelt, but a lot less in terms of aggravation. When you arrive at your destination you will have the extra time to either catch up on the time change, thus softening the effects of jet lag somewhat or, if you feel up to it, ask your hotel to get you a car and a driver and take a little personal tour of wherever you are ... Joburg?? ... on your own.

Good luck. And please keep going for as long as you possibly can.

Mel R.

Canisdirus

I am so sorry you had that experience...but it is all too common these days.

Enjoy what you have within easy reach...there are plums around you all the time.
The joy is..in the moment...wherever you are.
If you have to go through heck to have a moment somewhere else...forget it...it's counter productive.

To anyone younger I would say...don't wait.
I started doing my serious world traveling in my 30's and 40's...and never regretted that.

Besides...every year...the world gets a bit worse off...what you will experience in 30 years...is not what you experience today.

Europe...pretty much finished now culturally...the buildings are still there...but the environment...gone.
I probably have traveled to the Caribbean well over 30 times...and stayed over at friends places for weeks at a time...sailing for a few weeks...you name it...we did it.

My wife and I are both glad we did not wait until we hit our senior years.
You can still go much later on in life...but the experience won't be as dynamic.

Don't wait on it.

LestheK

I'm old and have lost all patience. I stopped flying because of the airlines total disregards for the passenger's need to get someplace on time. If I can't drive there I stay home. I can remember when flight attendants welcomed you with a smile. When there was leg room and food. I remember getting dressed with a tie and my wife wearing a dress. I remember looking forward to flying. Now it's like going to the dentist and have a tooth pulled with out getting a shot. Shame on the airlines and us for letting them do it.

philo Loc: philo, ca

Plan your arrival several days before the tour leaves
This is really a great idea. If the trip is worth it the extra money and time should be worth it.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

How disappointing and the sad thing is your story is repeated over and over by others including me. I have learned not to book flights w short layovers, count on the worse and hope for the best. Take advantage of 24-48 hour layovers and book a hotel during that time to avoid missed flight connections. I have given up international flights for now because all the other complications.
It's a mess for sure and the airlines are not offering compensation for missed connections. Nor even apologies. As long as people are willing to put up with it and continue to travel it will/has become the new business model.

MosheR Loc: New York City

Glad you liked the idea.

Mel

Chiroman8

Dear philco,

I'm sorry about your inconvenience, feel bad for you & your planned trip. I must hand it to you ,that you had the gumption to change your plans. I hope you get all items back from the airlines. Good luck !

philo Loc: philo, ca

I purchased travel protection from OAT and have filed a claim; I hope to get back the $3500 I paid for the trip.
I think this is my last mad adventure. My wife has no interest in travel and photography so as a solo guy I'm getting tried to going alone.

MosheR Loc: New York City

Good luck to you. I hope you get everything back.

Flyerace Loc: Mt Pleasant, WI

Our friend, being the considerate traveler that he is, booked to fly 3 days earlier to Ft Lauderdale for his cruise. Of course, it was the day that Ft Lauderdale had 26 inches of rain. His airline got him to Detroit on Wednesday night, then fiddled around and got him to Ft Myers the next night. Finally, they got him to Miami and he took a transport to Ft Lauderdale.

Fortunately, the weather turned around and he and his family enjoyed the cruise, which started on Saturday. All of this weather was an "act of God" so there is no liability on the airline, thus they don't owe him a hotel or meal. (That rule has always been applicable) Sad to see plans having to be cancelled.

I know I'm not flying anywhere any time soon. Things are just too messed up with short staffing etc. I'll drive in the USA and be happy about it!

worldcycle Loc: Stateline, Nevada

I also book my flights to arrive at least 3-4 days prior to my planned trip. In Bhutan currently and my wife and I spent 4 days in Bangkok prior to our flight into Bhutan. That way we get over jet lag and can enjoy our trip comfortably upon its start. Earlier this year we went to Italy to snow ski. We spent a wonderful 4 days in Venice to recover from jet lag so we would not be tired once we started skiing. A good thing we arrived early, for it took all 4 days for one of our bags with our ski clothes to catch up with us

philo Loc: philo, ca

Received my bag from United. It took a couple of days, but no big deal. I just hope that my luggage had a better vacation then I had. If only the old bag could talk.