Just yesterday I vowed to quit whining about travel-related irritations — glad I put in the “at least momentarily” caveat. I didn’t even make it 24 hours, thanks to Spirit Airline’s announcement today that it plans to start charging $20 to $45 for carryon luggage that has to go in the overhead bin (they already charge for checked luggage).

I loved this comment to the article: “Can’t wait for the next great idea to come from the airlines - bundling services.
‘Save five dollars by buying airfare, one checked bag, one overhead bag and a ticket to go to the bathroom at one great low price.’” Oh wait, isn’t that what a ticket used to buy you, along with some semblance of a meal? Sigh.

OK, back to the no-whine zone.

Update: I just read this interview with Spirit’s CEO about the carry-on luggage fee. Nice to know that “The basis for this new fee was founded in improved customer service.”

David Brooks wrote a terrific editorial in today’s New York Times, called Relax, We’ll Be Fine, in which he explores all the reasons we have to feel optimistic about the future of the U.S. What makes it not completely off topic is this line: “As the world gets richer, demand will rise for the sorts of products Americans are great at providing — emotional experiences.” While he mentions these experiences in terms of cool TV shows and Apple products, I’d add to that our growing propensity for producing meetings not just of the minds, but also the hearts. If we can do it well enough, I think we’ll see our international attendance grow just as much as international demand for iPads.

I’m the first to whine when it comes to travel hassles, but I’m vowing to stop (at least momentarily) after reading this Q&A in Wired with Carl Hoffman, author of The Lunatic Express. The book covers his trip around the world using only the “the most dangerous and decrepit forms of transportation he finds along the way.”

While it makes it very clear why we should stop complaining about having to pay for airline meals and a couple of hours of delay, it’s also fascinating how Hoffman explains why we find such minor inconveniences overwhelming, when in other parts of the world you’re glad if you actually make it to your destination relatively intact.

This just cracked me up:

Thanks to Steve on the MeCo listserv for the pointer. I needed a laugh today!