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Is Mercury in Retrograde Causing These Airline Incidents?
Brian Kelly
Founder + "The Points Guy"
Since launching TPG in 2010, founder Brian Kelly has expanded the team to include a distinguished editorial staff and an extensive network of freelancer contacts from around the globe. Today, TPG reaches 11 million unique monthly visitors and more than 3 million followers across social media platforms and has offices in New York City, Charlotte and the U.K.
April 23, 2017
•
3 min read
Is Mercury in Retrograde Causing These Airline Incidents?
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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!)
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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?
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