This is just one of the reasons I haven't been going on any flights lately. Jim has been saying this since we entered this recession - and it usually is true - that one of the first things to go in tough economic times are "discretionary" spending items like repairs and maintenance. I do admit I thought Jim was being a little bit too worried about this, but after seeing this article today in the online Chicago Tribune, I think he is spot on (as he usually is.)
So I think I'll continue doing local destinations/driving trips for the time being. Between the craziness with the airlines now cancelling flights willy-nilly, not maintaining their planes diligently, and cruise ships quarantining passengers to their cabins because of the H1N1 flu, I think I'm staying closer to home.
That is just insane! I can't believe it!
Posted by: Robyn | October 15, 2009 at 09:23 AM
The really sad part is that this isn't something that is just occuring due to tough economic times. The airlines are notorious for not maintaining planes and flat out disregarding recommendations for planes to be taken out of service once they reach a certain age and are no longer considered sound. It is totally scary! Too bad there isn't a way to check the history for the planes you're booked to fly on.
And speaking of cruises, have you heard about the Alaskan cruises? Big controversy there recently.
Posted by: Kerry | October 15, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Thank GOD they didn't mention Jet Blue. That's who we're flying to Aruba. (in 3 weeks!! EEEEE!!)
Posted by: Jenny | October 15, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Yikes!
Posted by: Katie J | October 15, 2009 at 02:36 PM
I agree on the driving part. Geesh, that is very scary!!
Posted by: Zonda | October 15, 2009 at 08:39 PM
OMG!!! I SO did NOT want to see that...my next flight is in a few weeks. ugh.
Posted by: adrienne | October 16, 2009 at 12:03 AM
I never fly, but that scared me, too!
Posted by: Kim | October 16, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Wow- thanks for sharing , how scary is that.
Posted by: Mel | October 17, 2009 at 09:18 PM
I didn't much like flying before it was deregulated, but deregulation and all the other woes affecting airlines have really spooked me about flying in general. I'm not surprised to read that article. If there are any other possible modes of transportation, I take them. I just wish we had better train routes, as they do in Europe and Japan.
Posted by: marjorie | October 18, 2009 at 03:59 PM