Why people aren't flying. (Hint: It's not just the fares)

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1-11-2010 @ 1:44AM

Bryan said...

It's Rail versus Air all over again.

I believe the whole air-travel "experience" is a "catch 22" of sorts. During the "golden age" of commercial air-travel, excellent service was king. Folks loved arriving at the airport full of positive expectations, feeling happy, and well-dressed! Witnessing shiny DC-3s, Lockheed Constellations, DC-8s, B707s, and 747-100s on the ramp awaiting passengers, while perfuming the air with sweet odors of aviation-grade fuel, was an added bonus!

Today, those things which made flying amazing during the 50s, 60s, and 70s... no longer exist. Why, because passengers are over the flying experience and are now concerned with just getting to point B.

Commercial air-travel is supposed to be a profit-generating business. So, the airline execs give the customers what they want (or at least what the customers thought they wanted). Since travelers want cheap airfare, luxuries and certain services are cut. When this happens, the joy of traveling the friendly skies ends. Jetliners turn into air-buses filled with inconsiderate, poorly-dressed, strap-hangers.

Today, folks are complaining again. Why? Service is terrible, seating is cramped, and delays abound. What's the deal? They're getting what they paid for! Good things come with a price. The good ol' days had a price, and passengers gladly paid. Should we go back to the days of great service? I would love it. With that, fewer people may fly... or maybe not. Either way, taking care of your flying customer, as with any customer in general, always pays well in the end... no matter what!

If only the golden-age of legacy air-travel would return when the world was a playground for fun and adventure!

10-26-2009 @ 10:28PM

Bianca said...

You get what you pay for??? Hmmm.... We are in a recession, and the way I see it is if one rude flight attendant who has been in that job for 15+ yrs has the attitude that she/he hates being in that situation, theres always someone else out there who will do it for less. So fares really arent the issue here. The problem with the airline staff is they are to comfortable. Many people need jobs right now. They should not take theres for granted and treat customers as if they are a burden. Majority of the more expensive, major airlines charge bag fees and generally higher fares. How often do they even get us there on time??? Some delays are unavoidable, like weather conditions. However, when you see the pilot of your next flight chit chatting and moseying his way over to the aircraft with a bag of Mc D's in hand and we are all supposed to be boarding, it is unacceptable. Since when is flying only for the wealthy? Why must we put a ridiculous price on a little good customer service? After all, we are all paying customers and without us they wouldnt have a job at all.

10-27-2009 @ 3:13PM

Greg Gross said...

http://wp.me/pyafL-4F

Is there some happy medium between passenger comfort and airline profitability? If there is, the airlines haven't found it yet. And with the recession, I'm not even sure they're looking anymore.

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