Being on Other Side of Cockpit Door Proves Frustrating

Flying as a passenger proves infuriating for this airline pilot.

Les Abend

Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Next ski trip the author says he may just skip the ticket counter and fly Abend Air via Piper Arrow. [Courtesy: Les Abend]

Key Takeaways:

A retired airline pilot experienced significant travel frustrations on a ski trip, including mechanical delays, weather cancellations, and numerous missed connections.
Attempts to proactively manage flight changes often backfired due to the airline's rigid IT and reservation systems, exacerbating delays and leading to extended travel and multiple unsuccessful standby attempts.
The author, a former employee, expressed embarrassment over his alma mater airline's operational and IT shortcomings, concluding that the passenger experience was deeply flawed and considering private aviation for future trips.

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On the third day of attempting to leave Durango (KDRO), Colorado, after our ski trip, it appeared we would be successful in making the 6 a.m. MDT departure to Dallas-Forth Worth (KDFW). Although not exactly the comforts of an international B-777 flight, we were nonetheless grateful that our American Airlines AAdvantage status got us upgraded to a first-class seat on the CRJ-700.

Nothing could go wrong.