American to charge for FIRST checked bag.

[€uroMeinke]

It means more overhead luggage and the fight to board first to seize the overhead bins. Of course that's pretty bad as it is. The ticket counter slow down that Moonliner brings up is also a certainty. Bah

Must fly foreign carriers

[Alex]

Out of curiosity for what reason are you going to the ticket counter when you fly? Other than when Lani's dad died last year (because we actually had to buy a ticket for the flight we boarded 12 minutes later) I can't remember the last time I went anywhere near a ticket counter when flying.

But there's always lines so I'm always curious what service people need that they're in those lines?

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by Alex

Out of curiosity for what reason are you going to the ticket counter when you fly? Other than when Lani's dad died last year (because we actually had to buy a ticket for the flight we boarded 12 minutes later) I can't remember the last time I went anywhere near a ticket counter when flying.

But there's always lines so I'm always curious what service people need that they're in those lines?

For me, Unaccompanied minor check-in, or if we need to check a bag (ie traviling with the Mrs.) At Dullas the curb side check in is a hit or miss thing. Sometimes they have it sometimes not. However most of the people in the line are there becuase they chekcing bags or making a change to a flight (ie theirs was cancled at the last min)

[€uroMeinke]

I'm one of the few people that still check bags - so even with the kiosks (which I love) there's always a delay in having them get to your bags. Usually, I like to travel at a liesurely pace, I don't care to be the first on board or first off the plane as long as I have a good seat (I prefer the window). But I hate standing.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by €uroMeinke

I'm one of the few people that still check bags - so even with the kiosks (which I love) there's always a delay in having them get to your bags. Usually, I like to travel at a liesurely pace, I don't care to be the first on board or first off the plane as long as I have a good seat (I prefer the window). But I hate standing.

You'll likely pay at the kiosk, so it really doesn't change how long you have to wait for them to get your bags.

[€uroMeinke]

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

You'll likely pay at the kiosk, so it really doesn't change how long you have to wait for them to get your bags.

Yes, but that doesn't eliminate the delay Moonliner talked about - foreign or ignorant tourists taking time and resources (i.e. poorly manned check-in station) to figure out whats going on and what they want to do - like transfer the contents of their luggage into shopping bags so they can carry it on.

[Not Afraid]

They are also going to charge for tickets purchased via the phone. They are also laying off thousands of people (not specified where), but I suspect this will contribute to hellish airport experiences as well.

[Fab]

Helllooooo Amtrak Frequent..um.... trainrider miles!

Change at Bakersfield, then on to Emeryville (home of Pixar) or Oakland.

[wendybeth]

I want to take a train trip sometime- never have done it before, and it sounds fun.

[Fab]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

I want to take a train trip sometime- never have done it before, and it sounds fun.

Funny you should mention it.

We're putting together one of the Manufacturing the Magic class sessions as a train trip from LA/OC to San Diego to dig up some pre-theme park history.