I just saw the last comment before I signed off.I have no animosity towards cockpit crews whatsoever-after all these years of flying I am still amazed at what they do during times of trouble in keeping me alive.(I have been married to a pilot for many years now!)Robespierre -are you a private pilot or a pilot with a freight company?

With TSA taking away so many knives, handguns, spears, swords, lances and flame-throwers, plus nail files and clippers, you would think the airlines could stash a few more cases of sodas on board. Just a thought.

Not to mention olive oil.

(posted on another thread)

"Then why are the airlines(particularly international flying) concern about the number of bags/weight,etc?"

Because the more weight the airplane carries, the more fuel it uses, and the carriers will eliminate any weight they can without alienating customers. Limiting baggage weight is a good place to reduce it. They would prefer not to carry any soda (or food, or booze) at all, but they wouldn't stay in business long if they did.

Maybe I am just too happy to be alive but there are just so many things to be upset about in life! Service on a simple flight to Europe from the US is just not something I'll complain about! I deal with people all over the world for a living and really folks, this is just life. Some flights are more comfortable than others, thats all. If you need an extra drink, ask for it. Get up and go to the back or ring the bell. It's really pretty easy. Peace.

<I am not saying that every airline has bad flight attendants but sometimes it seems like some of them don't even want to be there.>

Richard, You've never had a bad day at the office???

Everyday is a bad day at the office!

For every can of soda that the airline takes off the jet I bet someone brings on board a sausage or round of cheese.

I've been on a charter flight where we left late cause they had to rearrange the luggage to balance the plane. We also had to stop 1/2 way to get more fuel cause the plane weighed too much. So it was either leave people/luggage behind or stop. It wasn't even that long of a flight (from Dominican Republic to Baltimore) we had to stop in FL to refuel. That was a scary flight.

they could have just tossed a few people out of the plane

I couldn't agree more with #9. I swear I've never stopped by an area where flight attendants congregate that I haven't gotten an earful of venom about scheduling, hours, benefits, etc. It's just unseemly.

Okay, I gotta ask.

<i><b>How much should I tip the autopilot?</b></i>

Richard, I must weigh in. I bring one carry-on and one medium-sized purse on transatlantic trips--no checked luggage. I believe that entitles me (ENTITLES, mind you) to bring several apples, bananas, a sandwich and my own bottled water aboard. The food served in coach class on every airplane I've ever flown on is absurdly tasteless and grudgingly served. I am never asked every 20 minutes, or every 2 hours, if I would care for something else to drink.

I am usually hot, uncomfortable, and sitting behind or in front of a 300 pound human who should have been made to purchase two seats. Flying is a way to get from point A to point B, period. It has devolved into a bus ride no matter what airline you take, and all the employees seem in a chronic state of complaint and dissatisfaction with their jobs.

Ira - I'm with you - BRING BACK THE DOCTOR!! BRING BACK THE DOCTOR!!

kswl, i agree, anything you bring is better than what is served.