Happy Festivus: Airing of (Travel) Grievances

Happy Festivus to all!

What is Festivus?

Festivus is an alternative holiday to Christmas, a secular holiday, occurring on December 23. It entered mainstream popular culture as the primary subject in a Seinfeld television episode in 1997.

Things to do on Festivus include adorning the Festivus pole, a Festivus dinner, Airing of Grievances, Feats of Strength, and Festivus Miracles.

The traditional Festivus, as created by Daniel O’Keefe (father of a Seinfeld writer, Dan O’Keefe), is over when the head of the household (and also the Festivus host) is pinned in a wrestling match (called the Feats of Strength). The Festivus wrestling events occur after Festivus Dinner and the Airing of Grievances.

Festivus Funness

A required activity of all Festivus gatherings is the Airing of Grievances. On the Seinfeld episode, George’s father, Frank Constanza, launched the Airing of Grievances segment by stating he had a lot of problems with the attendees and encouraged everyone to list their problems and dissatisfaction with others.

Festivus: Airing of Grievances photo
Will you celebrate Festivus this year?

I think Airing of Grievances should be included in all holiday celebrations. What do you think?

Airing of Travel Grievances

I often think of publishing a Travel Hall of Shame, which, of course, I would call McCool’s Fools. Other McCool Travel holiday articles include Festive Florida Holiday Events on the Gulf Coast and Air Traveler’s Holiday Wish List (which includes some grievances) but a true Airing of (Travel) Grievances seems appropriate on Festivus.

Travel problems are plentiful and ’tis be the perfect season to share them. You might as well clear your conscience and head into the new year by thinking happy travel thoughts.

Let me start the Airing of Travel Grievances list but I hope this is a truly collaborative effort. Let me know your travel grievances.

Happy Festivus photo with Mr Castanza yelling

Travel Grievances include:

  • Hotels charging for wi-fi
  • Airlines reducing legroom and charging for bag checkin
  • Airlines devaluing loyalty points
  • Passengers clapping when a plane lands
  • Rental car companies charging too much
  • Customs lines being too long and destinations not providing enough agents
  • Tour attendees showing up late for bus departures
  • People bringing smelly food on train rides
  • Venice fining people with roller bags

Tell me your travel grievances. And a Happy Festivus to all.

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14 thoughts on “Happy Festivus: Airing of (Travel) Grievances”

  1. Two words: Resort Fees! I’m surprised it’s not already on the Airing of Grievances list, if not right up at the top – though charging for Wi-Fi is a big one, too.

  2. Delta flight attendants not serving drinks because they deem the flight is “too short” when other airlines seem to manage much shorter flights, especially when you have upgraded to business class which includes free drinks.

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