Re: OT: Need to vent
On 1/19/2014 5:17 PM, Bill wrote: On 19/01/2014 10:49 AM, Jeffery Johnson wrote: We tried everything under the sun but was not a simple clog to get to break up. Both of them had to be snaked out to get them to move on down the drains. For future reference, periodically, perhaps every few months, run A LOT of pure hot water down your drain. If you have a tank type water heater, drain the hot into your kitchen drain. Also, if you have a low volume toilet, it's a good idea to flush it by holding the valve open and letting the tank drain every now and again. bill It also helps to be careful what goes into the drains. I have strainers in the bathroom sink tub to catch hair before it goes down grease from the kitchen goes into a can for disposal with solid waste. You might also consider using an enzymatic drain cleaner periodically to help keep drains running freely. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
It's already connected to the drains. All you have to do is turn the faucet on all the way to hot let it run for a while. On 1/19/2014 8:06 PM, Jeffery Johnson wrote: The hot water heater is under the house so no way to connect it to drain out into the drain unless we do it directly by taking off one of the clean off values on the pipes. City so luckily no septic tank system to deal with. On 1/19/2014 5:41 PM, Bill wrote: On 19/01/2014 5:04 PM, Jeffery Johnson wrote: Thanks Bill that would work if the hot water heater was close but we can heat some water on the stove and do that. Is it in a different county? Are you on a well and septic tank system or a domestic utility? As an aside, it isn't a hot water heater, just a water heater. bill -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
Yeah we talked about the watching of what goes down the kitchen sink. Will look into the enzymatic drain cleaners. On 1/20/2014 11:37 AM, John wrote: On 1/19/2014 5:17 PM, Bill wrote: On 19/01/2014 10:49 AM, Jeffery Johnson wrote: We tried everything under the sun but was not a simple clog to get to break up. Both of them had to be snaked out to get them to move on down the drains. For future reference, periodically, perhaps every few months, run A LOT of pure hot water down your drain. If you have a tank type water heater, drain the hot into your kitchen drain. Also, if you have a low volume toilet, it's a good idea to flush it by holding the valve open and letting the tank drain every now and again. bill It also helps to be careful what goes into the drains. I have strainers in the bathroom sink tub to catch hair before it goes down grease from the kitchen goes into a can for disposal with solid waste. You might also consider using an enzymatic drain cleaner periodically to help keep drains running freely. -- Jeffery Johnson Photo Captures by Jeffery http://www.photocapturesbyjeffery.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
Bio-Clean is one of the best enzymatic cleaners. A combination of friendly bacteria and enzymes. I've disassembled old drains being treated with this and they looked brand new. Just be careful not to put anything down the drain that will kill the bacteria (including mouthwash, 'cause it's anti-septic). https://www.statewidesupply.com/bioclean.html -p On 1/20/2014 11:41 AM, Jeffery Johnson wrote: Yeah we talked about the watching of what goes down the kitchen sink. Will look into the enzymatic drain cleaners. On 1/20/2014 11:37 AM, John wrote: On 1/19/2014 5:17 PM, Bill wrote: On 19/01/2014 10:49 AM, Jeffery Johnson wrote: We tried everything under the sun but was not a simple clog to get to break up. Both of them had to be snaked out to get them to move on down the drains. For future reference, periodically, perhaps every few months, run A LOT of pure hot water down your drain. If you have a tank type water heater, drain the hot into your kitchen drain. Also, if you have a low volume toilet, it's a good idea to flush it by holding the valve open and letting the tank drain every now and again. bill It also helps to be careful what goes into the drains. I have strainers in the bathroom sink tub to catch hair before it goes down grease from the kitchen goes into a can for disposal with solid waste. You might also consider using an enzymatic drain cleaner periodically to help keep drains running freely. -- Being old doesn't seem so old now that I'm old. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
We all need a little vent. By coincidence, had a drain problem here as well.. the drain in the left sink of twin old porcelain sinks in the kitchen got a bit clogged and an inch or two of water settled in the right (the left is deeper and where I was, the right holds the dish drainer) Luckily, vinegar,baking soda and a plunger solved it quickly, but I had to re wash the drying dishes. I consider $100 an awful lot.. condolences! ann On 1/18/2014 22:12, Jeffery Johnson wrote: Okay first yes the cost could have been worse but it was twice this week. Our shower on Tuesday didn't drain so I scoop out the water. Water from the kitchen sink and bathroom sink and shower are on the same drain line. If we turned on the water in either sink and it drained well it backed up into the shower. We had a handyman/plumber come out and he snaked the pipe and was able to get it draining properly again. $100 for that service. Well our toilet decides it doesn't want to flush correctly and again we tried everything and had to finally call him back out. Luckily he was able to snake it without completely taking up the toilet or having to get under the house to disconnect pipes. Another $100 spent. Sorry just needed to vent because if not I might just go over the deep end. Hey while I am here this one is from a recent visit to the Nashville Zoo http://www.photocapturesbyjeffery.com/p738035333/e2a76fe4b Thanks for reading this far and hope my venting didn't disrupt anyone's evening. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
We tried everything under the sun but was not a simple clog to get to break up. Both of them had to be snaked out to get them to move on down the drains. On 1/19/2014 10:03 AM, Ann Sanfedele wrote: We all need a little vent. By coincidence, had a drain problem here as well.. the drain in the left sink of twin old porcelain sinks in the kitchen got a bit clogged and an inch or two of water settled in the right (the left is deeper and where I was, the right holds the dish drainer) Luckily, vinegar,baking soda and a plunger solved it quickly, but I had to re wash the drying dishes. I consider $100 an awful lot.. condolences! ann On 1/18/2014 22:12, Jeffery Johnson wrote: Okay first yes the cost could have been worse but it was twice this week. Our shower on Tuesday didn't drain so I scoop out the water. Water from the kitchen sink and bathroom sink and shower are on the same drain line. If we turned on the water in either sink and it drained well it backed up into the shower. We had a handyman/plumber come out and he snaked the pipe and was able to get it draining properly again. $100 for that service. Well our toilet decides it doesn't want to flush correctly and again we tried everything and had to finally call him back out. Luckily he was able to snake it without completely taking up the toilet or having to get under the house to disconnect pipes. Another $100 spent. Sorry just needed to vent because if not I might just go over the deep end. Hey while I am here this one is from a recent visit to the Nashville Zoo http://www.photocapturesbyjeffery.com/p738035333/e2a76fe4b Thanks for reading this far and hope my venting didn't disrupt anyone's evening. -- Jeffery Johnson Photo Captures by Jeffery http://www.photocapturesbyjeffery.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
Definitely a PITA (in more ways than one ) ann On 1/19/2014 11:49, Jeffery Johnson wrote: We tried everything under the sun but was not a simple clog to get to break up. Both of them had to be snaked out to get them to move on down the drains. On 1/19/2014 10:03 AM, Ann Sanfedele wrote: We all need a little vent. By coincidence, had a drain problem here as well.. the drain in the left sink of twin old porcelain sinks in the kitchen got a bit clogged and an inch or two of water settled in the right (the left is deeper and where I was, the right holds the dish drainer) Luckily, vinegar,baking soda and a plunger solved it quickly, but I had to re wash the drying dishes. I consider $100 an awful lot.. condolences! ann On 1/18/2014 22:12, Jeffery Johnson wrote: Okay first yes the cost could have been worse but it was twice this week. Our shower on Tuesday didn't drain so I scoop out the water. Water from the kitchen sink and bathroom sink and shower are on the same drain line. If we turned on the water in either sink and it drained well it backed up into the shower. We had a handyman/plumber come out and he snaked the pipe and was able to get it draining properly again. $100 for that service. Well our toilet decides it doesn't want to flush correctly and again we tried everything and had to finally call him back out. Luckily he was able to snake it without completely taking up the toilet or having to get under the house to disconnect pipes. Another $100 spent. Sorry just needed to vent because if not I might just go over the deep end. Hey while I am here this one is from a recent visit to the Nashville Zoo http://www.photocapturesbyjeffery.com/p738035333/e2a76fe4b Thanks for reading this far and hope my venting didn't disrupt anyone's evening. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
When we have some spare monies going to invest in a plumbers snake. Just to have it on hand so we don't have to call a plumber. On 1/19/2014 11:57 AM, Ann Sanfedele wrote: Definitely a PITA (in more ways than one ) ann On 1/19/2014 11:49, Jeffery Johnson wrote: We tried everything under the sun but was not a simple clog to get to break up. Both of them had to be snaked out to get them to move on down the drains. On 1/19/2014 10:03 AM, Ann Sanfedele wrote: We all need a little vent. By coincidence, had a drain problem here as well.. the drain in the left sink of twin old porcelain sinks in the kitchen got a bit clogged and an inch or two of water settled in the right (the left is deeper and where I was, the right holds the dish drainer) Luckily, vinegar,baking soda and a plunger solved it quickly, but I had to re wash the drying dishes. I consider $100 an awful lot.. condolences! ann On 1/18/2014 22:12, Jeffery Johnson wrote: Okay first yes the cost could have been worse but it was twice this week. Our shower on Tuesday didn't drain so I scoop out the water. Water from the kitchen sink and bathroom sink and shower are on the same drain line. If we turned on the water in either sink and it drained well it backed up into the shower. We had a handyman/plumber come out and he snaked the pipe and was able to get it draining properly again. $100 for that service. Well our toilet decides it doesn't want to flush correctly and again we tried everything and had to finally call him back out. Luckily he was able to snake it without completely taking up the toilet or having to get under the house to disconnect pipes. Another $100 spent. Sorry just needed to vent because if not I might just go over the deep end. Hey while I am here this one is from a recent visit to the Nashville Zoo http://www.photocapturesbyjeffery.com/p738035333/e2a76fe4b Thanks for reading this far and hope my venting didn't disrupt anyone's evening. -- Jeffery Johnson Photo Captures by Jeffery http://www.photocapturesbyjeffery.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
On 19/01/2014 10:49 AM, Jeffery Johnson wrote: We tried everything under the sun but was not a simple clog to get to break up. Both of them had to be snaked out to get them to move on down the drains. For future reference, periodically, perhaps every few months, run A LOT of pure hot water down your drain. If you have a tank type water heater, drain the hot into your kitchen drain. Also, if you have a low volume toilet, it's a good idea to flush it by holding the valve open and letting the tank drain every now and again. bill -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
Thanks Bill that would work if the hot water heater was close but we can heat some water on the stove and do that. On 1/19/2014 4:17 PM, Bill wrote: On 19/01/2014 10:49 AM, Jeffery Johnson wrote: We tried everything under the sun but was not a simple clog to get to break up. Both of them had to be snaked out to get them to move on down the drains. For future reference, periodically, perhaps every few months, run A LOT of pure hot water down your drain. If you have a tank type water heater, drain the hot into your kitchen drain. Also, if you have a low volume toilet, it's a good idea to flush it by holding the valve open and letting the tank drain every now and again. bill -- Jeffery Johnson Photo Captures by Jeffery http://www.photocapturesbyjeffery.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
On 19/01/2014 5:04 PM, Jeffery Johnson wrote: Thanks Bill that would work if the hot water heater was close but we can heat some water on the stove and do that. Is it in a different county? Are you on a well and septic tank system or a domestic utility? As an aside, it isn't a hot water heater, just a water heater. bill -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
The hot water heater is under the house so no way to connect it to drain out into the drain unless we do it directly by taking off one of the clean off values on the pipes. City so luckily no septic tank system to deal with. On 1/19/2014 5:41 PM, Bill wrote: On 19/01/2014 5:04 PM, Jeffery Johnson wrote: Thanks Bill that would work if the hot water heater was close but we can heat some water on the stove and do that. Is it in a different county? Are you on a well and septic tank system or a domestic utility? As an aside, it isn't a hot water heater, just a water heater. bill -- Jeffery Johnson Photo Captures by Jeffery http://www.photocapturesbyjeffery.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
On 1/19/2014 18:41, Bill wrote: On 19/01/2014 5:04 PM, Jeffery Johnson wrote: Thanks Bill that would work if the hot water heater was close but we can heat some water on the stove and do that. Is it in a different county? Are you on a well and septic tank system or a domestic utility? As an aside, it isn't a hot water heater, just a water heater. bill OTOH, I'd say it _is_ hot if it is working (ann ducks) -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
On 19/01/2014 7:06 PM, Jeffery Johnson wrote: The hot water heater is under the house so no way to connect it to drain out into the drain unless we do it directly by taking off one of the clean off values on the pipes. K. I'd just turn the kitchen sink hot tap on and let it run for 10 minutes or so. bill -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
Quoting Jeffery Johnson jefferytjohn...@bellsouth.net: Okay first yes the cost could have been worse but it was twice this week. Our shower on Tuesday didn't drain so I scoop out the water. Water from the kitchen sink and bathroom sink and shower are on the same drain line. If we turned on the water in either sink and it drained well it backed up into the shower. We had a handyman/plumber come out and he snaked the pipe and was able to get it draining properly again. $100 for that service. Well our toilet decides it doesn't want to flush correctly and again we tried everything and had to finally call him back out. Luckily he was able to snake it without completely taking up the toilet or having to get under the house to disconnect pipes. Another $100 spent. Sorry just needed to vent because if not I might just go over the deep end. Hey while I am here this one is from a recent visit to the Nashville Zoo http://www.photocapturesbyjeffery.com/p738035333/e2a76fe4b Thanks for reading this far and hope my venting didn't disrupt anyone's evening. Not at all - venting is good for the morale... Nice set of images. The roos seem quite at home in Nashville. The albino joey is interesting. I haven't seen an albino roo before although there is a white strain of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo in a reserve in South Australia. They aren't true albinos, though. -- Cheers Brian ++ Brian Walters Western Sydney Australia http://lyons-ryan.org/southernlight/ -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to vent
Thanks Brian. That is an Albino Wallaby. Yes the Roos are rather content and very friendly at times. It depends on the time of day. On 1/18/2014 9:32 PM, Brian Walters wrote: Quoting Jeffery Johnson jefferytjohn...@bellsouth.net: Okay first yes the cost could have been worse but it was twice this week. Our shower on Tuesday didn't drain so I scoop out the water. Water from the kitchen sink and bathroom sink and shower are on the same drain line. If we turned on the water in either sink and it drained well it backed up into the shower. We had a handyman/plumber come out and he snaked the pipe and was able to get it draining properly again. $100 for that service. Well our toilet decides it doesn't want to flush correctly and again we tried everything and had to finally call him back out. Luckily he was able to snake it without completely taking up the toilet or having to get under the house to disconnect pipes. Another $100 spent. Sorry just needed to vent because if not I might just go over the deep end. Hey while I am here this one is from a recent visit to the Nashville Zoo http://www.photocapturesbyjeffery.com/p738035333/e2a76fe4b Thanks for reading this far and hope my venting didn't disrupt anyone's evening. Not at all - venting is good for the morale... Nice set of images. The roos seem quite at home in Nashville. The albino joey is interesting. I haven't seen an albino roo before although there is a white strain of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo in a reserve in South Australia. They aren't true albinos, though. -- Jeffery Johnson Photo Captures by Jeffery http://www.photocapturesbyjeffery.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: OT: Need to Vent
On 9/1/06, Joseph Tainter, discombobulated, unleashed: This one goes into my How did the human species ever survive? file. Yesterday I got to Heathrow Terminal 4 early for my flight. [rantus snippus] Hi Joe, sorry you had a bad time at Heathrow. One point worth noting IMO is that check-in staff are pretty much the same wherever you go, whichever airline you fly. They are in the front line against unbelievable odds - people travelling back to third world countries have tried to carry on everything and anything you can think of - including large screen CRT televisions ! They are under constant pressure to be firm and accept nothing less than their brief. The problem with cattle class is that more and smaller bags will fit better than fewer and bigger bags. I don't think it's anything to do with the 'British class system'. Also, attitude is everything - if you take an adversarial position, and a of people do, then likely they will be just as adversarial. the difference is, they can obstruct you passage! Check-in staff are not the best paid employees in the world, let alone the airline industry. It follows that patience threshold may well be lower also. My attitude is 'I know you're having a bad day, let's see if I can make it any easier'. Based on my experience, which is a lot more limited than some here, I avoid letting check-in staff see anything at all other than what they are going to check in. Tricky if travelling alone, I know. It may be worth carrying a sturdy but light, rolled-up carrier bag for dissecting large carry-on contents until past the last hurdle. Last GFM, I carried a Lowe-Pro Stealth backpack absolutely filled to the gunwhales with photo gear and computers. It weighed more than the carry- on allowance, but is within size limits. At check-in, despite the pain, I let it hang nonchalantly from one shoulder during the process. It never once attracted attention. If it looks heavy, it is heavy :-) I find the service aboard BA flights second to none, and would choose to travel BA as a first choice always. Have a better one ! HTH Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=|http://www.cottysnaps.com _
Re: OT: Need to Vent
From: Joseph Tainter [EMAIL PROTECTED] Rantsnip Of my last four journeys with BA, three have been disasters. I would rather fly Aeroflot for the rest of my life - at least the mishaps are amusing mike - Email sent from www.ntlworld.com Virus-checked using McAfee(R) Software Visit www.ntlworld.com/security for more information
Re: OT: Need to Vent
From: Joseph Tainter [EMAIL PROTECTED] And I will never willingly fly British Airways again. http://www.deadbrain.co.uk/dumbed_down/article_2004_08_24_5725.php - Email sent from www.ntlworld.com Virus-checked using McAfee(R) Software Visit www.ntlworld.com/security for more information
Re: OT: Need to Vent
On Jan 10, 2006, at 12:47 AM, Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote: None of them are very consistent, but I've had my best service from United. Same here. Particularly on transatlantic flights. My absolute worst airline is Air France. I've arrived over an hour before scheduled departure of a flight to Paris and found the terminal at JFK locked up tight and the personnel inside ignoring me and other passengers pounding on the door. Arrogant, hostile personnel providing mediocre to awful service. I won't fly with them again if I have the choice. Bob
Re: OT: Need to Vent
I've had nothing but great experiences with British Airways. Great business class seating. Good food. And they've frequently given me first class upgrades without asking. In first, you get what amounts to a bed. Love those people. Paul On Jan 9, 2006, at 11:09 PM, John Francis wrote: On Mon, Jan 09, 2006 at 08:51:23PM -0700, Joseph Tainter wrote: Other than that, it was actually a very interesting flight. Going over the Atlantic usually isn't, and I've now done it 42 times. But that's another story, and tonight I just need to rant. And I will never willingly fly British Airways again. If you think you'll do much better elsewhere you're in for a disappointment.
Re: OT: Need to Vent
On 10 Jan 2006 at 6:44, Paul Stenquist wrote: I've had nothing but great experiences with British Airways. Great business class seating. Good food. And they've frequently given me first class upgrades without asking. In first, you get what amounts to a bed. Love those people. Same in business class from the East Coast to the UK. I've had my bad experiences with BA on long haul flights, old aircraft with seats that don't work properly and faulty head-phone sockets but I've had more good than bad experiences overall. Rob Studdert HURSTVILLE AUSTRALIA Tel +61-2-9554-4110 UTC(GMT) +10 Hours [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://members.ozemail.com.au/~distudio/publications/ Pentax user since 1986, PDMLer since 1998
Re: OT: Need to Vent
Sorry to hear of your recent experience, but it also refreshing to hear that we in the U.S. (with the TSA) don't have a corner on this kind of stupidity. I travel alot by air in the U.S. have observed similar incidents the last few years. Kenneth Waller -Original Message- From: Joseph Tainter [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: OT: Need to Vent This one goes into my How did the human species ever survive? file. Yesterday I got to Heathrow Terminal 4 early for my flight Long snipping going on here... PeoplePC Online A better way to Internet http://www.peoplepc.com
Re: OT: Need to Vent
The 6kg rule is, indeed, utterly brainless. Herbert Keppler went after BA about it 3 or 4 years ago, as did the Travel section of the New York Times, and you can see what effect it had. I have found enforcement spotty. Once I had to repack everything (Philly to London), but on the return trip carried on my camera bag and 12 kg backpack without anyone batting an eye, flying steerage both ways. Yes, BA Business Class is great (as is Lufthansa Business Class), but steerage on both varies between poor and awful. Unfortunately I usually have to fly steerage. Rick --- Joseph Tainter [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This one goes into my How did the human species ever survive? file. Yesterday I got to Heathrow Terminal 4 early for my flight. After leaving off my big suitcase I dutifully stepped up to the checkpoint that you must pass before you are admitted to the security screening area. One woman is checking boarding passes, while two others intercept passengers who are trying to carry on the allowed carry-on bag. The woman wants to weigh my suitcase. It weighs a bit under 15 kg, so she tells me I must check it. Well, it contains $3000 worth of digital photo gear, medications, and documents, and I am not about to check it. So a row begins. She tells me that I am allowed only 6 kg in one bag, and that I must repack everything into multiple bags. At this point the illogic of her demand had not sunk in. I asked to see her supervisor, who duly came along. This woman gave me the same story. I was allowed only 6 kg in any one bag. Both women suggested that I repack the contents into multiple bags. Now the absurdity started to sink in. The objection was not that I wanted to carry 15 kg on board, but that I wanted those 15 kg in one bag (in which they fit just fine). If I carried the same 15 kg in multiple bags, that would be okay. I tried to explain to the supervisor that this was ridiculous: the overhead bin carries the same weight regardless of whether it is in one bag or several. Her reply: Sorry, sir, that is the rule. Both women asked me several times if I was in Business Class or Economy. I was in Economy, of course. I asked why it made a difference. The supervisor insisted that that in Economy, the bins would not handle the weight. This was a 747. I pointed out that all sections of the plane have the same overhead bins. This logic didn't matter. I also pointed out that I had flown on the same British Airways 747 coming from Phoenix. That logic didn't matter either. All that mattered was that only 6 kg would be allowed Economy Class passengers in any one bag. At this point I realized that the people who run and work for British Airways are about as intelligent as American Educators -- the kind who suspend kids from school on the grounds of no-drugs-tolerated when the kid shows up with a cold, cold medication, and approval from the parents. So I trekked down to the end of the terminal, removed the contents of my suitcase, and proceeded back to the entrance. Now my 15 kg were in 4 parcels rather than one. At the entry I saw that the gatekeepers were harassing some Middle Eastern-looking fellows. So while they were distracted, I walked right up to the woman checking boarding passes, showed her mine, and walked on through. Of course, once on the other side, I proceeded to repack everything into the original suitcase. Once past security, I spent 20 minutes walking around the vast duty-free mall just to bring my blood pressure down. When I was rational again, I thought about the several times that I was asked if I was in Business or Economy. Apparently, in Business Class I could carry the 15 kg in one suitcase. In Economy I had to carry the same 15 kg in several bags. They even had the nerve to claim that the Economy overhead bins were somehow less able to carry such a concentration of weight. At that point I understood that my real offense had been against the British class system. Those in Business Class had paid for the privilege of carrying 15 kg in one bag. Those of us in Steerage had not. We could only carry our 15 kg in several bags. I never asked whether they provide enough life preservers for everyone in Economy. Other than that, it was actually a very interesting flight. Going over the Atlantic usually isn't, and I've now done it 42 times. But that's another story, and tonight I just need to rant. And I will never willingly fly British Airways again. Last June, flying Berlin to Heathrow (on my way back to Albuquerque), the British Airways attendant threw coffee all over me right at the start of 24 hours of travel. Joe __ Yahoo! DSL Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less. dsl.yahoo.com
Re: OT: Need to Vent
On Jan 10, 2006, at 9:17 AM, Rick Womer wrote: The 6kg rule is, indeed, utterly brainless. Herbert Keppler went after BA about it 3 or 4 years ago, as did the Travel section of the New York Times, and you can see what effect it had. I have found enforcement spotty. Once I had to repack everything (Philly to London), but on the return trip carried on my camera bag and 12 kg backpack without anyone batting an eye, flying steerage both ways. Yes, BA Business Class is great (as is Lufthansa Business Class), but steerage on both varies between poor and awful. Unfortunately I usually have to fly steerage. One thing that worked for me once on BA, and may work for you depending on your physique. I walked up to the counter and put my bag down on the scale. The pert young attendant looked at me and said, you're overweight. I feigned offense and said, 'ere, that's a rather personal comment!! Her face got bright red and she motioned me through without another word. Of course I'm 6' 1 and 250 pounds. YMMV, as they say. Bob
Re: OT: Need to Vent
- Original Message - From: David Mann [EMAIL PROTECTED] When my partner went to Scotland a couple of years ago she bought a big heavy coat. As carry-on it was too heavy in combination with her other luggage, and it was a bit too big to squeeze into the suitcase. She simply wore it through check-in... no problems. Next time I travel, I will try to wear my 500/4.5... :-) Jostein
Re: OT: Need to Vent
Or so deadly that you have nothing to complain about... mike wilson wrote: From: Joseph Tainter [EMAIL PROTECTED] Rantsnip Of my last four journeys with BA, three have been disasters. I would rather fly Aeroflot for the rest of my life - at least the mishaps are amusing mike - Email sent from www.ntlworld.com Virus-checked using McAfee(R) Software Visit www.ntlworld.com/security for more information -- When you're worried or in doubt, Run in circles, (scream and shout).
Re: OT: Need to Vent
I had to once in France, some of their employees were quite helpful and pleasant, others were typical angry minor bureaucrats... Bob Shell wrote: On Jan 10, 2006, at 12:47 AM, Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote: None of them are very consistent, but I've had my best service from United. Same here. Particularly on transatlantic flights. My absolute worst airline is Air France. I've arrived over an hour before scheduled departure of a flight to Paris and found the terminal at JFK locked up tight and the personnel inside ignoring me and other passengers pounding on the door. Arrogant, hostile personnel providing mediocre to awful service. I won't fly with them again if I have the choice. Bob -- When you're worried or in doubt, Run in circles, (scream and shout).
Re: OT: Need to Vent
HAR! And people wonder why expats get burnout Norm Joseph Tainter wrote: This one goes into my How did the human species ever survive? file.
Re: OT: Need to Vent
Jostein commented: Next time I travel, I will try to wear my 500/4.5... :-) When I travelled on charter flights with a 5 kg carry-on limit, I often wore some of my photo gear, since my loaded camera bag weighs over 7 kg, not counting film, plus I stick it in my carry-on bag, along with shaver and underwear. Accordingly, I wore the MZ-S on a strap around my neck, with 70-200 2.8 attached, put the flash in a pocket, perhaps a short lens in another pocket, and all the film in still another pocket. The big lens usually attracts some attention, so I've sometimes had to remove it so security can have a look through it. Naturally, it all goes back in the bag once I'm past security. The onboard staff sometimes ask why it's so heavy when they hoist it into the overhead bin, but I say nothing. The modern 11 kg limit is more sensible and much easier to deal with. As for checked luggage, the 20 kg charter limit can be a problem. One time I took 20 kg, 2 suitcases to mean 2 suitcases, each weighing max 20 kg, not 20 kg total. Oops! When I stated that I needed both bags, I was asked what was in the second bag. I mentioned mask, fins, and snorkel, and was told, Oh, sports gear, that's alright! The second bag is fine. After that, I'd throw in the snorkel gear so I could bring my lighting stands, reflectors, and extra clothes (I used to be ready for any model shooting opportunity). Now, with the 30 kg limit, life is much simpler. Pat White
Re: OT: Need to Vent
On Mon, Jan 09, 2006 at 08:51:23PM -0700, Joseph Tainter wrote: Other than that, it was actually a very interesting flight. Going over the Atlantic usually isn't, and I've now done it 42 times. But that's another story, and tonight I just need to rant. And I will never willingly fly British Airways again. If you think you'll do much better elsewhere you're in for a disappointment.
Re: OT: Need to Vent
Boy, I'm sure glad I wasn't one of the poor slobs stuck behind you. Please post your travel schedule on line so I can make sure I canavoid flights that you might be on. . . On 1/9/06, Joseph Tainter [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This one goes into my How did the human species ever survive? file. Yesterday I got to Heathrow Terminal 4 early for my flight. After leaving off my big suitcase I dutifully stepped up to the checkpoint that you must pass before you are admitted to the security screening area. One woman is checking boarding passes, while two others intercept passengers who are trying to carry on the allowed carry-on bag. The woman wants to weigh my suitcase. It weighs a bit under 15 kg, so she tells me I must check it. Well, it contains $3000 worth of digital photo gear, medications, and documents, and I am not about to check it. So a row begins. She tells me that I am allowed only 6 kg in one bag, and that I must repack everything into multiple bags. At this point the illogic of her demand had not sunk in. I asked to see her supervisor, who duly came along. This woman gave me the same story. I was allowed only 6 kg ! in any one bag. Both women suggested that I repack the contents into multiple bags. Now the absurdity started to sink in. The objection was not that I wanted to carry 15 kg on board, but that I wanted those 15 kg in one bag (in which they fit just fine). If I carried the same 15 kg in multiple bags, that would be okay. I tried to explain to the supervisor that this was ridiculous: the overhead bin carries the same weight regardless of whether it is in one bag or several. Her reply: Sorry, sir, that is the rule. Both women asked me several times if I was in Business Class or Economy. I was in Economy, of course. I asked why it made a difference. The supervisor insisted that that in Economy, the bins would not handle the weight. This was a 747. I pointed out that all sections of the plane have the same overhead bins. This logic didn't matter. I also pointed out that I had flown on the same British Airways 747 coming from Phoenix. That logic didn't matter eith! er. All that mattered was that only 6 kg would be allowed Economy Cla ss passengers in any one bag. At this point I realized that the people who run and work for British Airways are about as intelligent as American Educators -- the kind who suspend kids from school on the grounds of no-drugs-tolerated when the kid shows up with a cold, cold medication, and approval from the parents. So I trekked down to the end of the terminal, removed the contents of my suitcase, and proceeded back to the entrance. Now my 15 kg were in 4 parcels rather than one. At the entry I saw that the gatekeepers were harassing some Middle Eastern-looking fellows. So while they were distracted, I walked right up to the woman checking boarding passes, showed her mine, and walked on through. Of course, once on the other side, I proceeded to repack everything into the original suitcase. Once past security, I spent 20 minutes walking around the vast duty-free mall just to bring my blood pressure down. When I was rational again, I thought about the several ti! mes that I was asked if I was in Business or Economy. Apparently, in Business Class I could carry the 15 kg in one suitcase. In Economy I had to carry the same 15 kg in several bags. They even had the nerve to claim that the Economy overhead bins were somehow less able to carry such a concentration of weight. At that point I understood that my real offense had been against the British class system. Those in Business Class had paid for the privilege of carrying 15 kg in one bag. Those of us in Steerage had not. We could only carry our 15 kg in several bags. I never asked whether they provide enough life preservers for everyone in Economy. Other than that, it was actually a very interesting flight. Going over the Atlantic usually isn't, and I've now done it 42 times. But that's another story, and tonight I just need to rant. And I will never willingly fly British Airways again. Last June, flying Berlin to Heathrow (on my way back to Albuquerque), the British Ai! rways attendant threw coffee all over me right at the start of 24 hou rs of travel. Joe
Re: OT: Need to Vent
Sounds like a run-in with Airport workers, not BA. And yes, they are pointlessly rule-bound. BA is by far the best airline to travel in my experience. Most other airlines are worse, and no North American airline is even in competition (Why is it that we get the Worst Airlines. Most of the EU lines are good to great, but only a few short-haul airline like WestJet over here can provide a reasonable experience) -Adam Joseph Tainter wrote: This one goes into my How did the human species ever survive? file. Yesterday I got to Heathrow Terminal 4 early for my flight. After leaving off my big suitcase I dutifully stepped up to the checkpoint that you must pass before you are admitted to the security screening area. One woman is checking boarding passes, while two others intercept passengers who are trying to carry on the allowed carry-on bag. The woman wants to weigh my suitcase. It weighs a bit under 15 kg, so she tells me I must check it. Well, it contains $3000 worth of digital photo gear, medications, and documents, and I am not about to check it. So a row begins. She tells me that I am allowed only 6 kg in one bag, and that I must repack everything into multiple bags. At this point the illogic of her demand had not sunk in. I asked to see her supervisor, who duly came along. This woman gave me the same story. I was allowed only 6 kg in any one bag. Both women suggested that I repack the contents into multiple bags. Now the absurdity started to sink in. The objection was not that I wanted to carry 15 kg on board, but that I wanted those 15 kg in one bag (in which they fit just fine). If I carried the same 15 kg in multiple bags, that would be okay. I tried to explain to the supervisor that this was ridiculous: the overhead bin carries the same weight regardless of whether it is in one bag or several. Her reply: Sorry, sir, that is the rule. Both women asked me several times if I was in Business Class or Economy. I was in Economy, of course. I asked why it made a difference. The supervisor insisted that that in Economy, the bins would not handle the weight. This was a 747. I pointed out that all sections of the plane have the same overhead bins. This logic didn't matter. I also pointed out that I had flown on the same British Airways 747 coming from Phoenix. That logic didn't matter either. All that mattered was that only 6 kg would be allowed Economy Class passengers in any one bag. At this point I realized that the people who run and work for British Airways are about as intelligent as American Educators -- the kind who suspend kids from school on the grounds of no-drugs-tolerated when the kid shows up with a cold, cold medication, and approval from the parents. So I trekked down to the end of the terminal, removed the contents of my suitcase, and proceeded back to the entrance. Now my 15 kg were in 4 parcels rather than one. At the entry I saw that the gatekeepers were harassing some Middle Eastern-looking fellows. So while they were distracted, I walked right up to the woman checking boarding passes, showed her mine, and walked on through. Of course, once on the other side, I proceeded to repack everything into the original suitcase. Once past security, I spent 20 minutes walking around the vast duty-free mall just to bring my blood pressure down. When I was rational again, I thought about the several times that I was asked if I was in Business or Economy. Apparently, in Business Class I could carry the 15 kg in one suitcase. In Economy I had to carry the same 15 kg in several bags. They even had the nerve to claim that the Economy overhead bins were somehow less able to carry such a concentration of weight. At that point I understood that my real offense had been against the British class system. Those in Business Class had paid for the privilege of carrying 15 kg in one bag. Those of us in Steerage had not. We could only carry our 15 kg in several bags. I never asked whether they provide enough life preservers for everyone in Economy. Other than that, it was actually a very interesting flight. Going over the Atlantic usually isn't, and I've now done it 42 times. But that's another story, and tonight I just need to rant. And I will never willingly fly British Airways again. Last June, flying Berlin to Heathrow (on my way back to Albuquerque), the British Airways attendant threw coffee all over me right at the start of 24 hours of travel. Joe
Re: OT: Need to Vent
On Jan 10, 2006, at 4:51 PM, Joseph Tainter wrote: Both women asked me several times if I was in Business Class or Economy. I was in Economy, of course. I asked why it made a difference. The supervisor insisted that that in Economy, the bins would not handle the weight. The only logical reason I can think of is that the smaller bag will tempt other passengers to stuff their bags into the same overhead bin, so the combined weight may be too much. I've never been in business class but I suspect there are fewer seats per overhead bin. When my partner went to Scotland a couple of years ago she bought a big heavy coat. As carry-on it was too heavy in combination with her other luggage, and it was a bit too big to squeeze into the suitcase. She simply wore it through check-in... no problems. - Dave
Re: OT: Need to Vent
On Jan 9, 2006, at 9:14 PM, Adam Maas wrote: BA is by far the best airline to travel in my experience. Most other airlines are worse, and no North American airline is even in competition I've flown over 2 million miles since 1993. BA, Virgin, United, American, Southwest, Singapore, Lufthansa, jetBlue, Qantas, you name it. I had a premier class seat on Virgin going to the UK this summer and it was the WORST I've ever been on. BA was not much better. Meanwhile, I had an economy fare to NY on United in November ... Pleasant personnel, comfortable seats, a pleasure to deal with them. None of them are very consistent, but I've had my best service from United. Godfrey
Re: OT: Need to Vent
If it's of any consolation, I've had quite the same experience with other airlines. BA were one of the better ones to fly. This one goes into my How did the human species ever survive? file. Because of the better ones. The ones that buy Pentax among other things. :) Gautam On 1/9/06, Joseph Tainter [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This one goes into my How did the human species ever survive? file. Yesterday I got to Heathrow Terminal 4 early for my flight. After leaving off my big suitcase I dutifully stepped up to the checkpoint that you must pass before you are admitted to the security screening area. One woman is checking boarding passes, while two others intercept passengers who are trying to carry on the allowed carry-on bag. The woman wants to weigh my suitcase. It weighs a bit under 15 kg, so she tells me I must check it. Well, it contains $3000 worth of digital photo gear, medications, and documents, and I am not about to check it. So a row begins. She tells me that I am allowed only 6 kg in one bag, and that I must repack everything into multiple bags. At this point the illogic of her demand had not sunk in. I asked to see her supervisor, who duly came along. This woman gave me the same story. I was allowed only 6 kg in any one bag. Both women suggested that I repack the contents into multiple bags. Now the absurdity started to sink in. The objection was not that I wanted to carry 15 kg on board, but that I wanted those 15 kg in one bag (in which they fit just fine). If I carried the same 15 kg in multiple bags, that would be okay. I tried to explain to the supervisor that this was ridiculous: the overhead bin carries the same weight regardless of whether it is in one bag or several. Her reply: Sorry, sir, that is the rule. Both women asked me several times if I was in Business Class or Economy. I was in Economy, of course. I asked why it made a difference. The supervisor insisted that that in Economy, the bins would not handle the weight. This was a 747. I pointed out that all sections of the plane have the same overhead bins. This logic didn't matter. I also pointed out that I had flown on the same British Airways 747 coming from Phoenix. That logic didn't matter either. All that mattered was that only 6 kg would be allowed Economy Class passengers in any one bag. At this point I realized that the people who run and work for British Airways are about as intelligent as American Educators -- the kind who suspend kids from school on the grounds of no-drugs-tolerated when the kid shows up with a cold, cold medication, and approval from the parents. So I trekked down to the end of the terminal, removed the contents of my suitcase, and proceeded back to the entrance. Now my 15 kg were in 4 parcels rather than one. At the entry I saw that the gatekeepers were harassing some Middle Eastern-looking fellows. So while they were distracted, I walked right up to the woman checking boarding passes, showed her mine, and walked on through. Of course, once on the other side, I proceeded to repack everything into the original suitcase. Once past security, I spent 20 minutes walking around the vast duty-free mall just to bring my blood pressure down. When I was rational again, I thought about the several times that I was asked if I was in Business or Economy. Apparently, in Business Class I could carry the 15 kg in one suitcase. In Economy I had to carry the same 15 kg in several bags. They even had the nerve to claim that the Economy overhead bins were somehow less able to carry such a concentration of weight. At that point I understood that my real offense had been against the British class system. Those in Business Class had paid for the privilege of carrying 15 kg in one bag. Those of us in Steerage had not. We could only carry our 15 kg in several bags. I never asked whether they provide enough life preservers for everyone in Economy. Other than that, it was actually a very interesting flight. Going over the Atlantic usually isn't, and I've now done it 42 times. But that's another story, and tonight I just need to rant. And I will never willingly fly British Airways again. Last June, flying Berlin to Heathrow (on my way back to Albuquerque), the British Airways attendant threw coffee all over me right at the start of 24 hours of travel. Joe
