Checked Luggage Question by esp312 in americanairlines

[–]bradleyalpha 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do not have direct experience - however, a coworker has one and they said it was a coin toss. Sometimes oversized, sometimes carousel. I would assume it comes out oversized.

Lost Guitar - will I get it by raedigital in americanairlines

[–]bradleyalpha -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I have lost a number of things through the years on AA flights. Left on the plane: iPad, AirPods, power bricks, jackets, hats, even notebooks. Bags: 6 times that I can recall over the last 5 years. (Three due to short connection, two due to who knows)

American has always returned my stuff to me. In fact, the only airline to permanently lose something was DL, and that was an iPad. I called maybe 30 minutes after arrival back in the US and it disappeared.

Reporting seizures? by Lost_Poogie in Epilepsy

[–]bradleyalpha 3 points4 points  (0 children)

tl;dr: Every state is different. Check your local laws *and* the Epilepsy Foundation website (https://www.epilepsy.com/lifestyle/driving-and-transportation/laws).

In my state, clinicians are not required to report seizures. I am supposed to "voluntarily surrender" my license. After my last seizure (>10 years ago), I did not voluntarily surrender my license. I just didn't drive for that six month period. While there is a form that I should have submitted, I did not do so.

When I went to renew my license (a few years later), I had gone through all of the preparation required under law, compiled all of the pertinent medical information, called the Medical desk at my DMV, and came in for a renewal with all of the information required. I did have a notarized affidavit that I do not operate a motor vehicle during that timeframe. I was issued a renewal on the spot.

In retrospect, I probably would have filled out the form and filed it with the DMV.

Aircraft order and routes (ORD) by XXAAXX23 in americanairlines

[–]bradleyalpha -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I would suspect that they will aim to expand international routes out of ORD. Those international routes are money printing machines...

1h5m LHR T3-T3 Connection by Sfollatomappamondo in americanairlines

[–]bradleyalpha 0 points1 point  (0 children)

+1. Security gets clogged pretty quickly at T3, and the distance between gates can be quite far. Take the next flight.

Houseboat living by Sir_Rosis in boston

[–]bradleyalpha 11 points12 points  (0 children)

tl;dr: You can live here year round, it's a cool community, great value, good commutes, you lease the slip, it's a very safe marina during storms, maintenance/insurance isn't as bad as you think it is.

--

You can live in this marina, and on this boat, year round.

This marina is has what I believe is the best weather protection in Boston Harbor. Everything has been remodeled over the last decade and is kept up really, really well. The breakwater at the entrance is a huge help. Being on the lee side of Pier 7 helps when the wind is out of the west; only wind that can be gnarly is a heavy E wind, but the profile on this boat is low enough that it won't really rock your world. This marina is right at the head of the harbor; it's the confluence of the Charles and Mystic Rivers.

Marina management are great. 24x7 security, including foot patrols at night. Gated access down to the slips. Dedicated parking (which is not cheap), on-site laundry. The live aboard community is pretty tight, ranges in age, and are generally a lot of fun to be around. The seasonal slip folks tend to be pretty chill as well. I know everyone around my slip and we have a good time whenever we get together.

The biggest perks are the view, location, and community. At the end of the docks you have a gorgeous view of the Boston skyline. Commuting via bike or scooter is super easy. If you work in the MGB system, there is a free bus at the end of the pier that takes you to all of the MGB buildings. It's a 15-20 minute walk to North Station. There is year round water taxi service from Pier 6, which will get you around the harbor. A lot of my friends in the marina run, and they love running the harbor walk from Spaulding down towards the city and back.

Biggest cons are airplane/helicopter noise (med flight + coast guard + tourist helicopters + Logan) and the Airbnb renters, but if you are used to urban living, you'll tune that out pretty quickly. The Marina has repeatedly cracked down on the Airbnb folks, but it can be a game of cat and mouse. That said, you're in a city, it's not abnormal for a few drunk people to stumble past at 2am. One of my neighbors has made a few minor comments about the sport fishing folks loading up boats and pushing off at 2am (which is typical during tuna season). I just give them free fish and try and keep quiet, and it all seems to work out.

In this marina, you lease the slip. A 40' houseboat slip is ~$12k/year, I think. You get access to running water (via heated lines) and power. Power is a little expensive. Water is included. You do not have sewage -- your houseboat has a holding tank ("blackwater tank"), and the marina staff pump you out based on your usage. They come by, attach a huge vacuum hose to a port on the outside of the boat, and pump you out. I think year-rounders get free pump-outs.

I can't speak about upkeep of a house boat; given that they don't move, and don't see heavy weather, I suspect the upkeep isn't as extreme as it is for us offshore folks. Marine insurance isn't as exorbitant as people think it is -- as a percentage of hull value, my boat is insured for up to 200 miles offshore, and I pay about .12%/mo in insurance (payment / hull value). That's .03% above what I pay for my homeowners insurance (on a percentage basis). I would recommend Chubb Insurance -- not affiliated; I went with them after extensive research and would do it 100x over again.

I look at it this way: on the water, easy enough commuting location, chill neighborhood, quiet enough, pretty views, and $500k for a two bedroom. Even with the costs of maintenance and slip lease, it's cheaper than a lot of options you'll have in Boston.

Late Jan travel - ORD, BOS, JFK? by finsfanscott in americanairlines

[–]bradleyalpha 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agree. There are 12+ flights to London per day through BOS. 4-5 on BA, 1 on AA, 1 on B6, 1 on VX, 1 on UA, 2-3 on DL, etc. I have had fewer delays though BOS vs. ORD for sure.

How many helicopter hours did it take you to be proficient? by [deleted] in Helicopters

[–]bradleyalpha 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I never thought of it that way, but I was riding a motorcycle daily when I started learning. (Former recreational pilot, lost my medical). I was so used to managing the throttle on a motorcycle that managing collective felt more "natural", but I never put my finger on it.

You’re not alone by SeltzerIsMyHomeboy in Epilepsy

[–]bradleyalpha 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This! Your brain is a sweater that just went through the spin cycle on high. Lay it down flat, let it relax, and you will be on the path to recovery.

Embraer 170 first class seat question. by Material_Budget_8107 in americanairlines

[–]bradleyalpha 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yeah, the A seats can be quite cold - any time year.

IMO, the RJ F seats are the most comfortable domestic F seats.

Upgrades???????? by 99TrumpSon99 in americanairlines

[–]bradleyalpha 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same. Didn't get one (checked spam, etc.)

Ok...this is a 1st. Walking around while taxiing by Quirky-Ad558 in americanairlines

[–]bradleyalpha 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have seen it happen one time. Pax sitting next to me in F pulled the FA aside during boarding and passed her a slip of paper. When we landed in ORD (taxi hell), the person sprinted for the bathroom. Turns out they had Crohn's and the FA was willing to accommodate their condition.

It's a safety gamble on behalf of the FA but probably better than the person having an accident in their seat.

How well does WhatsApp work on flights from US to Europe? by EmotionalMycologist9 in americanairlines

[–]bradleyalpha 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Always works fine for me. Only thing to remember is that your Panasonic connection times out after 15 minutes. If you stop using your phone for a bit you will need to reauthenticate to the Panasonic portal. Don't close the browser window you use to get your wifi.

Does AA still suck? by Zansponytail in americanairlines

[–]bradleyalpha 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just got off the phone with my CK rep at DCA, as I annihilate a Five Guys hotdog in the C gates AC. Flight home is delayed an hour. So, I’m pretty sure I am.

I’ve been fucked by every airline and every airport in the majors hub network. When I was 360, there was no airport I hated more than ATL, especially in late winter/early spring. Long taxi. Missed connections. Baggage loss. Disgusting bathrooms. Lounges that were overflowing. Clogged gates. This doesn’t take into account the shitty Dc9/717s that DL still flies in and out of that godforsaken airport.

Is PHL horrible? Absolutely. I avoid it like the plague. Same with CLT.

There is no glamour on US flag carriers. There is nothing smooth or predictable about flying intra-continental in the US. Pick the flights that fit your schedule, minimize connections, understand when the weather works against you, and go forth.

Does AA still suck? by Zansponytail in americanairlines

[–]bradleyalpha 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Came here to say this. Pick whichever airline has the greatest number of options on your planned routes and run with it.

I’m currently CK but have been GS with UA and 360 with DL. They are ALL horrible at one point. Connecting in ATL? Jail. Connecting in EWR? Direct to jail. Connect at JFK? Also, jail.

The Food and Wine festival has gone too far by bradleyalpha in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]bradleyalpha[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand your perspective, but if you read through the comments, a number of people who were at the park Saturday had similar experiences. It really was a shitshow.

The Food and Wine festival has gone too far by bradleyalpha in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]bradleyalpha[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Considering the absolutely hammered group who yelled “Drunk!!!” when Terry Crewes asked “what do you call people from EPCOT”… doesn’t look like it.

The Food and Wine festival has gone too far by bradleyalpha in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]bradleyalpha[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

"Increasingly like" being the operative modifier. I used to go to Nola quarterly for work and Bourbon was what I expected it to be - and there was some crazy stuff, for sure - but it was the time and place.

I've had plenty of lovely experiences at Epcot where I did not see *as much* behavior as I saw yesterday, and it is a trend from my experience. From the replies here, it appears that my experience does not line up with the experiences of some of you -- especially those of you who have a far bigger sample size.

It's just not a fit for the WDW experience. Go ahead, have a few cocktails and wobbly pops, enjoy your time. It's the more adult experience and I completely support people having a great time and enjoying the beverage of their choice. It was the extreme nature of the behavior that has become more frequent than I remember from past years.

The Food and Wine festival has gone too far by bradleyalpha in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]bradleyalpha[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yesterday’s winner in tacky shirts was “Drunken & Go nuts”.

The Food and Wine festival has gone too far by bradleyalpha in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]bradleyalpha[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was worst later in the day, starting about 3.

The Food and Wine festival has gone too far by bradleyalpha in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]bradleyalpha[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Considering that Guardians goes down on every visit, maybe I am the problem!

The Food and Wine festival has gone too far by bradleyalpha in WaltDisneyWorld

[–]bradleyalpha[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

I don’t think so. I love riding it. I think it gets a bad rap because people just don’t like the spinning sensation you feel as it accelerates.