There was a time was flying was enjoyable: Relatives, friends saw you off or welcomed you at the gate; you went directly to the gate (no stops) after checking in; baggage was free; food (sometimes good)-free; there were even blankets & pillows; and, the seats actually didn’t have you feeling like a sardine! (Yes, I totally understand why TSA screening is a necessity these days.)

Now there are the red carpet people, the blue carpet people and everyone else. Of course if you are among the ‘everyone’ else, good luck finding a spot for your carry-on (assuming it fits the size restrictions–which I think is fine). If you dare cut in front of anyone (except red carpet and blue carpet people), good luck! If the looks don’t kill you, the comments will. People’s true nature comes through.

And, let’s not forget tall people who don’t buy the extra legroom (of course in ancient time, there was ‘extra legroom as part of the seat) and spend most of their flight pushing the seats in front of them when shorter people try to recline.

And, finally–increased prices for less and less services. (Pretty soon we’ll have to bring our own toilet paper.)