AIRLINES

AIRLINES

Let’s face it, most Americans today need to fly commercially. (or you can get a free government ride on a government plane, but it will cost you 4 years of your life) Perhaps the purpose of your trip is business related, personal, vacation, a family visit, or emergency. I guess the point I’m trying to make is, the airlines, much like the interstate highway system, represent a vital mode of transportation in the United States. If you need to get somewhere distant, and don’t have the luxury to take a leisurely car trip, you better book a flight.

With that being said, I don’t think anyone would argue the point that the commercial aviation system in our country is in desperate need of a “top to bottom overhaul”. (politically correct wording meaning: enema) The few remaining carriers are on the verge of consolidating or going out of business. Most have cut back on service, maintenance, flight routes and staff. (not to mention exacting payroll considerations on their employees) The average age of the aircraft in service is getting older, as the airlines hesitate to renew their fleets in a period of diminishing returns. (the plane I got on the other day said “new.. now radar equipped”) High fuel prices and maintenance costs, have ravaged their profits.

The level of quality and service has been reduced considerably, with many flights canceled and others not adhering to schedules. Flight delays and cancellation are now the norm and not the exception. Even getting a direct non-stop flight is getting harder to book. Travel agents have been all but been forced out of the equation, and internet ticket purchases are the norm. Ticket prices have soared and passengers are faced with increasing instances of overbooked flights and very uncomfortable seating. It’s a common practice for airlines to overbook each flight, knowing that a few passengers won’t show, but don’t expect a refund, even if they resell your seat. The airlines have also resorted to nickel and dime-ing their passengers with pesky additional fees, including, charging extra for stowed luggage, additional fees for “select” seating, and even charging extra for soda and water.

I find myself gritting my teeth before a flight, as we are herded onto the plane, and then required to sit in an uncomfortable chair, barely large enough for a child. (and then fight with your neighbor to see who gets the arm rest) The loading and unloading process alone seems to add almost an hour to the torture, aggravated by the passengers that just can’t seem to put their luggage in the rack or find their assigned seat. ( Preferring instead to just block the isle, so that no one else can get to their seat). I for one, would be happy to walk outside on the tarmac, and climb or descend from a rope ladder at the rear entrance of the plane to help things move a little faster. Poor Italian Boy airlines, would require any passenger not boarded and in his seat with 6 minutes to be escorted off the plane.

When was the last time you were on a flight with an empty seat? I’ve gotten close few times, but just as I was about to enjoy the extra two and a half square foot of space, the cabin door opened again and a few vastly overweight stragglers made their way right to the empty seat beside me. ( As I silently prayed: not here, not hear, pick another seat, please) So much for a little breathing room.

Listen, I can’t totally blame the airlines, they are in a tuff business and most of them are struggling for their lives. Another big merger is underway as I write this. The only way they can make any money is with jammed packed planes and fewer unprofitable routes. Ticket prices are on the rise, and discount airlines are on the decline. They have also mastered the art of pricing tickets and made it a science. Try to buy a ticket a day or two in advance and you will likely pay double or triple. Want to upgrade to first class after you have already bought a ticket, be prepared to re-finance the house. (for the privilege of sitting in front of that little closed curtain, and getting off the plane 4 minutes faster than the peasants in coach). Some of the long range overseas routes are a little more profitable and they offer a few extra amenities on these flights.

As far as I’m concerned the airlines have taken a giant leap backward. Ten years ago, they all held to a higher standard. Today, everything from the food and snacks to the seating and attitude of the flight attendants has gone down hill. ( And what happened to the nice cloth towels that were placed on every headrest) What used to be a pleasurable experience has now become, at best, an necessary evil. Add in the extra inconvenience placed on passengers at the airport with the extra wait, crowds, lines, and the security check in, and you are bound to be off with a bad start for the trip.

Listen, until the average Joe can afford his own plane, I guess we will just have to grin and bare it. (I don’t know about you, but I’m a little short on cash right now, so my brand new 747 jet will be on hold). Besides who says the jet plane will be the preferred mode of transportation 50 years in the future anyway ? ( If we all thought like that, everyone would still be traveling by stagecoach, train or greyhound bus) Times change, I’m thinking we need to take a giant technological leap forward or backward for that matter. Maybe we are all just in too much of a rush. If I had my say, we would bring back the blimps, the dirigible, a modern version of the old fashioned airship. (less the ultra-flammable helium) Note: these are actually under consideration now… Sure, we wouldn’t be able to make the cross country trip in five hours, but we would probably save a ton of fuel and there would be a heck of a lot more room. (more like a cruise ship in comfort) I think I would enjoy leaving Tampa around 3pm, having a nice dinner mid flight, (without having to squeeze a tray on a small fold out table in a seat back) then see a show, and afterwards (in my rented tux) and then retire to my stateroom. The next morning wake up refreshed, have a little breakfast and be at my destination. Maybe, I’d be the recipient of a little customer service to boot. The extra bonus would be flying at a low enough altitude to catch a little scenery and some fresh air. This way the transportation becomes an enjoyable part of the trip, not a necessary evil.

I think the airlines better make some drastic changes, and make them soon. Unhappy customers, will only tolerate any poorly run business until a suitable alternative is available. In the mean time, Americans love to travel, and we are a captured audience for the air travel.

Sorry, gotta run…they just called my flight.

P.I.B.