The True Meaning of Thanksgiving 2015

For the second year in a row, a quick road trip brought me to Phoenix, so no airplanes were needed. I can’t say that’s a bad thing. While I relax in the Valley of the Sun, hopefully the rest of you have had easy travels as well. As always, I’ll let Robert take it away with the true meaning of the holiday.

Dear traveler,

As a new holiday season approaches, it is time to pause and reflect on the True Meaning of Thanksgiving. Many see merely long journeys to share time with friends and family. But a special exclusivity can be found in the right places, on the right days, and with the right virtuous patience. The places, airports; the days; just before and after Thanksgiving; and the patience, must be great.

Thanksgiving is not a time to give thanks. Thanksgiving is a time to get bumped.

The scars of a multi year downturn are well behind us, so people are ramping up their traveling ways. Airplanes are full and airfares are up, so airline heads from Atlanta to Chicago to Dallas are rubbing their hands with glee. For not only are airplanes as full as they’ve ever been, but the relentless march of technology assures that planes are just about full, just about right. The bump is not as plentiful as it used to be in the glory days of America West Airlines, when the terminals at Phoenix Sky Harbor, the Hub of Riches, would sing with the cry for the bump. Of course, this new rarity breeds exclusivity. One must now be craftier and more patient than ever with the Thanksgiving holiday travels, so that entry into this exclusive club of free travel can be gained and sustained. Overbooked! Oversold! Bring me vouchers, they are gold!

Happy Thanksgiving all,

..robert

The True Meaning of Thanksgiving, years past