Who enjoys flying these days?

[chirpychirpy]

Airline staff going on strike, extra security at airports, terrorism incidents mid-flight, aeroplanes crashing (like in Jamaica over Xmas) and skidding off runways (like in scotland over Xmas).... Who honestly enjoys flying these days with no sense of fear whatsoever?

[VHG]

And if you add the extra hassle of doing it over Christmas....no thanks.

Flying is becoming a real pain and I will admit I doubt I will have a holiday abroad that involves flying for a while (not because of the bomb threat but because of the all the hassle involved).

I wonder how many people are having second thoughts about going away over Xmas next year.

[rachael88]

i havent been away fo about 3 yrs flying is crap now rather coach or drive

[sp1814]

I still enjoy flying. I like airports. I don't mind queueing at all (I've got plenty of music/games on my iPod to while away the time).

Also, I never fly alone, so I've either got my partner or mates to chat/have a laugh with/have a drink with.

I actually feel a lot less happy about driving down motorways than I do about flying, because I'm much more likely to die on a fast motorway than I am in the air.

Extra security at airports actually makes me feel a lot more at ease.

The only downside about flying is that there is no MacDonalds at Heathrow.

...which is just stupid.

[joggerjayne]

"there is no MacDonalds at Heathrow" ... well, thank goodness ... no dog burgers !

Not that I care ... I generally fly from Gatwick.

I love flying, too. But my BF lives abroad, so I don't have much choice.

[Androcles]

Having spent a load of time travelling on business, it would never upset me if I never saw the interior of another airport. The waiting, the lack of information, the way most staff couldn't care less and think passengers get in the way of having a good job, the delays, the lies about when departures will take place, - and that is only 10% of the list. ABTP say I (Anythink but the plane!)

[joggerjayne]

I'd say ... anything that isn't a boat !

(bit of a puker, I'm afraid)

[pericat]

I dont enjoy flying - its uncomfortable and the food is always very very bad and I must admit I am a nervous flyer but I absolutely love holidays in America and wont give those up !! And given the time scale alone if you balance up the airport time with the holiday time it has to be worth it !

[BertiWooster]

sp1814

I too love airports and flying
Are we just weird , do you think ?

[sp1814]

BertiWooster

I've always found the whole airport experience really enjoyable. Buying duty free booze/after shave, trying on sunglasses and spending 'holiday money' which doesn't feel anything like spending 'real' money.

And let's not forget the people-watching.

Fantastic.

It's almost a shame to have to go on holiday afterwards.

[tamborine]

love flying & airports....often stop for coffee & cream cakes at T5 H'row. Have bus-pass will travel - free ;)

[society]

I love to travel but all the airport hassle these makes it a big turn-off.

[tara20]

I fly 2-3 times a year to UK. The biggest turn - off is transferring at Heathrow onto a domestic flight. Having been through security and coming directly by bus to another terminal I have to queue up again. In summer I was asked to take off my open sandals(!). Hubby could keep on his trainers.

[NoMercy]

I fly on average once a month, usually B'ham to Alicante, or Bristol to Valencia. I adore flying. I have been to almost as many places as my luggage.

[tara20]

My luggage is well trained. It has been known to follow me home after a couple of days, despite dents and bashes.

[sp1814]

I once saw Ulrika Jonsson down a pint in a bar in Heathrow.

It was vaguely impressive.

[Whoever]

Hate flying and everything connected with it. It always amuses me that people who are the first to complain about the condition in which battery hens are kept are usually the same people you see crammed together in crowded airports to replicate themselves in the same environment.

[spudqueen]

I'm one of those that love flying - in fact we've just booked our summer holiday today - and yes, we're flying. I'm also flying to Venice for a few days in about 6 weeks time. I can't stand the thought of a ferry or cruise, and watching The Poseidon Adventure yesterday just makes me even more determined to fly!
Btw Tara - I've been through the same thing at Chicago - queuing for 45 minutes to get into a terminal when all you've done is travel from another terminal is frustrating - but still quicker than going by sea!

[tara20]

I once changed at Gatwick first flight arrived late. Dashed through the terminal behind a "guide" to get me to my onward flight, only to arrive at the gate, out of breath and be told the plane was late getting in. It turned out to be the plane I came in on! I could have stayed put (two rows back) and saved a lot of hassle!!