I can't remember when travel got to be quite so excrutiating, but the entire enerprise is there with a vengence now.
We're a far cry from the romance in the skies that was the time period where "Catch Me If You Can" was set, and customer service is going down faster than Paris Hilton at a New Year's party. 
I know this first-hand as I spent all day bouncing between the Austin and Dallas airports before ultimately getting to Albuquerque (sp?) and then driving onto Taos to ski, hike, eat at Michael's Kitchen, visit in-laws, see some snow and tell gigantic lies about my snowboarding prowess.
But before any of the good things can happen, I'm dealing with this debacle of a journey.
The problems started when the first plane was delayed two hours, which causes a missed connection in Dallas (since there are no direct flights from Austin). Luckily, there was a later flight to Dallas that had a connecting run to New Mexico which saved things slightly.
But once we hit ground in New Mexico, all 3 bags were lost somewhere along the way and are currently on the road via shuttle to Taos (supposedly).
The lack of decency and remorse from virtually everyone associated with American Airlines was staggering. The general attitude was "sorry our planes are late, you have no luggage and nothing has worked out as planned, but what do you want us to do about it?"
The days of easy travel are dead and gone. In their place, surly attendants and do-nothing baboons have sprouted up to fill the void.
This rant is nothing new, however, it still feels good to get it off my chest and my only hope is that some underwear and my contact lens solution arrives tonight.
Dare to dream.
-BDS
Sorry to hear that, man! The same people ruined a perfectly good karaoke excursion last night when my friend's plane got delayed 2 hours coming into DFW and we had to call the whole thing off. Do they realize what they've done? I think not. Do they have a WalMart where you are? I hear they have some lovely undies for sale, along with all your toiletry needs. ;)
Perhaps you should just pack a carry on bag for such a short vacation...then it will not get lost :P
Easier said than done, i would pack my dresser in my suitcase if it would fit. I always overpack it's ridiculous. I agree, airports suck.
American Airlines just ruined my trip home for the Holidays. I used my air miles to get a free ticket home and printed out the itinerary from AA.com.
Unfortunately, the entire itinerary was for the Central Time Zone whereas I'm in the Pacific Time zone and my destination was the Eastern Time Zone (no one could explain why). I didn't even notice it, so I arrived at the airport as my plane was taking off. Ever tried to get another flight to your destination after missing it on Christmas weekend? It ain't happening. The only upside is it's an anytime ticket so it's still good.
I completely agree. Funny thing...I am reading this in my hotel room in Taos right now wondering why I ate so much at Orlando's last night. We are on a road trip, which we decided is the way to go when we have the time. Enjoy the slopes - we are heading to Colorado.
I have not flied American for a long time and I have recently added United to the new fly zone.
My wife and I flew out to CA on United in October we had a total of four flights to get to SF. None of our flights went as scheduled. The flight out went through the planned airports but the return flight didn't even do that. I could understand things happen but when anyone asked what the reasoning was for the problems the counter people wouldn't give anyone an explaination. The only thing they would give us was grief.
American gave us issues when we booked flights back when all of our kids were wee lads...a long story which boils down to piss poor customer service.
As it stands now, I primarly fly US Airways.
Jlee - I try to avoid Wal-Marts like the plague while I'm at home, so I'll really stay away when I'm on vacation. Sorry about karoke as you just can't depend on anyone these days when it comes to travel.
Miss Ash - I had a carry-on, but this time I decided not to hassle with all the regulations about liquids (size, clear case, etc) and it bit me in the ass.
Robert - Ouch. I'm sorry as that has got to be frustrating as I remember watching my plane take off from St. Lucia a few years ago and it's a horrible feeling. At least you can use it anytime.
M - Have fun in Colorado and I was at Orlando's last night too. Strange that we could have been eating green chile in the same small restaurant in Taos, eh? I love that place and it's a definite stop everytime I come to Taos. Also I recommend Ranchos Trading Post (nice meal) Michael's Kitchen (breakfast, donuts) and Outback Pizza (take a guess). Have a good trip.
Rob - That's good to know and that sounds like some brutal stories with American. I'm going to definitly look into other airlines as American has burned me once too often now. We'll see as I just think that the industry is getting worse and worse overall.
Slopmaster - As soon as teleportation is feasible life will be excellent, although I"m not sure how they will keep people from transporting into the women's locker room. Details.
My mom worked for USAir when I was growing up and we traveled all over the place with a lot of different airlines. It is definitely a different airline world today. I do all my power not to fly on United or American. They seem to have the worst service of any of the airlines and snobby, pretentious people working for them.
I've been through countless airport delays in the US, the attitude from the airlines are always the same it seems. I have slept in airports too many times. Did you get your luggage back?
I've only ever had one problem, and it was a United flight out of O'Hare. I said fuck in front of (not to) the desk guy at the gate and he decided I needed a good tongue lashing. This was after a 2 hour delay out of Dubuque from a snow storm.
And when I was done causing a scene I got a free flight. But that's also when my luggage got lost.
Hope your luggage finds you soon.
Sarcastic - Like the new profile picture, and I think your description of "snobby, pretentious people" is accurate. Unfortunately.
Carmel - I did get the luggage back, but I've never slept in an airport (fingers crossed). I'm sorry it seems to happen to you in the U.S. That's not the best recommendation for visiting. Ha.
Melissa - Thanks for the luggage good wishes, and at least you got a free flight from your complaining as they need some attitude dished back to even the score. When I get back to Austin, I plan to write American a nasty email and see what happens.