What about using some common sense on domestic U.S. flights for a Pre-Check or even exemption? Many of us are not a logical terrorist profile. Using my own example (of course) - male, retired, over 70, lifetime citizen, Viet Nam military veteran (top secret security clearance), law enforcement and teaching background, no criminal or arrest record, always round trip tickets purchased well in advance, multiple flights a year, limited foreign travel. But I did transfer through Dubai three years ago although there wasn't time to radicalize me during the layover.

(Written on 05/27/2016)(Permalink)

There are signs, complete with pictures, at every TSA checkpoint. If you can't read, and you can't understand a sign with an "X" over a firearm, you don't have the mental capacity and judgement to be carrying it.

(Written on 04/26/2016)(Permalink)

One of the responsibilities of gun use and ownership is knowing the rules, no different from operating a motor vehicle. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Those of us who use and carry firearms (I'm a retired officer) depend on the responsible actions of others for our own continued right to carry and our own safety. These are the very people who will force reduction of 2nd Amendment rights.

(Written on 04/26/2016)(Permalink)

One other thing that I did not address in my earlier post is one of seat width. I suffer from the "extreme" height of 6'4" which compromises (or in some cases) eliminates my knee room. What I didn't address is seat width. If I am seated next to a person of "extreme" width, my seat room is encroached on the side(s). As nutrition improves, persons are becoming taller (and wider) while seats are shrinking. The airlines lost over $5,000 in ticket fees for me and my wife last year, and this year will be the same. That's a drop in the bucket for airlines with filled aircraft, but it adds up over time and numbers. Today, I fly commercial only when there is absolutely NO alternative - such as my upcoming trip to Guam. I may check boat access before purchasing airline tickets.

(Written on 02/03/2016)(Permalink)

If there is a system or a rule, there will be cheaters who "game" the system for personal gain. I don't "need" extra legroom, but at 6'4", my knees actually touch the seatback frame in front of me in coach, so a person in front who attempts to recline their seatback bruises my knees. Seat spacing has gotten markedly smaller over the past few years which is apparent when seats no longer align with windows. As a result (and I'm sure no one cares), all of my four scheduled trips for 2016 will be driving my personal vehicle in which I am not subjected to long lines, intrusive searches, surly TSA personnel, and inadequate refreshment selection replacing meals. It's worth an extra day on the road and a night in a motel. The commercial airlines lost me as a paying customer several years ago.

(Written on 02/02/2016)(Permalink)

I can barely wait for my airline ticket prices to go up - again.

(Written on 01/20/2016)(Permalink)

Beautiful aircraft. They sure do a lot of flying with the gear down.

(Written on 11/17/2015)(Permalink)

I carry my own anti-recline devices - my bruised knees.

(Written on 10/20/2015)(Permalink)

Along with the decreased knee room and lightweight seats, airlines should remove seatback recliners completely. The person in the seat in front of me cannot possibly recline their seat because my knees are already in contact with the seatback frame and there is no place for it to go. On most domestic flights I've been on in the past few years, very few people recline their seats. Golden rule.

(Written on 10/20/2015)(Permalink)

If airlines are not making money in the U.S., why did the United CEO who was guilty of crimes, escape with a $21 Million golden parachute, free flying for life and a company car? If fuel is such a major part of airline cost, why don't we see reduced rates with declining fuel prices? If weight is such a factor, why are we not charging passengers by weight? I seldom ever fly any longer. Since retiring, I drive everywhere because I have the time and I'm not subjected to a full cavity body search and radiation when I enter my vehicle, my luggage fits easily in the free space provided, and I get more than stale pretzels for the evening meal. If the flying public is really, really more interested in price than confort then the average airline passenger must be 4'8" tall. They will have to change a lot of things to lure me back as a customer.

(Written on 09/16/2015)(Permalink)