Anyone else miss just turning up?

[sunhasgotthis]

These days it feels like you've got to download an app to book in a fart! I really miss just turning up somewhere, paying, without everything shoehorned into tight slots.

Yes!
it’s everything these days

Yes! Also, just being able to order something without signing up for an account/downloading an app and whatnot, drives me mad.

Definitely agree. Military planning is needed these days, which is not my strong point.

I was massively relieved when the council removed the Covid-era requirement for booking a slot at the local tip - that was soul-destroying.

I went to River Island about 5 weeks ago for a pair of trousers I had seen, I asked one of the girls working there and she said they didn’t have it and why didn’t I check the shops stock on the website before coming in! That was me told.

It would be nice to have more spontaneity

But on the other hand, not having to queue is good too!

For example... we wnt to the Imperial War Museum on Monday. No booking required... but its a quiet museum, so no queues.

Natural History Museum,its extremely popular. Booking is better than turning up and waiting outside for an hour, then not being able to move inside anyway!

The world is indeed broken if you have to book to throw stuff away.
Our local tip has strict time slots, although at least you can get an appointment there, unlike the GP.

I’m with you op, really gets on my tits that you have to book everything these days. I hate the inflexibility.

You read my mind. I just this minute booked a Christmas event. I know I know but I left it too late last year and tickets sold out. So, we learn!

I went through three different websites (different legal entities) to buy the tickets and then had to download the app to access my tickets. FML!

Yep.
Over the bank holiday weekend I visited a few museums and had to book (either website or app) every single one.
It made me think of my elderly nan who used to love going museums on the days when she has the energy to, but moans now that she can't as she doesn't have a smartphone.
I thought she was just being her usual dramatic self but no, it appears to be a real thing which is a huge shame.

Oh totally. We do so much less than pre COVID times because of this. Just ‘doing’ without having to go through the myriad of tech barriers is a lost way of living.

I absolutely adore it. The organization and lack of chaos makes life so much easier and more comfortable. It’s how the world should be.

its wonderful that the world doesn’t only cater to neurotypical people anymore.

I'm not nurotypical, but much prefer just being able to rock up somewhere and not have to book in advance.

You could just go somewhere if you felt up to it rather then have to plan everything in advance then feel totally disappointed if you can't go for some reason.

It's interesting that others prefer it.

I hate it. I miss being able to be spontaneous and adapt plans depending on the weather. I also dislike having to open an account or use an app for everything.

My local swimming pool.

No longer turn up and swim.

No, book a half hour slot THEN book a lane you want to swim in, fast medium or slow.

Sod that, I'll go for a walk.

Our tip has only just brought in a booking system and you can already see more fly tipping happening.

Oh god yes!!! Those days where you suddenly had some spare time to run in to get your eyebrows done!!! Now- 2 months in advance and my kids will always be sick that week!!!

I noticed this recently on a city break. I strolled into a museum to be told it was booked out for 2 days. I went to another and was told to book a slot for later, which was fine so I asked to put my name down but no they couldn't do it at the counter, I had to do it myself online. And so i sat in a lovely square with the kids eating ice cream and my face stuck in my phone instead. Then rushing to get to our time slot.

@sunhasgotthis some pubs want you to sit at your table and order your drink via an app!!! on your bike! I will be going up to the bar and if they dont want to physically serve me then I will be leaving! parking via an app - I aint putting my bank details in a phone which might be stolen or lost!! take my money!

I don't feel as if I am affected by this at all. Can't figure out why.

I’d prefer a timed entry system to a big queue, but apart from that, I prefer the old system. Public transport isn’t very reliable, so I feel I have to allow extra travel time. Then I can end up having to wait outside the venue for up to half an hour.

If places had more capacity, these systems wouldn't be needed. Tats the crux of the matter... too many people, not enough space, not enough time

A mix would be marvellous, with some on the day tickets left available.

There's a queue at your time slot too as everyone turns up at the same time. I went somewhere a couple of weeks ago, queued up and then was told needed to book online. Reception was shit, verification code wouldn't come through in time limit, when finally got to front of queue again, they took all the details of everyone again anyway. I don't know why can't do both ways - turn up and/or pre book. It's a time and energy thief.

I don't know which days I'll be well enough and then what period of those days (long covid) I can manage in advance. The booking just takes more of that away.

If I dislike something then it would be spontaneity.
But I see the point.

DP and I went out for breakfast on Sunday, popped into the cafe at the end of our road at about 10:45, waited 10 mins for someone to appear (no self-seating!) and were then told we couldn’t possibly eat there because we hadn’t booked, despite there being at least five empty, unreserved 2-seater tables in immediate view 😂