JetBlue to charge for blankets and pillows

[Here's Fanny!]

Sometimes I have to fight for the ability just to carry my empty bottle through security.

Do you have any idea what terrorists might do with an empty water bottle!?

No, but if McGyver gets hold of it, those terrorists are in a world of hurt.

[marrymeflyfree]

I actually do feel a little bad for flight attendants...they serve people and don't get tipped like other service staff do.

No need to tip...we aren't paid like food service staff and don't rely on tips. In fact, we're supposed to refuse tips unless it would embarrass the tipper. Most of us make a pretty good living. I know a couple of FAs who gross around $100k/year - but of course they also work more than should be allowed, too.

I guess I just feel awful after I learned 6 months ago that they planing (which is arguably the most challenging portion of any flight)...I had no idea so I have a new appreciation for what they go through.

True, sadly. We aren't paid until all doors (including cargo) are closed and the parking brakes are off. Where I work, we're required to check in 1:15 prior to departure...replaced if you're more than 2 minutes late. Really. But it is unpaid. Makes no sense to me.

[MarleysGh0st]

I guess I just feel awful after I learned 6 months ago that they planing (which is arguably the most challenging portion of any flight)...I had no idea so I have a new appreciation for what they go through.

True, sadly. We aren't paid until all doors (including cargo) are closed and the parking brakes are off. Where I work, we're required to check in 1:15 prior to departure...replaced if you're more than 2 minutes late. Really. But it is unpaid. Makes no sense to me.

That is a ridiculous work rule.

Is that the airlines' way of bending the FAA rules that say flight crews can only be on duty for a certain number of hours before they have to be replaced or the flight is cancelled?

[tanstaafl2]

The best course of action is just to bring your own. I like to have my own drinks anyway, so that I can secure them better (I buy bottles so that I can throw it in the seat or seat back and not have to drink it right away). Plus then you don't have to wait until 45 minutes in to have a drink. Yes, it was nice when we got it for free, but half a can of soda and .05 oz of peanuts never did much for me anyway. I like to be prepared and always stock up on snacks before leaving and on drinks in the airport newstand.

Food is possible and I typically bring my own but unless you have fool proof way of smuggling beverages through security that is a no go. Because you are still going to pay a ridiculous price to buy something in the concourse. Less than on the plane? Perhaps, although that is questionable, but still overpriced.

Personally I think the concessionaires are in cahoots with TSA...

I now carry an empty bottle with me and then I fill it from the water fountain once through security and before boarding (OK, so in addition to getting thirsty I am cheap as well...). Unfortunately this can be a bit dicey in some of the more out of the way international destinations I manage to find myself in since you can't count on water from the public water fountain, presuming you can find one at all.

Sometimes I have to fight for the ability just to carry my empty bottle through security. Japan for some reason was the worst about this in recent memory. After much arguing and broad hand gestures I did manage to win that battle without causing too much of an international incident...

I hate not having anything at hand and being dependent on if and when cabin service occurs, especially as I typically fly steerage these days. Oh for the glory days of my long past youth when as a dependent of an airline employee I flew first class everywhere for the price of wearing a coat and tie.

Just use the ziplock bag your shampoo was in plus a straw for your water. Sheesh.

I'm good, but not that good! And I have this peculiar desire to have my luggage arrive relatively dry...

[silvercamaro]

And I have this peculiar desire to have my luggage arrive relatively dry...

I'm sorry, but there's an extra $40 charge for that.