I’m taking a Thumbspeak survey right now that absolutely has me stumped. The poll is asking the following:

“What is your single biggest complaint about airline travel?”

There are quite a few possible choices. I’m having a hard time choosing between long lines, sitting between someone sick, missed connections, or babies (I don’t even have to expand on why that last one is annoying). I love that Thumbspeak surveys are short, but for some reason, I feel like I absolutely must give this question hours of consideration. It’s as if the one thing I choose will magically be changed, so I must pick something much more bothersome than everything else.

Then I thought about it. Isn’t that the point of opinion surveys? Businesses want feedback from consumers like me so they can and will implement changes in their procedure or protocol. My answer is important and should be thoughtful. Too often, I think, people rush through things without thinking about the actual implications; survey taking, while giving possible incentives, and being a good way to pass time, is most importantly to voice one’s opinion. The point is to be heard.

I’m going to give the question more thought, despite it being a short poll, with the knowledge that my answer will contribute to potential changes that will make a future flight something to look forward to instead of dread.