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.
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. Comment below (or email me) with your travel grievances.
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.
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.
Resort fees top your list? Thank you.
Orlando’s toll roads
I actually cover how to exit MCO without paying tolls. https://www.mccooltravel.com/day-trips-from-orlando-florida/
Airports closing bars/restaurants before the last flight leaves.
You are on a roll. It is so odd when the airport facilities are not open when passengers are there. Frustratingly so.
Having to walk a long way uncovered in the cold or rain to a rental car.
Oh, that is certainly no fun.
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.
Darn it, that stinks.
McCool’s fools is genius!!
Appreciate you so much for noticing that and mentioning it.
How about hotels not including taxes and other fees that significantly increase pricing?
Nice, carl. Thank you for the input. Sneaky hotels and their insidious rates.