I used to love air travel. It seemed glamorous and uncomplicated. Over the last two decades, while prices have gone up, the experience has definitely lost its luster. Perhaps I am jaded or turning into an old curmudgeon. Or perhaps profit motive and misguided security measures have ruined the experience.

I used to call a travel agent to do the legwork and hand me a paper ticket. That ticket felt like freedom. On the day of travel, I would show up on time and walk to my gate to board. That was it. No fuss and no drama.

Today, I buy my own tickets online. I love the power of search engines. Google flights and fare finders have saved us a lot of money. Technology is very helpful in that regard. But airlines are very crafty. Do you want to pick your seats? Extra charge. So you buy the upgrade. But the only seats you can pick are middle rows. Want an aisle? additional extra charge. Want to be able to change your flight? Extra charge. Want to take bags? Extra charge. Need to carry on a bag? May be an extra charge. Need a snack? May be an extra charge. Need assistance from a gate agent? You guessed it…some airlines are now charging for the privilege of having airline employees help you with their check in process.

I try to ignore the creeping cost of flight and the infuriating added charges. But now, we check in online and then get to the airport early to check in our own bags. Security lines are long and after I practically undress and have my bags scrutinized, I scramble to put on my shoes and make sure that everything is repacked and not left in the security trays.

At the gate, I have wait for fourteen variations of groups before they ever get to group two. If I have an aisle, I may be in an even later group. If so, they will likely start fussing that there is not enough room for my carryon. They may try to take it from me, even though I explain it only has electronics and medicine. Once on the plane there will be plenty of room until that one old guy comes on board with three items (how did he do that?). One will be oversized. He will attempt to to shove it forcefully into my small bag of electronic equipment. If I tell him that my bag is fragile he will scowl at me and shove harder.

I will sit down and try to ignore his elbows and knees that are halfway into my seat. Because he was assigned a middle seat, he feels entitled to manspread into mine. If he is feeling brave, he may try to raise the armrest between our seats. I will have to move it back so he isn’t sitting in half of my seat as well. If he goes to sleep, he may slump onto my shoulder.

I will blow up my pillow and try to go to sleep. The flight attendant may tell me that they are not allowed (even though I have used it on dozens of flights). So instead I will sit, awake, staring at the small screen that is inches from my face because the passenger in front of me has reclined as far back as possible. At least I have an aisle to turn my face toward. I will only be bumped every time a flight attendant passes by. Whew…it is a logistical and tactical battlefield.

Eventually we will land. The excitement of arrival will usually outweigh the amount of extra time I have to spend waiting on my checked bag to arrive. On the plus side, I can now track your bag in real time. That is a real advantage for international travelers that is almost as useful as the interactive airport maps. If I have to do it myself, real time information is absolutely essential. But I still miss the uncomplicated and glamorous full service airport experience. I would gladly trade my airline apps for full service and a paper ticket…. If only…..If only….