Air travel: The right stuff

6. The Internet. The World Wide Web is truly a wonderful thing. It's where we learn, work, communicate and explore. It has even improved air travel. Not only can you find the best deals, you can also check in, choose your seat, and check the status of your flight online — and read about the industry in columns like this one.

7. Modern technology. While I would like to see the Internet and Wi-Fi become available on more flights, you have to admit that many airlines have come a long way with personal video screens, multiple channels, video games and even live television. Gone are the days of the tubular headset, bad audio and bad screen quality — to say nothing of the same movie shown over and over again. And now if you're stuck with nine bad movies to choose from, you can play your own movie instead.

8. Security. Yes, the Transportation Security Administration. No matter how frustrating, inconsistent and inefficient it may be, this agency has prevented major terrorist incidents from occurring. I, for one, feel a lot safer knowing the TSA is around. Remember the quality of security that was in place before 9/11? Now, that was scary.

9. Smoke-out. Air travel has improved dramatically since the ban on in-flight smoking was implemented over a decade ago. There are fewer fires, the cabin air is cleaner, and you smell a lot better at the end of a flight. I always thought it was ridiculous to say that Row 35 was in the "nonsmoking" section when folks in Row 36 were free to light up any time. Still, I think it's a bit overboard for airports to go totally smoke-free. I am not a smoker, but I do think airports could set aside one area outdoors for the die-hard puffers.

10. Beats driving any day. You never quite appreciate air travel until you are forced to drive for several days straight. After 9/11, when all U.S. airplanes were grounded, I had to drive from the East Coast to the West Coast. I would gladly take the smallest seat in economy — and pay any price — rather than endure that journey again.

Now, for all you high-flying cynics out there who are ready to tear this article apart, I say, "Please do." I welcome all your comments because I am preparing my next article, "Air Travel: The Wrong Stuff," and I want all of you to help, from veteran mileage club members to first-time fliers. I even want airline employees to let me know what they think is wrong with air travel.

All comments will be read — from humorous to serious, interesting to bizarre — and the top answers will appear in a future column. This is your chance to tell it like you see it.

If you are interested in joining the fastest growing travel message board on the internet, register at our Tripso Forums.

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