Attention Fellow Travel Junkies
So-Called Cheap Airlines are actually expensive once you count the pennies.
BARGAIN AIRLINES ARE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE
Our son planned to fly from Philadelphia to see us in Puerto Rico. Looking to save money in these inflationary times, he booked a flight on Frontier and arrived safely, but with very little luggage.
Frontier is only for those who travel with only a carry on. That is not this writer. When I go anywhere, I pack clothing that is classic and well kept. I also travel with a pre-packed bag of toiletries. I have make-up, shampoo and other items that I refuse to go without.
Our son, who lives 1000 miles away from us, was as expected, happy to see us. So, we went on a few local adventures and basically enjoyed ourselves.
He awoke on August 11, 2022, before the crack of dawn. As a matter of fact, we all did. I wanted to kiss him goodbye, and again warn him to be careful while walking the perilous streets of Philadelphia. The city that hosted the Constitutional Convention in 1787. is now littered with human excrement. Tent cities obscure Center City and crime has exploded.
So, he was happy to visit our speck of sand, aka Puerto Rico for some R & R,
Today, my husband drove him to the airport, a scant seven minutes -drive. Yes, we are perfectly positioned for my travel fix. Even my credit cards were chosen for frequent flyer miles. Why pay when I can go for free?
David, who shares my Swiss genes, always looks for the best price. If any of us had a million bucks in our checking accounts, we would still be asking, ”How Much?” Yes, we are a penny-pinching lot.
Then again, I firmly believe that you get what you pay for. After all, did OJ go with a public defender or a high-priced attorney? We all know the answer to that.
While I am definitely not wealthy, I was taught early in life to shop for bargains. I passed that logic on to our son. Yes, the Scotch are known for thrift, but the Swiss have them beat.
My husband had to retrieve out first-born from the airport. He will be with us for a few more days, or, whenever the so-called Budget Airline will get him back on board. While we love to have him, he would like to return home. Too bad that Ruby Slippers appears only in the Wizard of Oz.
There are many reasons, and many need further inspection. For example, there exists a nation-wide pilot shortage. A few years ago, I met some American Airline pilots while bar-hopping . They revealed that they hated their jobs and were soon to retire. Generally, pilots are forced to retire in their 50s. Not many people are going into that profession these days.
The hours are long and their family time is short. Often, they are sleep deprived. Yes, it sounds like a swell job.
Also, more than a few have refused the controversial Jab. That alone is cause for firing or furloughing.
So, for now, I will stick to the legacy carriers with few deviations. I do like Avianca Airlines for South American travel. Copa also serves us well for Panama.
Other than that, my frequent flier credit cards are American, American Express, Citi Cards with Thank-You points and anything else that gets me where I want to go.
As a confirmed Travel Junkie, I want to go everywhere.
Now, all I need is a cleaning lady who follows Thou Shalt Not Steal!