Air travel tipping point

Someone famous once wrote something like, "80 percent of winning is showing up".

The problem today with showing up is getting there.

I had a trip scheduled today and in no small way, breathed a sigh of relief when I found out my flight was cancelled. Yes - I was going to miss a handful of meetings including one with a critical client.

But I also missed out on the chore that air travel has become and saved my valuable commodity, time.

In order to complete a three hour flight and arrive on time and either ready to do business or get to a hotel in time, I have to leave very early in the morning or fly out the night before.

Then I have the luggage ordeal. I carefully go through my work bag and verify whether or not I have any dangerous objects which might have made their way in there, like tweezers, water or Neosporin.

Next, I have to arrive at the airport 1-2 hours before my flight leaves in order to guarantee I will pass through security. Did I check my socks before I left? Do they have any holes? Which shoes I am wearing? I hope I remembered to wear loafers and not laced shoes.

Then comes boarding. Is there room in the overhead for my bag? Where is my seat? Who do I have to sit next to? Is there anyone on board with a contagious disease?

All in all, flying is no longer a pleasant experience which it once was. I prefer the telephone and email now. Many of my clients are surprised by a phone call - they expected an email. Visits are not always required.

I hope it gets better. I hope we get smarter and deploy common sense more frequently.

Until then, showing up will have to be carefully considered before ranking it at 80% or what ever it is.