Foreword by Scott: In case you didn’t notice, this article is written by a dude named Drew. Drew is a long-time blogger and a bitchin’ photographer. His blog is called The BenSpark, but his name isn’t Ben. It’s Drew. Anyways, I’ll now turn it over (what it is, I have no idea, but I’m turning it over) to Drew.

Air travel used to be an event. People would get dressed in their best clothes to board planes to far off destinations for adventure and vacation. Today, however, air travel is a necessary evil for most people and a traumatic family event for others. The mystique and wonder of air travel has been lost. No longer do airlines cater to the needs of their patrons. To them you are a number and a butt in the seat of this dying mode of transportation. So how can you navigate the ever-changing whims of the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration or Federal Association of Assholes) and the TSA (Travel Safety Administration or Thousands Standing Around)? (more…)

Starting next month, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways will all begin charging coach passengers around $25 to check a second bag in order to help offset ridiculous fuel prices. Even AirTran, the go-to budget airline, is going to begin charging $10.

Sounds to me like the airlines just need to figure out how to make some of that internet money.

[NY Times]