Poll | 02/16/2009 12:00 am

Will the recent airplane accidents affect how frequently you fly?

Read more about: Airplanes, Buffalo, Fear, Flying, Miracle on the Hudson, Travel

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As things now stand, knowing the captain had the aircraft on autopilot from shortly after take-off, and that that plane apparently did not default to shut it off once the boots were turned on, I personally will not fly that aircraft until it’s been cleared to fly again. More so, knowing the reputation of the carrier is important for all our safety. The 2nd seat was not very experienced, either - no one is “well-equipped” to fly when there is icing, it’s merely experience, and knowing the craft - but even if the crew didn’t know it, they knew there was bad weather ahead. Pilots all know that when such occurs if we’re unsure of ourselves, or the aircraft, its best to go back where the weather was better, not go around it, over it, or under it . What a tragic loss of lives. It breaks my heart.

By C jay on 02/16/2009 12:11 am

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I don’t fly nearly as much as I used to because it’s too much trouble. And, I don’t go as far afield as I used to. If I can make it in 12 hours or less, I drive, and then I can take what I want to.

By Diana T on 02/16/2009 12:23 am

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I’m with you Diana; it’s become such an ordeal to fly that driving has become much more appealing.

By Andy C on 02/16/2009 7:01 am

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I’d as soon take the Greyhound because of the luggage limits and all the trouble of going through check out. I certainly don’t mind going through a gauntlet, but, please, I do not plan to blow up something by concealing it in a 5 oz. bottle of makeup, or hold a pilot hostage with my cuticle scissors. Can’t take 8 prs. of shoes. It’s just too much trouble anymore. Of course, if anyone wants me to accompany them to England, well, I may change my mind.

By Diana T on 02/16/2009 7:53 am

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You made me laugh; I too would accept a trip to England, worth all the trouble. But as you say, security is ridiculous and the shoe thing — Oh. My. God. A friend of mine just shipped her luggage ahead rather than to have to pay more for luggage that may or may not arrive at her destination. I agree — Greyhound bus is the way to go :)

By Andy C on 02/16/2009 8:31 am

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LOL! My feelings exactly. I go "road trippin’" a lot more these days, and it’s great :)

By Marilyn Six on 02/18/2009 11:19 am

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I fly private jet. No problemo.

By Razzel Dazzel on 02/18/2009 12:20 am

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okay, Diana and I will go with you :)

By Andy C on 02/18/2009 6:22 am

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What will truly be the impact on airlines for frequent flyers will be the economic climate. Already the travel industry is offering quite large incentives for packaged vacation travel to faraway places with strange-sounding names and I would expect to see the discounts to be even greater when it is seen that people are indeed staying closer to home. Frankly, the cutting in and out on the fast highways - and now particularly the sudden sverving of cars avoiding deep potholes that swing them suddenly into other lanes seem far more potentially disastrous that the chance of a plane going down. But I must say that I do long for the good old days when you were not crammed like sardines with no amenities on planes. Do some of you remember when flying was actually rather fun?

By joan larsen on 02/16/2009 12:26 am

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I remember actually getting DRESSED UP to fly !! When I was in college, a few friends & I went to Bermuda for College week ( 1968) I wore a new cotton suit, nylons and heels ( normal attire - bell bottoms & moccasins ! ) - flying was a special occasion, very elegant. Of course, our luggage missed the flight so we had to sun out on the balcony at the Elbow Beach in bras & panties until it arrived 6 hours later.

By EKA - on 02/16/2009 1:20 pm

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EKA — I too remember that we dressed up — as it WAS an occasion in itself to fly — I even wore hose on the train and all early on for longer trips where we went to the dining room on the train — but earlier still when I was a kid, I remember needing the throw-up bags on the plane as they were propeller and really rocky — but loved flying so much lower and all. Love the window seat still even though I am so crammed by the person in the center that it is like we are honeymooning!!!!! Oh — the experiences to look back on!!!

By joan larsen on 02/16/2009 10:47 pm

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YOU needed a “throw up bag” ?. Makes me feel better. Yes, I love to fly, and also love the window seat. The “bird’s eye” view fascinates me and makes me wish i were a geologist so I could understand all the formations I see below … too much I don’t understand !

By EKA - on 02/17/2009 1:12 am

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Your words, EKA, just feel into my hands tonight. For you mentioned your love of looking down from the skies to the geology of the country - something I do also. But today I sent the day in Chicago with a childhood friend, a gal whose father was the leading name in our lifetime in the field of geology - Francis Pettijohn, the noted “father of sedimentology”. Her father’s daughter, she at a late age is still going on long hiking trips high in the mountains and squeezed between canyon walls, looking for more examples of her father’s work and more. Today she told of meeting hikers/geologists maybe 8 miles in on a rugged trail, chipping out rock. She often asks if they are familiar with her father - and the answer is always “yes, they have used his books in grad school”. It must be such a thrill to realize your Dad will be remembered and revered long after his death. Her life from childhood in faraway places squeezed in canyons, high trails into mountains still remains her own life, her own world. She too - my friend - is one of a kind. . the best kind.

By joan larsen on 02/17/2009 1:38 am

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Oh, yes, Joan, I certainly do remember flying in years gone by. My earliest memory, in fact, is of standing in the aisle of a prop plane as my family was en route to our new home in Nuremburg, Germany. (I was about three or four years old at the time.) We heard the flight for hours after arriving! How many remember that sensation! I fondly recall anticipating the next flights as I grew up, and there were many more in my life. By now, I have been to almost every continent, and I look forward to moving again, this August, to live in a small country in Africa, as a matter of fact! I always waited eagerly to see not what the movie would be, but what refreshments and amenities would be offered, for they were a treat. Meals were hot and usually, delicious. Gradually the meals were gone, and more and more people seemed to be flying. More and more parents did not seem to be educating their children in airline etiquette, which I lamented. If the parents would only think of what memories they could be helping create in their children’s minds, everyone would benefit. Now, I think parents themselves do not appreciate the fun of a flight, and thinking it as only another way to move about, do not enjoy the adventure themselves. (Do they forget that the essence of good manners is to think of the other person’s comfort and pleasure before one’s own?) Yes, not only do travelers not dress with regard for their overall appearance (comfort can be found in a dress, for example), but sadly seem to think primarily of the end of the journey, not the joy of the moment and what new surprises it may contain, if something new might be sought! Thanks for an intruiging letter. JBoylynn

By J Boylynn on 02/16/2009 4:59 pm

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Hi J … and your memories and your THOUGHTS are so close to mine as we look back and wish there was more of the mix of the good old days in today’s life without the niceties. I know Africa and its countries … so I am curious on where you are going if you will tell me … and what you will be doing there. I have a grandson who has tried out being a missionary in the Sudan - of all the scary places - and loved it. His dream is going back — and his photos were wonderful, but the area so dangerous (and he knows it) but still has it on his active list. Who would have dreamed this when he was a small child like all small children???? I will wait to hear!!!! Joan

By joan larsen on 02/16/2009 10:59 pm