Flying and other tortures

Lotta time on my hands today...

I'm at the airport in Phoenix Sunday, waiting on a flight to Charlotte. It's oversold. They ask for volunteers. They promise a free round trip ticket etc. etc. Then the kicker:

"We'll be able to get you a seat on the first plane to Charlotte. . . on Tuesday.''

Excuse me?

Mass laughter in the gate area. They come back and somehow find room to get the volunteers out on Monday. Knowing laughter in the gate area. OK, OK. We happen to have a few seats left on a flight later today. Do tell.

I have no idea how the airlines stay in business, except that flying for some folks is a necessity. Most flights seem to leave very early in the morning or very late at night. Most flights are jammed, because airlines have cut back on the number of flights. I had a center seat both ways to and from Phoenix. Sardines have it easier in the can.

And, of course, no food. Unless you want to pay for it. And airline employees have been so beaten down, they're never in a customer-friendly mood. I used to have the 5 Hour Rule: Anyplace 5 hours or less by car, I drive. That includes Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Indy, Nashville, even Chicago. I'm thinking of extending it to 7 hours.

Offering a free round trip if you opt to take a "later'' flight that's 2 days later. Right.