photo courtesy of Invisible Hour
As if flying wasn't traumatizing enough.
I've flown a lot in my 36 years. By my last count, I have logged over 300,000 miles. I forgot how many miles I've spent over the years on trips, so the estimate may even be a bit low - 300,000 are the miles I know I've flown. Over all those flights, everything from puddle jumpers, to long haul commercial flights, even to a few private jets; I've come to realize something. Flying is not fun. When I was a kid, I loved the idea of getting on an airplane and going somewhere new. Over the years though, I've changed that thought to nothing but bad. I hate flying. I'm grumpy, miserable, and in no mood just at the thought of having to go to the airport. Being a seasoned traveler, I know all the routines - I can zip through security in no time at all, know where to locate the best coffee spots in just about any airport, and have been through the custom's search more times than I can count. I know how to deal with airports. I consider myself an expert on the subject. Whether its LAX or London Heathrow, Moscow's Domodedovo or Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport; I've rushed through them all.
Recently, I've seen more and more news reports on an alarming idea. Karaoke. In the airport. Not just in a bar in the airport. That I can avoid. Nope, karaoke in the middle of the airport for all to see. I like to think that those people singing are having a good time, but the fact is when I'm in an airport, I want to hear one thing and one thing only..."Flight 232 now boarding at Gate 62." Sure maybe a little soft music in the bars and restaurants or perhaps some Christmas songs around the holidays over the main terminals speakers, but some happy person singing karaoke when I'm in a miserable state because the airline just told me that my bag isn't on my connecting flight but instead on its way to Reykjavík, Iceland instead or that they've oversold my flight and the next flight isn't until tomorrow, but they might be able to put me up in a hotel? Not a good solution. Not at all.
So George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, I say to you, "Please, cut out that racket." I'm begging. We're practically neighbors, please stop it before it spreads to our little safe haven of flying. Perhaps you could instead concentrate your efforts elsewhere (running on time, not losing my bags, not canceling my flight - all things which you have personally done to me). Please.
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Matt Stigliano, Realtor® Becker Properties | (210) 646-HOME | www.RErockstar.com
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I agree with you. There is enough noise in the airport and sometimes we find it difficult to hear the flight information.
Kristin - I had been hearing the news stories on it, but then last night as I was doing some work and watching ABC World News, they covered it. I couldn't take the thought of it anymore and thought - I have to say my piece! The funny part is that I got to post something in Localism:Houston - never thought I would do that.
Gita - I was coming from PA once with a stop in Charlotte. The board said my flight was delayed, so I went off to wander. I checked the baord every few minutes and it kept getting pushed back. Then on one of my last checks of the board, my flight had disappeared. I freaked out and ran to the customer service desk. They explained it was a glitch in their board and it happened all the time. Ugh. So she told me time the flight was leaving and from which gate. I went off to get some food and have a beer. The restaurant I chose was near the gate and packed (flights were delayed everywhere it seemed). At the appropriate time (40 minutes before boarding I might add - I like to be early), I headed over to the gate to find a different city listed. I ran back to the customer service lady and asked what was going on. They had changed the gate, and as she tapped away at her computer, she also added the little fact that the plane had already departed. Apparently, they had decided to leave one hour before the scheduled deaprture. I was shocked. The ladies response? "We made an announcement, but of course you can't hear them in the restaurants and bars." My only reply was "Where do you think people wait for planes at when they've been in an airport for 5 hours?" This new karaoke would only add to the mess if you ask me.
Matt, you have made an excellent point, hope they hear you.
Steve - Its doubtful they will over all the racket.