A few weeks ago, I wrote a column called “12 Ridiculous Things about Air Travel” and asked readers to e-mail their own contributions to the list. I received more than 500 responses — more than I can answer personally, but I had a great time reading each and every one of them. Thanks to those who responded; I appreciate your candor, humor and occasional good wishes.
Here are the results: a varied collection of pet peeves and wry observations — along with some polite disagreements and a handful of explanations. Many thanks to the contributors, who shall remain anonymous.
The 8 biggest gripes
My favorite pet peeves from readers
Readers had countless pet peeves and recitals of personal bad luck at airports, in security lines, on the plane and at the baggage carousel. Here are some of my favorites in the readers’ own words.
5 things that seem ridiculous but actually do have a reason
Finally, here are five seemingly senseless things that actually do have a reason. Some of these I just learned myself.
A couple of readers complained that I refer to air travel as a joke when it should be considered serious business. While I don’t want to be sitting next to these readers on a long flight, I do appreciate their opinion. In fact, I do think of air travel as a joke, the same way I look on all of life as a humorous journey. For me, seeing the humor in every situation is a good way to keep sane. On the other hand, my wife says I’m not all that sane anyway, so maybe the serious folks are right after all.
I hope not.
James Wysong has worked as a flight attendant with two major international carriers during the past fifteen years. He is the author of the "The Plane Truth: Shift Happens at 35,000 Feet" and "The Air Traveler's Survival Guide." For more information about James or his books, please visit or .