Page 5 - zcyj (1)

RON JAMES EDITOR’S NOTE

publisher/executive editor
THE PAIN OF GETTING THERE

t used to be – a long, long time ago – that getting to your destination was fun. Still is –if
you count road trips in the family car – although my co-publisher would argue that point.
Cruise ships and trains can be pleasurable modes of transport to and from destinations as
Iwell. Road trips, cruising and rail aside, when you travel the globe frequently, as many of
our readers do, you have to fly. And frankly, flying today pretty much sucks.
Once upon a time, flying was special. You dressed up, sometimes in a suit bought just for the
occasion. Stewardesses, looking like beauty pageant contestants, were smiling and gracious.
Seats were spacious and comfortable, with lots of room to tilt your seat back without causing a
fist fight with the big guy behind you. Even the food was decent -- in first class it was excellent.
Those were the golden days of flying – except for the smoking of course – but we didn’t know
better at the time. Can you imagine ashtrays on a plane today?
And there are some airlines that still
seem to care for their customers
Ron James is the "wine, food and travel guy." He
is a nationally award-winning print and online and their comfort, including Japan
journalist, graphic designer., television producer Air and Turkish Airlines, two I’ve
and radio personality. The native Californian's na- flown recently. Southwest is at least
tionally syndicated wine and food columns have consistent with its offerings which
appeared in newspapers and magazines around
the world. He is passionate about great wine and still include some snacks.
food and enthusiastically enjoys them every day!
But most airlines, especially US car-
MARY JAMES riers, offer passengers nothing but
pain - a pain in the wallet, body and
publisher/editor palate. American Airlines and even
United used to be two of the best
but now are less than mediocre with
uncomfortable seating and more
often than not, surly attendants.
Don’t get me started on Frontier;
they are the worst in almost every
way. Oddly enough, their counter
staff and attendants seem friendly enough.
It wasn’t so long ago that full meals and snacks were served on cross-country flights. Today,
airlines have turned their domestic and sometimes international in-flight food service into a
significant profit stream. Attendants now push snack carts up and down the aisle taking just
credit and debit cards – no cash allowed.

We also pay through nose for just a little more leg room and for early boarding in hopes there
still room in the overhead to stow your bags. Pillows and blankets are extra – even sitting
together with your family can cost you. Baggage fees are a whole horror story on their own.
I could be somewhat sympathetic about their tightfisted ways if fuel prices were still sky high,
but they’re at historical lows. Now, it’s all about corporate greed and bean counters who never
Mary Hellman James is an award-win-
ning San Diego journalist and editor. Af- fly economy. If I were King, I would make all airline executives and plane designers to do an
ter a 29-year-career with the San Diego international flight in coach at least once a week for a full year. I bet service and comfort would
Union-Tribune, she currently is a freelance improve quickly and significantly.
garden writer and a columnist for San Diego
Home-Garden/Lifestyles magazine. Mary and Rant over.
her husband, Ron James, travel extensively.
Upcoming in October is a global adven- Have safe travels and we wish you the best of window and aisle seats .
ture that will take us from Rome to Dubai
through the Suez Canal and from England to Ron & Mary
New England by sea.

Wine Dine & Travel 2016 5