Issues: September 2007 Archives

Reading this story about laptop etiquette on airplanes got me wondering how many folks have at least stolen a glance at a seatmate's laptop screen?

I know I have.

It's hard to avoid when you're sitting practically on top of each other in coach for hours at a time. There are only so many places for your eyes to go.

I will say that nothing I've ever seen would interest me enough to look a second time though. Usually just Excel spreadsheets or PDFs of boring technical manuals. I'd rather flip through the in-flight magazine. Even the safety card in the seatback pocket is more interesting.

Of course, talk among airlines about providing in-flight wireless Internet access could prompt more fliers than ever to pop open their laptops as they soar through the sky.

When that day comes, I know it will be more difficult to keep my eyes to myself. And probably more crucial that I do...

Post a comment and share your take on laptop etiquette... Do you peek? Have you had run-ins with seatmates looking over your shoulder while you work? Are those screen protectors really effective?

Word is that Jay Cochrane -- the guy who has done about 300 tightrope walks across the Canadian portion of Niagra Falls -- now wants to walk a tightrope across the brink of the falls from the United States into Canada.

Of course, you have to get permission for such things, and both governments are debating the merits and drawbacks of letting the 63-year-old do it.

It's something never attempted before. Not even by 19th-century tightrope walker Charles Blondin.

This story from USA Today outlines some reasons he might not get to: safety, cost and environmental impact.

Post a comment and let us know what you think -- should they let him do it?

According to this story that came out today, there's something new to worry about when you travel by air.

Not only must you ditch the liquids, sharp objects, shoes, belt, laptop, camera, maybe some clothes (if they set off the alarms), do a little dance, turn around three times, cross your fingers, wave a magic wand and hope you don't get picked for extra screening, now there's something else to be concerned about at the airport security checkpoint.

Your expression.

No, I'm not kidding.

You're not going to believe this.
USA Today reports that people at the Minneapolis airport are flocking to the stall made famous by Sen. Larry Craig's indiscretion, wanting to see it and -- I'm serious -- take pictures of it.

I repeat: Take pictures.

Of a bathroom stall.

What has the world come to?

The case of Kyla Ebbert, the 23-year-old who was told her low-cut top and mini skirt were not acceptable attire for flying on Southwest Airlines this summer (read the story here), raises an interesting issue.

Should airlines have dress codes for their passengers?

On the one hand, you never know when someone will show up wearing (or barely wearing) something so embarrasing to fellow passengers that it makes the whole cabin uncomfortable during the trip.

On the other hand, it's America, where we supposedly have freedom of speech and expression. Is this just another example of overregulation by the establishment?

Post a comment and share your take on the issue: where should airlines draw the line?

I had no idea that people visiting the United States as tourists had to pay money for a visa. For some reason, I thought that was just if you wanted to work or go to school here.

Apparently not.

I was impressed and saddened at the same time when I read this story about how Bolivia is now putting American visitors into its most highly regulated category and charging $134 for a 30-day tourist visa. They say it's nothing more than reciprocity for how America treats Bolivian tourists.

Wow. No wonder the world hates us.

Post a comment to share your thoughts on the issue.

To fully appreciate this blog post, you must first read the one below.

A state-run airline in Nepal is said to have sacrificed goats to appease the gods and fix technical problems that caused delays and left passengers stranded. If you don't believe me, see the story.

So I was just reading this story from USA Today about how -- after one of the worst summers on record for airline delays and cancellations -- the Federal Aviation Administration is finally going to do something about the situation.

Finally.

My question is, why did it have to get this point?

The proposed overhaul of flight paths could send planes over parts of the country that never had any air traffic before, and some folks are worried about noise and quality of life issues.

With more people traveling and frustration with air travel at an all-time high, I'm wondering, what about the quality of life of all the folks stranded in strange cities, in airport lounges or stuck waiting in lines for hours at a time?

I'll bet they wouldn't mind an extra few planes passing above their place from time to time.