Good exchange of opinions. Hopefully no one takes this issue too seriously. When we flew direct from PHL or other East coast airports to SXM for many years, a bloody Mary (or two) on the flight was part of our tradition to start our vacation. Life, and an abundance of idiotic travelers (drunk or just crazy) have ended many traditions. Airline travel has lost the glitter and is now a necessity that tests our tolerance. If our destination and all that goes with it, provides us with the level of happiness we crave, we'll endure the pain.