Well, that storm didn’t quite pan out as the media predicted, huh? That, combined with surprisingly good availability on alternate flights yesterday, means that those of you who were traveling to be with your family should be happily and safely there by now. There’s no holiday travel for me this year; we’re celebrating the day at home here in Long Beach. Now it’s time to stop talking about airplanes and just enjoy the day. But first, there’s one more thing we have to do.
I’m thankful that you all continue to read the blog and, more importantly, that you contribute to the great discussion in the comments every day. Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers. And now, as I do every year, I’m going to turn it over to Robert for the true meaning of Thanksgiving…
Dear traveler,
‘Tis the season to be traveling to far off lands and often by plane. And so it is time for our annual arrival at the True Meaning of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is not a time to give thanks. Thanksgiving is a time to get bumped.
As surely as the oceans cool and the clouds thicken, the peak of airline overbooking beckons. There are so few days and so many travelers. This year, there’s a new joy in store for the holiday travels. The powers that be have bestowed upon us the power to power up our devices from start to finish. All will be captivated with beaming screens of apps and music and movies and fun and games. Cranky children will be silent; chatty boors will stay rapt. No more glazed stares out the window during the rumble of a takeoff or watching overhead bins jiggle while careening to a stop on touchdown.
While the world of change rolls on, one constant remains: the airlines want more money, so stuffing their birds with people is a must. For the patiently flexible, fine prizes await when we don’t all fit. Sadly, it has been two long years since I have tasted the fruits of the bump. Perhaps it is my punishment for moving far from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, the Hub of Riches, where Silver Liners shower forth from a clear blue sky at every twist and turn of the holiday crowd. But the allure of free voyaging is strong. So I will try again this Thanksgiving to wander the terminals in search of the chorus: “Overbooked! Oversold! We need people! Riches you’ll hold!”
Wishing you and yours a fine free flying filled journey,
..robert
The True Meaning of Thanksgiving, years past
[Original turkey photo via Shutterstock]
[Turkish airplane by Nickolay Vinokurov / Shutterstock.com]
6 comments on “The True Meaning of Thanksgiving 2013”
Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for all of your insightful blog posts throughout the year.
Although I’m not one of your American readers, I can still wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
That Turkey sure looks tasty…
Maybe you should switch the blog to an all-turkey year-round :-)
I hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday season. You’re always a good read.
Happy Thanksgiving to All!
Given that there was good availability, isn’t it quite a bit harder to get bumped this year?
Nick – It’s true! Considering how much availability we saw out there, it would have been a tougher thing to pull off. Maybe Sunday will be more promising.
Have non revved since Feb 1956 ,a Pan Am Stratocruiser to LHR, and my share of bumpings . Hubs are usually ok due to critical mass of the of the hometown bully, if you are in that tribe. Stay tuned for WN breakout from the Wright Amendment when they can overfly the 2nd and 3rd tier towns they have served for some 30 yrs, Bob in ABQ