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Travel

Why fly?

(36 Posts)
GrannyGear Thu 06-Feb-14 21:42:04

I've just read the webchat about fear of flying. I don't fly; I'm not afraid I just don't like the thought of the queues and the fuss, the waiting in line and being shoved around then having to sit in a cramped seat for hours on end. I admit i've never been on a long-haul flight: I've never been thrown into jail but i know I wouldn't enjoy either experience. sad

We live on an island. Why don't more of us travel by sea and have a restful journey with comfortable cabins, nice views and no jet-lag?
smile

ginny Sat 08-Feb-14 13:26:39

I neither love or hate flying. It is cheaper (in general) and certainly quicker if you are going long haul. We have flown a lot and rarely have any problems. Waiting time at the airport is time to people watch and read or have a meal. I have found whichever way you travel you often end up in queues one way or another at times. I'll certainly keep doing it while I can if it means I can see so many wonderful places and enjoy our own lovely country in between.

Bellasnana Sat 08-Feb-14 13:39:07

I wish I hadn't commented on here yesterday as it seems I have jinxed our trip! DH decided to try to reserve seats for our trip next week. He went on the Virgin Atlantic site only to discover our flight has been 'rescheduled' giving us just 40 mins to make our connection at Gatwick. We had not been notified of this so I called the booking agent. Sounds easy but after pushing this button and that button I was put on hold for 30 minutes listening to the most ghastly music. When I finally got to talk to a human being, he put me on hold for another fifteen minutes before coming back to tell me that the airline was very busy and would I call back on Monday! Today I called Virgin ( more button pressing and being put on hold) to be told they should be able to help but I would have to go through the booking agent! So, another long phone call to be made. I am all of a dither and cross because if we lose a day it will muck up hotel arrangements, family meeting us etc. sad

Ariadne Sat 08-Feb-14 14:45:19

It would have been hard to go by sea for our last few destinations, including South Africa (reviewing the last volunteer project for which I have not yet put up the photos!) and the next trip to Australia. And Burkino Faso would have been impossible as it is landlocked!

I agree that much of Europe is easily accessible, and it is good to have the car with you, but otherwise "Why fly?" makes little sense.

margaretm74 Sat 08-Feb-14 15:00:45

Ariadne - I had to look up Burkina Faso and I thought I wasn't too bad at geography!

Ariadne Sat 08-Feb-14 17:39:39

We had to look it up too, when we began a Rotary water project there! But I now know the capital too - Ouagadougou! (Long for it to come up in a pub quiz!)

The only flight was Air France (Burkino was a French colony, and was, therefore, quite expensive.) But oh, worth it!

margaretm74 Sat 08-Feb-14 17:50:00

smile

margaretm74 Sat 08-Feb-14 17:51:17

Or even smile

Icyalittle Sat 08-Feb-14 23:03:56

Why fly? Because 'Beam me up Scottie' doesn't seem to work grin

Otherwise, whatever means of transport works best for the particular journey I'm doing, and what is at the end of it.

margaretm74 Sat 08-Feb-14 23:11:23

Wouldn't that be great? As long as everything arrived in one piece, otherwise body in Australia and brain in UK. Which is called jetlag.

Seriously think I am losing it, am going off to bed.

Icyalittle Sat 08-Feb-14 23:15:17

I know I am, moon