Back from the Bay
We got in last night around 11:30 p.m. It was a very very smooth flight. It was quite a sight taking off at 6 from the San Jose airport and getting to see the entire valley lit up. We got a good long look at it as we had to fly all the way north, bank 180, then back south to get altitude. I wish I had had a chance to dig my camera out of my carry-on for a few shots… but… well, more on that in the few paragraphs.
The area was nice, very pretty. Christy and I drove up some of the mountains yesterday to scope out the view. I am assembling a 14 shot panorama that encompasses most of Silicon Valley. I’ve looked at google earth to match some buildings and the view of the composite stretches from east Palo Alto through Cupertino, maybe a bit further. It’s going to print roughly eight feet by one foot. This is good because we don’t have anything up in our hallway currently.
I liked the public transit available, and the scenery. San Francisco seems very nice, and next time I’m out that way I’m going to try and take more time so that I can explore up that way a bit more. I’ll have to remember to watch out for sea lions.
The people were generally polite, especially driving, which was a nice change of pace. That is until we were about to catch our flight home. If you don’t want to read a rant, mosey on along now.
We dropped off our rental car, got through security, and managed to snag a bite at Burger King and still have about 10 minutes before boarding. Great! We got to our gate and everyone was milling about as they tend to do. After a while the mass of people begins to move. They hadn’t called out boarding groups, people were just getting on. All of them, or nearly. Leah and I were in group six. About 80% of the people milling about have boarded when they call group 2. They had never called group 1. I’m accustomed to people jockeying the line a bit, trying to board before they’re called, it always happens. Usually the staff tells them it’s not their turn (especially if it’s a full flight) and they have to stand off to the side until their group is called. This still gets them on a bit quicker as they’re already right there.
That’s not what happened this time. Apparently the American Airlines staff in San Jose doesn’t give a rat’s ass. By the time they called group 3 they announced there was no more room in the overhead bins and people would have to check things. Here I am standing with a giant back of photo gear worth about $6000 and they’re telling me to check it (it will be damaged,) or put it under my seat (my feet will be even with my rump.) Neither of these situations is ideal, or acceptable. They never called group 6. Leah and I and one other girl were the last 3 people to board the plane. Somehow, even though the bins were long taken, it was still taking forever for people to take their seats. To say we were annoyed at this point is an understatement.
Luckily Terry and Christy–they were in group 1–are geniuses and saints; They had the foresight to save a spot for my bag using their own much smaller bags and a bit of will power. Talking with them after I was seated we hear that some people boarding in front of them were in group five. Several people had 2 or 3 carry ons. Yay for following rules American Airlines! Way to make some of your frequent fliers feel like third class citizens. I’d say no harm no foul, but that wasn’t due to anything American did, so… FOUL! If I wanted this kind of service and anarchy, I’d fly South West.
Ah, but to end on a happier note, here’s a little picture.
Comment by omgcoolstuff@lj — November 17, 2006 @ 7:56 pm
Dude, sounds like a rough flight. I always hated how people would stand around waiting for their seat to be called, sometimes trying their luck at butting in line.
I’ve come to adore how Southwest does it. I won’t fly with anyone else anymore. I have grown used to getting to the airport early, standing at the back of the line for the flight before mine so that I will be first in line for my flight. Some people laugh and some really get offended, but hey, I’m willing to spend 30-60 minutes sitting on the ground or standing to get a good seat.
At least with SW there is a line. The only problem I ever have it people who think they can put their bags in line and then go sit down or grab a bite to eat. Still, those people are far easier to deal with than the mobs that storm the plane at other airlines where they actually have an assigned seat.
I also enjoyed the liquid restrictions while they lasted. I haven’t been on a flight with full overhead bins in some time, but that was always a problem for me before. Glad you were able to get your camera on there safely.