Received 01/20/2009 02:29

On my way to Hobart

Currently sitting on a Virgin Blue flight on my way to Hobart for Linux.conf.au [1]. People that know me know that I'm not generally an angry person (sic), but air travel is really starting to get to me. I've been unlucky enough to see the effect that cheap-airfares have had on the industry over the past 8 years, and as such, I'm going to list my 5 pet-peeves of modern day cheaper-than-a-decent-meal air travel.

1. Unrealistic expectations - "What do you mean you won't let me check in, I still have 5 minutes before the plane leaves !"

2. Backpackers - "I have 17 separate plastic bags of luggage. Please check them all in separately"

3. Transfers - The combined cost of two taxis and my train fare added up to more than the flight itself.

4. People that don't read - You are in the domestic terminal, you are standing under the sign that says "Domestic Checkin". No, you cannot checkin to your international flight here. Don't act surprised.

5. Inconsiderate tools - You are using your mobile phone, on the plane, during the safety demonstration, after already being asked to hang up by the attendants. If the plane crashed on a desert island, I vote we eat you first.

Now, time to enjoy the conference :-)

[1] Linux.conf.au - http://www.linux.conf.au