For many people, "God bless you," whether after someone sneezes or following a thank you, is a simple response. But Michael P. Tomaro, a Milwaukee-based psychologist who specializes in fearful flying, said such comments could trigger latent fears in passengers who aren't terribly comfortable aboard an airliner. Tomaro said fearful fliers could misconstrue such statements and think the attendant is invoking God's help for a safe journey.
Tomaro, author of the book "Flying in the Comfort Zone," said flight attendants who make such comments "haven't been properly trained" and should restrict their statements to the flight's operations.
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Some frequent fliers said the aircraft cabin is not an appropriate place for spiritual references. "Freedom of religion means the freedom to not have to listen to others' religious messages," said Redwood City, Calif., investment banker Lee Shepard. Shepard said he was concerned that airlines would encourage or allow their workers to make such statements. "The next thing you know, there will be prayers before takeoff. The best policy is to keep religion a private matter and not allow any religious messages on flights," he said.
But when a plane tosses in severe turbulence, some travelers' thoughts naturally turn to God. Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, some airline passengers have increasingly sought comfort in the air in their own spirituality.
"Considering most fliers say, 'Thank God we arrived in one piece,' I welcome the [flight attendant] acknowledging God," said Nancy Pincombe of Reston.
Elizabeth Elwell of Valley Village, Calif., said that with airline employees so overworked and stressed out, she "appreciates" hearing such comments. "I'm happy to take all the blessings I can get," she said.
Arlington-based psychologist Elliott Jaffa wondered whether the United flight attendant who blessed the passengers on arrival was simply seeking to bring good fortune to the airline. United, after all, has been operating under bankruptcy protection for more than two years.
"With United's financial situation, it needs all the help it can get, be it from its paying passengers or from the big guy or gal upstairs in the friendly skies," Jaffa said.
Car Rental Taxes Increase: Taxes and fees for car rentals this year add an average 25.8 percent to the bill compared with 24.4 percent in 2003, according to a study released by Travelocity, the online travel site.
The study, released yesterday, also showed that it's often cheaper to rent vehicles at non-airport locations because taxes and fees are higher at airports because of service and facility fees.
Tracey Weber, Travelocity's senior vice president of air, car and last-minute deals, said to avoid sticker shock, travelers should look at the total price when renting a car, including taxes and fees, rather than just at the daily or weekly rates.
Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport had the biggest jump in taxes, adding 66.1 percent to the bill. Dallas-Fort Worth International had the second-highest at 61.4 percent. Baltimore-Washington International came in seventh at 41 percent.
