Airport chaos!!!

[Blue_Frog]

This doesn't make me too happy... after my 13hr flight between Toronto and Newark airport with Continental last year for work (with no food, drinks, and the airline not providing anything and sitting in a plane on the tarmack for 8+ hrs in Toronto), i've always made it a habit to bring a couple bottles of juice (*koffkoffvodkakoff*) and water and nibblies on every flight since then.

I think i'm going to avoid flying until they have a way of dealing with this a little bit better. Maybe they can allow you to purchase drinks before getting on the plane from the Gateway stands (vendors) or something, but im not really in the mind to pay $5 for a 791ml bottle of water

[sparks19]

I really don't think we should be complaining about the hardships being placed on us at a time like this. I think there is a bigger concern than "I'm thirsty" or "I'm bored" I for one am glad they are taking these extra precautions. It's what is keeping us safe for the time being.

i think we should be grateful they were caught even if it means you can't bring your water.

[Blue_Frog]

I totally hear you on the water thing ... if its a choice between handing over the water or having people die, well heres my bottle, my handshake and my thank you for not getting my (or anyone elses) self blown up.

Having said that (and my previous post sounding a little trite/insensitive on the matter - funny how things you post on forums etc. tend not to come across the way they sounded to you, after you go back and read them again) I hope that after this initial stoppage of drinks etc. has been ironed out, a happy middle ground can be found to allow travellers to either purchase airport-approved beverages once theyve cleared customs/baggage check (like from the Gateway vendors past customs like i mentioned above), or to provide more drinks on the flights.

Also, how does this affect water or such provided to pets who are flying too? I'm really not sure about the general airline restrictions on pets-on-planes, but if you've provided a water bottle or misc. for their comfort, I guess this would be stopped too?

[sparks19]

I remember they used to make you take a drink from the bottle if you had something like pop or juice or water. Maybe they will go back to that system after this immediate threat dies down.

I always find the same thing with my posts. I always think "how did they get that out of my post" then i reread it and it sounds totally different lol.

I don't know if it's only carry on you can't have liquid bottles or if it's everything. I would imagine there is some exception for pets.

[catnapper]

Its terrifying to me.... which I guess is the ultimate goal of terrorists.

I have been depressed all day. Sitting here wondering why I stress over work, bills, family... when it could all be taken away in a moment. All the "troubles" I currently have will look petty and insignificant in comparison to what my new reality would be... the reality of burying loved ones, digging trough rubble, forraging for food, worrying about cleanliness of my drinking water.

So now I'm utterly depressed thinking about how dire everything in the world is right now... about how many times I've jokingly said "Its like WWIII in there!" When it appears WWIII is looming around the corner.... and most Americans don't care anything about this impending war except how much it'll affect the price of gas. Maybe they don't care because they really, honestly think nothing can happen to them here, since everythiung is being fought over there. Who's to say it'll STAY over there? Today was proof it can come over here and they have plans to make sure it DOES come over here.

[CathyBogart]

DBF and I decided today that, short of a trip to Hawaii, we're taking the motorcycle from now on. My rear end hurts just thinking about it.

[Cincy'sMom]

No plans to fly today, however Tuesday I am making a quick trip to Philadelphia. I guess the good news is we are flying there and back the same day, so no need to take any luggage. Bad news is, we still have to go through security with everyone who has luggage!


One of my coworkers in travelling in New Jersey this week. He called this afternoon to get phone numbers for some clients whose meeting he was going to have to cancel to in order to get to the airport and through security to make his flight tonight. I'm not sure if he is inthe office tomorrow or not, but if so, it should be interesting to hear how things went.

[lizbud]

My daughter flew to New Orleans yesterday on business & just brought
a carry on bag with overnight stuff. When she heard the news today, she
canceled plans to fly back home tonight, so will be staying overnight & try
a direct flight tomorrow. I guess the thought of standing 4 hours in the lines
on an empty stomach after a full days work was enough reason to try later. Both of my kids are the world traveler types and this whole thing is
making me so worried for them both.

[Cincy'sMom]

I just got an email from my coworker. He is still stuck in Newark and his flight may be cancelled. Hope things are better next week or I may try to get out of my Philly trip!