Just Got Back from America

I was in the States for the past couple of weeks and here are some new things that I hate about air travel and traveling in general.

1. US Airways now charges you $15 to switch your seat from a middle seat to an aisle seat. Can you believe that? The lady at the counter actually was able to say it with a straight face as well! They also charged me $65 to check in 2 bags, but seeing as the ticket was $60 cheaper that others the baggage fee didn't bug me too much.

2. If your three remaining clean shirts that you need for important meetings get wet and covered in a brown residue due to airline carelessness while handling your luggage in the rain, you are officially screwed and on your own while trying to a find an open Macy's before your 10:00 am meeting.

3. If you land in any of three major NYC area airports - JFK, La Guardia, Newark, be prepared for obnoxious service from anyone who works in customer service, especially at the rental car counters at 2:00 am. Guaranteed, every time I land on the east coast and rent a car I get Miss or MR Nasty at the counter!

4. If a hotel (Treasure Island) promises you that the hold they are placing on your card is temporary - IT IS NOT. Thank the good Lord for being able to dispute charges in the USA; in Israel I would have to eat the $150 charge on my own.

5. Even though I didn't fly Southwest I am VERY impressed by their customer service. I booked a one way ticket from LAX to Philadelphia (which included 2 free pcs of luggage) for $260 4 days before departure. I went to see if I could cancel the flight since I decided it would be easier on my schedule if I flew into Newark instead. I called within 24 hours and they said "We will gladly refund your purchase". I think it was because it was within 24 hours of buying the ticket, needless to say I was very impressed!

6. Flying Elal was a relatively painless process as well (for the first time EVER).