Is Mercury in Retrograde Causing These Airline Incidents?
I've been doing a lot of press around all these recent airline incidents, and the question is why is this happening? It seems like there's been an increase in these crazy incidents, and certainly the severity level of them.
If you ask the union chief of American Airlines' flight attendants, there are a lot of factors at play, including shrinking overhead bins and increased flight attendant schedules. After the United incident, I wrote a post about 4 Ways We Can Bring Humanity Back to American Aviation and the solutions are complex. But why would all these incidents be happening now?
Well, I found out the answer and it's going to shock you... Mercury is in retrograde.
Per the vaunted Old Farmer's Almanac, here's what "Mercury in retrograde" actually is:
Several times a year, it appears as if Mercury is going backwards. This time was traditionally associated with confusions, delay, and frustration.
The planet Mercury rules communication, travel, contracts, automobiles, and such. So, when Mercury is retrograde, remain flexible, allow time for extra travel, and avoid signing contracts.
You can't stop your life, but plan ahead, have back-up plans, and be prepared for angrier people and miscommunication.
You tell me if that doesn't sound exactly like what's been happening. And look at the timeline of events:
April 9 — Mercury goes into retrograde. The exact same day, the United #BumpGate incident occurs, kicking things off with a bang!
April 16 — United throws a bride and groom off their flight enroute to their wedding.
April 21 — An American Airlines employee gets into a verbal altercation with a passenger that nearly comes to blows.
April 23-May 2 — ?!?!?! (Delta, you're up next!)
May 3 — The last day Mercury will be in retrograde for now. Everyone should remain on high alert until this day.
For future travel reference, there are two other sets of dates in 2017 you'll need to watch out for since Mercury will be in retrograde again. They are August 13 through September 5 and December 3 to 23.
Luckily my flights have been uneventful thus far, but I will personally be on high alert until we're out of danger. What do you think? Am I crazy here?
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app