Been lucky to enough to travel quite a bit this last few months. I have flown in and out of Boise to Portland, Honolulu, Lahaina, San Francisco, Oakland, Boston, and New York. Also took a train from Boston to Penn Station. Here are few observations:
Security is not so bad, even in at La Quardia. Many times I felt rushed to get my shoes off and my laptop out quick enough to not hold up the line. Never did I wait more than a couple of minutes. Even last mouth during the Red Alert!
Security Screeners were universally efficient and courteous. Are we sure we want to make them government employees? Think Post Office!
The Lee Blades rule. . . Pack as light as possible. Both checked and carry on. It will be easier to get throught the airport, or in the taxi, or BART or anywhere else without that big bag. You may want to buy some items like hair spray at your destination.
Counter agents have been replaced by computers. Fine unless you need something special. If you can’t run a computer, it is hard to get along.
E-tickets are no longer always faster.
Jet Blues is a very cool airline. Southwest has lost some of it’s pizzazz and fun. United has gotten so lax it is a mere ghost of it’s former self.
Train security is almost nonexistent, but the ride from Boston to NY was fun and fast.
Call the airline to see if your flight is delayed.
If you pack Light-Up ice cubes, even a lot of cords, and or chargers in your check on bag, it will come off the plane last. Why? because it will be inspected by the TSA. BTW you can tell by the small round sticker, usually on the handle. Personally I find this comforting.
Sky Caps are worth ever penny.
Everyone has a black bag.
Airlines are enforcing weight and size limits.
It is getting easier to use your cell on planes. Used to have to be off the plane, then until the door closed, now you can use your phone as long as you are not taking off or landing. The old rules still apply on United.
Unless you are on Southwest jockeying for a seat. Don't rush to be the first one on the plane. Your asigned seat will be there after everyone is settled in. The same is true getting off. You are going to wait for your bags anyway.
You still can’t always understand what the pilot is saying.
Pack your own pillow, they are not always available now.
If you can, chose your seat wisely, some prefer the window, some the isle, but avoid the middle seat at all costs. This is especially true on long flights.
Long flight? Think about a sleeping pill or Melatonin. For me it is Dramamine.
Only one out of four pilots will know how to pronounce Boise.
Flying is slowly getting more expensive. Same is true of hotels.
No one gives you real food anymore. So you might want to pack a goodie bag. For the time being it can not include any liquid.
The snacks are better(blue potato chips on Jet Blue), and you will love the little bottles of water.
Cocktails are still only $5.00.
You can get a Bloody Mary at 9:00am in an airport. Actually in Boise the bar opens at 6:00am. Correction from Rick O Do to some legal mumbo, beer only till 10:00am.
Traveling on a hangover is not advised.
One more thing. In spite of the hype, I was able to take photos everywhere. Including Grand Central Station and the New York Subway.