Physician removed forcibly from United flight after overbooking--UPDATED

[lapfog_1]

86. I have a "3 state rule" where if the distance I'm traveling is within

3 contiguous states of where I'm at... I mostly drive.

Cost is less.

Time is sometimes about the same (but I live in California so that's not true some of the time).

No security check points.

No uncomfortable seats. I can pull over and use the bathroom anytime I like.

I can eat what I want (and I usually pack a cooler with decent food).

I can listen to my own music and chat on my hands free phone.

I can pack as much as I want.

If the trip is 400 miles or less, it's usually FASTER to drive than to fly.

(It's an hour to the nearest major airport, then there is long term parking, then the security checkpoint, always crowded at Bay Area airports, then waiting for a flight, then get a rental car at the destination, then drive to where you needed to go... plan 6 to 7 hours to travel to LA or Las Vegas, usually more like 8 when all is said and done, I can drive to northern LA in 4.5 hours, 7 hours to Las Vegas or San Diego, 10 to 12 hours to Portland, 12 hours to Phoenix. Seattle, Denver and ABQ can be a toss up between flying and driving).

I travel to Nevada, southern Cali, Arizona, Portland, and a few trips to New Mexico... and unless I have to travel to Reno or Portland or ABQ in winter weather is generally not an issue.

Not to mention that car travel is relaxing to me and gives me a chance to think... and interact with people I meet (instead of the people jammed in next to you on the plane), I can change my travel plans anytime I like. Mostly I don't have to deal with either bullshit airlines or the TSA.