Q: Favorite airline?
A: Well, I have not flown very many different airlines, so I'm not really in a position to make comparisons, but, I am from Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP / KMSP) so my favorite airline past or present is our hometown airline, Northwest. I always had good experiences when I flew with them. I was quite disappointed when they merged with Delta. This is only about the 13th largest metro area in the US, so having a major airline based here was a big deal. I worry that in the future MSP will no longer be an important hub, and our local economy could suffer as a result.
Q: When did you start flying?
A: I have been traveling by air since before I can remember, so I'm not really sure. People love to complain about flying, but it's my favorite way to travel. (Has anyone seen comedian Louis C.K.'s bit about people complaining instead of appreciating modern conveniences, particularly flying?) To me, it's one of the biggest miracles of modern technology. No other mode of transportation can take you to distant parts of the world in mere hours.
Q: Least favorite airline?
A: I shouldn't say this since I haven't flown with them, but, Southwest. For every person I've met who loves them, I've met two who regret flying Southwest. Plus, I hate their TV ads, I feel they cut corners on safety and ignore regulations, and that, because of the fare pressure they put on other carriers, they and other discount airlines are partly responsible for the problems with the US airline system. Sure, everyone wants flying to be affordable, but you get what you pay for. (I won't say more here, but see the PBS Frontline episode, "Flying Cheap")