Made any travel mistakes lately?

[MEL_Traveller]

Naw... every child and every parent is different. If you suggest that no one should travel simply because they are a solo parent, then you'd be wrong. I've offered to assist this very situation once. I'm sure I'm not the only one that can be trusted? I totally agree that parents need to be vigilant with children's care, but the reality is most random people sitting nearby in a plane are not child molester's and simply want to help if they can, if that help is offered.

It was an observation of sitting next to someone on a (heavily delayed) flight and the difficulties they encountered having to manage a lap child in tight confines (no bassinet). Opening the packet of butter with one hand was difficult. Having to balance the snack on the centre arm-rest and edge of the tray was difficult. Let alone cutting. If both parents are travelling the same route at the same time, travelling on the same plane would go 99% (100%?) towards resolving those issues.

I may be the odd one out here, but I'm not going to be volunteering to sit there holding a lap child while the parent eats or needs to go to the WC. If I was asked to hold the baby I dunno. I guess I would. But it is an imposition. If I knew the other parent was on a separate flight to save a couple bucks I'd probably say 'no'.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I may be the odd one out here, but I'm not going to be volunteering to sit there holding a lap child while the parent eats or needs to go to the WC. If I was asked to hold the baby I dunno. I guess I would. But it is an imposition. If I knew the other parent was on a separate flight to save a couple bucks I'd probably say 'no'.

Hey, everyone is different. I did not for one second suggest "everyone" should play "nana"!

Similarly, no one should suggest "every" single parent will be a problem. I'm sure the person to which you refer, is of the belief he/she did a sterling job, and by the sound of your commentary, they did!

 

[Jurahn]

I may be the odd one out here, but I'm not going to be volunteering to sit there holding a lap child while the parent eats or needs to go to the WC. If I was asked to hold the baby I dunno. I guess I would. But it is an imposition. If I knew the other parent was on a separate flight to save a couple bucks I'd probably say 'no'.

Well, if you're the odd one out, so am I - I doubt if I'd volunteer, and if I was asked ... not sure. Mainly because I have no affinity for - or interest in - children whatsoever, and being a female totally (and I mean, TOTALLY) lacking in the maternal instinct, I'd probably be holding the poor kid at arm's length with a panicked "what am I supposed to do with this?" look on my face.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hey, everyone is different. I did not for one second suggest "everyone" should play "nana"!

Similarly, no one should suggest "every" single parent will be a problem. I'm sure the person to which you refer, is of the belief he/she did a sterling job, and by the sound of your commentary, they did!

They did do a sterling job looking after the infant, but they weren't having a comfortable flight. Everything was twice as difficult as it could otherwise be.

 

[JohnK]

I posted this in the 'op up' thread but deleted and moved here as OT for the other thread.

But consider this... I sat next to a solo parent with infant on a flight SYD-MEL a few months ago and they're basically tied to the seat. Eating and drinking is difficult because putting the tray table down or having to eat/juggle coffee cup with one hand is hard (other hand holding infant). Going to the toilet is difficult because you can't leave the infant. Two parents would seem to make sharing the responsibility possible, and free one parent to at least have short breaks to eat/drink/go to the WC.

Daughter screaming again last night for the duration of the flight. Wife tired.

This is a tough one. Daughter doesn't last more than 5-10 minutes in my arms before she starts fighting to get away and I struggle to hang on to her without hurting her. The money saved is handy.

Have 2 Qantas flights before they go back to Thailand next month. I have not booked any flights for them yet when they return in March. Need to assess the situation again.

 

[puppysparkes]

I spent over 6K on a the roll of the dice Vietnam holiday for an ex girlfriend one time. Meh. At least AFF got a thread out of it.

 

[Cin Cin]

Never have checked baggage

 

[puppysparkes]

Never have checked baggage

I'm not sure if that was for me but I'm claiming it Cin Cin. Shakespeare never came close!!!!!

 

[n7of9]

Every few months I come into this thread and read the last 10 or so pages...it never ceases to make me feel better about my own mishaps and generally reminds me that sht happens, just pay for another room/flight/taxi/meal/bag/upgrade, and try not to do it again

 

[puppysparkes]

Every few months I come into this thread and read the last 10 or so pages...it never ceases to make me feel better about my own mishaps and generally reminds me that sht happens, just pay for another room/flight/taxi/meal/bag/upgrade, and try not to do it again

You'll make the honour role one day

 

[JessicaTam]

Never have checked baggage

There is a little confusion as to who/what you are referring to.

It is best to reply to a post using the "Reply with Quote" button, instead of just clicking "Reply". Then there will be some context.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I'm not sure if that was for me but I'm claiming it Cin Cin. Shakespeare never came close!!!!!

If you sent your ex as checked baggage, I think I have an idea why she is an ex!

 

[JohnK]

There is a little confusion as to who/what you are referring to.

It is best to reply to a post using the "Reply with Quote" button, instead of just clicking "Reply". Then there will be some context.

I think they meant that is best to travel hand luggage only!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I think they meant that is best to travel hand luggage only!

Yes. This was in reference to the OP's 'mistake' of failing to board. I mentioned it was lucky they were without checked luggage. OP replied in the affirmative.

 

[ChasingDaylight]

Not a recent one, but in late 2015 I was flying DRW-SYD-AKL for a job interview. Bought myself a nice new suit for the occasion, new shoes too. The outbound DRW flight was an 0145 departure. I was up at 0700 the previous day and spent most of it helping a mate out with a domestic crisis and was a zombie by the time I got to the airport.

Left my suit-carrier behind at the seating area near the gate, discovered this in SYD when getting off the plane. Had to rent a suit and shirt in AKL.





Got the job; have never worn the suit though.

 

[Steady]

Not a recent one, but in late 2015 I was flying DRW-SYD-AKL for a job interview. Bought myself a nice new suit for the occasion, new shoes too. The outbound DRW flight was an 0145 departure. I was up at 0700 the previous day and spent most of it helping a mate out with a domestic crisis and was a zombie by the time I got to the airport.
Left my suit-carrier behind at the seating area near the gate, discovered this in SYD when getting off the plane. Had to rent a suit and shirt in AKL.
Got the job; have never worn the suit though.

Welcome back CD, long time no posts. Hope all is well in your new job and home.

To stay on topic....

I booked a non-refundable stay at HI Potts Point in the last few days - and didn't check if they were on CashRewards first

 

[andye]

I booked a non-refundable stay at HI Potts Point in the last few days - and didn't check if they were on CashRewards first

Mmrebates.com is a US caahback site that frequently offers 6% or so on IHG

<redacted>

 

[JessicaTam]

Mmrebates.com is a US caahback site that frequently offers 6% or so on IHG

<redacted>

Andye, this is not the place for referrals.

 

[andye]

Sorry-not posted any links before
Have acquainted myself with the etiquette

 

[Cossie]

Not so much a travel mistake, rather, mistakes when traveling. I stupidly allowed myself to be robbed in Morocco, can't blame anyone else but myself.

I changed a film on a suspension bridge in Japan, dropped the canister and watched the exposed 36 shots fall into the river below.

I used to have a habit of not completely rewinding the exposed film back into the canister, as this was meant to stop any light getting in. Of course I managed to run a film through twice because I thought it was a new film!

Unfortunately there were a lot of good photos, (imo) including shots of the northern lights in Sweden, I still haven't forgiven myself.

Giving cheek to a drunken Ugandan policeman in early 1981 was one of my sillier mistakes, I'm sure it only because I was with someone that saved me from being taken out the back and dealt with!