I cannot play this game without blowing a fuse and letting it out on someone. Having been a ticket agent / gate agent myself once, this whole game irks me even more because I think I already know the agent’s cards, but then they show you a different set. Hands down, this crapshoot is way better than any Las Vegas Magic Show. I have even read all of Peter Greenberg’s books and watch his videos on Youtube like their might be something else I can learn from this game. Peter seems so on top of his game. Someday I would like to come along for the ride on one of his trips to see how he REALLY plays this game. Yes, he knows all the answers, and has a lot of experience, but I am sure even he hates the game, too. I’m sure he must blow a fuse!!

What irks me even more is your scenario. When you think you know the rules (and YOU so rightfully can be called an expert in this industry), but they somehow know more than you like the rule just came out today, or that’s what the mysterious supervisor behind the door says. And don’t get me going when it comes to a young ticket agent. Stay away from them!

I remember playing RISK as a teen and all the players would be coming up with different rules. Maybe your game was different. Game rules are game rules, but nobody wants to read or follow them. That’s what it is like in the airline business. Every agent and supervisor has their own set of game rules, and they don’t want to, or have never studied the game rules, but have just learned the rules from hearsay. I know I have been there in the heat of the moment. Oh, he’s cool, go ahead… oh, you’re a jerk, pay for an extra bag… hahahaha (oh, those memories) Remember you are not the only player. You have to read the player (agent) before picking which one to go up to. I even let people go ahead of me if I don’t get the agent I think suits me best. Everyone has got that feeling when you are in the snake line. You are checking out how fast or slow they are, or whether they smile or lose their temper, or if they joke or ask for your help.

So all in all, I think this game is just a ‘CULTURAL THiNG’ we fliers have to understand more. Because even when you leave the States, the game rules change as if it’s a totally different airline. Go figure…

So people who fly should add a line to their resume “Experienced in airport mumbo-jumbo, inter-cultural communication, and airline games” You would at least be talking sense to a road warrior VP.

Thanks for the article, Jared. I wish I had some rolly-polly LMFAO emoticons to attach to this article. This is good stuff.

I will say this benefits Southwest a bit. Their rules are simpler, and still generally within the realm of comprehension. The only trap for newbies there is that you need to check-in EXACTLY 24 hours in advance or risk getting a bad seat on the aircraft. Otherwise, few surprises there.