USAF. No TSA checks, no baggage restrictions, you can visit the cockpit and you can hang a hammock in the back
It made me realize my problems with flying revolved around airports, not so much the airlines themselves.
USAF C130 between Kuwait & Iraq was a weird experience. On the way out, it was “aw shit how many more months do I have?” On the way back it was “how much longer until I can get a beer?” Plane was fine while in air, but lowering the ramp on either end felt like walking into a damn blast furnace.
Alaska, hands down.
Southwest.
Because I’m terrible at being on time and it’s nice to know I can just cancel as long as they haven’t taken off and not lost the money. Also not paying extra for luggage. And their airport is best for my parents place.
Greyhound ;)
No bullshit, I refuse to fly because I’m too old, too cranky, and in too much pain to deal with the TSA malarkey. Last time I had to go through security with a patient wasn’t long after 9/11, and I vowed I’d never fly.
I’ll drop people off, pick them up, and that’s it.
That being said, Delta has actually been really good to my wife twice, as much shit as they’re full of. Had some crazy crap happen going to visit family, and then coming back. Totally on her end, not their fault. But they not only got her seats on the next available flights both times, but helped her get around the airport fast enough to do it, with no extra charges. Kinda blew my mind in that regard.
My best friend flies a lot, and he’s had good luck with them too. Upgrades, minimum hassles with checking bags, that kind of stuff.
He flies overseas a bunch too, and he does say that the U.S. Airlines aren’t as frequent flyer friendly. Like, whatever that Australian airline is, they apparently have roomier business class and better amenities. Also much lower upcharges to upgrade seating.
Reinforces my unwillingness to deal with any of the airlines tbh. If I can’t get there by bus or train, it can fuck right off. Last trip up north with my wife, she flew, I took a train lol. I did the bus the time before that, but she did too.
Anything before 09/11/2001.
