Thunderbird Club

[MCF]

I haven’t looked in a while, but the numbers used to be not so disparate looking only at cross-country travel. If we drive, we pick routes and times to avoid as much craziness as possible. We also make sure we aren’t driving dead, and we pay attention. I spent enough time on motorcycles- a good deal of that in Atlanta- to develop very good situational awareness. I still assume half the people out there would kill me if they could get away with it, and the rest can’t see me. This has kept me out of many accidents.

We pick travel type based on time, intent, and cost. When I took my wife out west to see the sights, just driving through it all was key. Some day I want to drive to Alaska. But for now, we fly to maximize time with kids and grands.

With you there. I would love to do that. I have a Subie, so I’m good.

 

[MCF]

In a thick SoCal accent...
Whoa Dude, the little ho's ride is totally toasted.

So what are you talking. Valley? NB south along the coast? Garden Grove to Westminster? Hollyweird? Inland empire? South central? La Puente? I’m hearing at least seven different dialects.

 

[MCF]

Emirates...Singapore....KLM....in that order..

Well, I’ve flown dozens of times the last five years. Southwest, Southwest, Southwest in that order. A glorified bus. I’m cheap. But now I have a better option. Thank God.

 

[MCF]

Still looking for that old picture of me from the 90's... in the meantime, enjoy this Fullerton Family Foto of FSO's!
View attachment 3449639

(If this triggers you and makes you rage quit TB and sell of your Thunderbirds, I call dibs on them, since I was the catalyst/ herald of doom!!! )

Oh my. I want that Tele.

 

[GonePlaid]

The driving flying safety comparison is far from clean (as I was trying to show with the caveats). There is also the severity aspect. Most flight accidents result in a high proportion of deaths compared to traffic accidents.

But it is better than working without data. ​

Likewise - I look at time and cost to make the fly/drive decision for regional travel. Any longer distance and I fly.

Another factor is that if a plane goes down in Canada, 100 people die, but in the US it's only 62.

 

[GonePlaid]

Well, I’ve flown dozens of times the last five years. Southwest, Southwest, Southwest in that order. A glorified bus. I’m cheap. But now I have a better option. Thank God.

PSA was an airborne bus line.

 

[GonePlaid]

Oh my. I want that Tele.

Everyone to their own..uh, whatever. I strongly dislike the Tele headstock shape(shallow, I know).

 

[Gaolee]

until the landing part...

View attachment 3449745

There is that part. But at least it got to its destination. With American, you might end up in Topeka without your luggage.

 

[MCF]

PSA was an airborne bus line.

Yep. I used to shuttle on PSA (and Air Cal to a lesser degree) between OC and San Jose or SF. Walk out, climb the stairs, take a seat and an attendant would come along lugging one of the old credit card sliders that used carbon paper. $29.00 one way. Once in a while $19.00. You could show up 5 minutes before a flight and get on, no problem. No such thing as TSA. Only had lines at holidays.

 

[Gaolee]

I avoid flying like the plague - pampered comfort for the 1%, cattle-call for the proletarians. (don't mention brats kicking the back of my seat and the fully reclined passengers head in my lap)

As a person who spends way too much time on airplanes, I appreciate the regular upgrades. Being the 1% for the same price is better than flying worst class. It still sucks.

 

[Gaolee]

Everyone to their own..uh, whatever. I strongly dislike the Tele headstock shape(shallow, I know).

I like everything about Teles.

 

[MCF]

Everyone to their own..uh, whatever. I strongly dislike the Tele headstock shape(shallow, I know).

It’s all good. I like it. Now G&L? Ughh.

 

[RedVee]

The JC was the bass that started all this for me. Got waylaid into T’bird World. Not complaining.

Still interested in a JC at the right time.

 

[GBassNorth]

So what are you talking. Valley? NB south along the coast? Garden Grove to Westminster? Hollyweird? Inland empire? South central? La Puente? I’m hearing at least seven different dialects.

The answer is, yes. Had to do a mashup, wouldn't want to leave any of our communities out.

 

[RedVee]

Can’t add much to the airlines story but I know Qantas shares with Emirates, JAL, Cathay.
Friends really rate Emirates.

Looking to go to Ireland & UK in about 12-15 months.

 

[GonePlaid]

Hilton Anatole, it's about a block from the show. It's supposed to be 93 degrees with 58% humidity and thunder showers tomorrow........Possibly why the Queen has heretofore avoided Texas

Only 58%? Shoot(sp?). Come to FL.

 

[GonePlaid]

I thought NWA were based outta Compton.

 

[GonePlaid]

When I was still working I spent a lot of time flying between the US and Asia. I almost always flew first or business class on Singapore Airlines. The first time I had to take a Northwest Airlines flight I Got a good laugh. Compared to Singapore air, it looked like Northwest was hiring their flight attendants from a local geriatric ward.

I actually did bust out laughing when one of the Northwest attendants handed me a blanket with a big bold "NWA" on it as we crossed the Pacific on our way to LAX. All could think of was the rap group (who's name shall not be said) as we headed for a town Straight Outta Compton.

Singaporean women are rumored to be the most beautiful.

 

[MCF]

Can’t add much to the airlines story but I know Qantas shares with Emirates, JAL, Cathay.
Friends really rate Emirates.

Looking to go to Ireland & UK in about 12-15 months.

We’re doing that trip in a month. First real vacation in some years. Can’t wait.

 

[GonePlaid]

Spot on! Within Europe, Air France has better food than Lufthansa I found..

What's wrong with spaetzle?

 

[GonePlaid]

Madness, that’s what it is. Soul-sucking.

The past 4 years I was flying home from work Friday, playing two or three nights on the weekend, then flying off on Monday. Very nerve wracking with all the flight delays. Some close calls, but never missed a gig.

Decided to quit working last September at 57. I highly recommend it. My wife is happier, too. Now my “work schedule” is Fri-Sat-Sun gigs, then four days off.

Dayum! There's that much work on what we Floridians call the "West Coast"? I'll commute!