Summer Solstice!

Oh happy day--summer is here! It did not get dark until 9:55pm last night. What?! That is some sort of craziness....and I love it!

I am delighted to have been home in Seattle to enjoy the glorious sunny longest day of the year! I enjoyed some outdoor time in my garden (it's starting to grow....hooray!) and took a little walk after working a full and somewhat long workday.

As the paragraph above says, I was traveling in the morning yesterday. I returned from Phoenix, just in time to miss the first day of 115 degrees (oh thank goodness!). Whilst traveling, I could not believe the sheer number of travelers! Then it occured to me--summer travel time is here. My heart sank. Ugh- the summer travel season. is upon on us. It may be worse than the Christmas holiday season.

So, here's my rant and suggestion list for those raggety summer travelers--

1- Although it may be hot in both your departure city and arrival destination, having your booty shorts on and sitting in an airline...EEEWWW! Girl- none of your bits should ever touch a seat that 100s of people sit on in a short amount of time.

2- And on a similar note. Gentlemen, read above about the heat. For you, it seems sleeveless shirts seem to be a trend. No matter how buff you are, I just don't want to see your pit hair on an airplane. Or smell you, for that matter!

3- Just because you don't travel regularly does not mean you can be put out (read: yell, rant/rave at nearby passengers) by the rules of airline travel. I'm sorry, the TSA is just doing their job and PS- the rules have not changed in many, many years!. Yes, it is annoying and yes, I, too, would prefer to not have to do the "TSA Striptease" each and every time I travel. But it is, what it is. Just roll with it. And think about those rules before you pack your carry-on.

4.- Once on the plane, please remember if you are seated in an exit row you really are going to be asked to help in the event of an emergency. So, no joke, take it seriously. A shug of annoyance is not what your fellow passengers are looking for in an emergency row seatmate.

5- For those seated in the first row of first class or coach you do not get under seat storage. The person behind you gets to use the storage space beneath you. Those are the rules, even if you think your bag is the most precious item in the world. (No kidding on my recent flight, I witnessed the woman in the front row turn around and scream at the woman behind her for putting her bag underneath her chair.) Um, that is where the back person's feet go---do you really want your precious bag to be marred by the dirty, possible bathroom germ-y feet of your fellow passenger? I'm thinking not so much. I would suggest that the overhead bin would be a better bet.

Even with the crazies, I AM looking forward to my travel this summer season. There are "favorites" to be seen, beaches to play on (or sleep on), and a tan to be worked on.

Welcome, summer!

(I would appreciate some slightly warmer days in my home state...maybe a few 70s in a row? Thanks!)

Oh, Holiday Travelers....

(should have been posted on 12/19)

Oh holiday travelers...here you are at my home away from home--the airport. On behalf of the frequent travelers in the world I have complied a small list of the do's and don'ts of airline travel and behavior. If any of this offends you, that means you are a "holiday traveler" and I am sorry but you really need to change your ways....

1. The TSA and all airlines only allow 1 carry-on suitcase and 1 personal item. That has been the rule for more than 5 years. Now pay attention---a carry-on suitcase must fit into the overhead space if you want to avoid those pesky baggage fees. And please note that those bins should be able to fit 3 (yes, 3) suitcases and still be able to close. If they can't, then your bag is too big. Suck it up and pay the fee--your fellow passengers and the flight crew will thank you, I am sure! A personal item should fit below the seat in front of you. This means your heavy coat, too. I know the floor coud be dirty, well then put the coat in your lap.

2. Now since you are all avoiding the baggage fee and bringing above-mentioned carry-on bags, please put your suitcase away and move into your row. If someone is already seated, be polite and let them get OUT of their seat before you shove you, your 15 bags, and your kids into the row with you. And then stay seated. There are over 300 people who need to access their seats and get situated before the flight can leave the gate area.

3. Let's revisit the armrest rules---you get one. Yes, that's right, you only get ONE armrest per seat and it goes like this: The window seat gets the armrest nearest the window, the middle gets the armrest closest to the window seat and the aisle gets the armrest on the right of the middle-seater. Sometimes this can change, but not really. The aisle seated person has to deal with carts and bathroom goers, so they cannot hang out in the aisle as much as they would like to.

4. If you feel the need to remove your shoes, please do so in your own space. Do not put your shoeless feet in your neighbors section of the under seat space. It's just kind of gross, let's be honest.

5. Once you have gotten through the entire flight and have arrived at the gate, please remain seated until the row in front of you has gotten up. I assure you there is no where else for you to go!

6. At the baggage pick-up, please wait patiently and be aware of others. Although halfof the plane carried their luggage on, there are still over 100 people who need to get a bag and there is no rhyme ot reason for bag delivery. Patience is a virtue...

Follow these simple rules and you will have happy travelers.

Many Thanks-

Girlwhogetseasilyannoyed