I was going to write up something about my return trip on Airtran but here is the summary:  I left on time, I arrived late in ATL, I left ATL late and arrived in Dallas late.  I was tired but the aircraft and onboardservice was much the same as it was going outbound.

 

Now a word or three about what, I think, is still missing from the airline industry.  You, the airlines, can charge me fees for better seats and even my 2nd or 3rd bag checked.  You can outright eliminate food and beverages for all I care.   Your inflight magazine does nothing for me and internet access is pretty cool but wholly unnecessary even in today’s modern world.

 

I’d like to have a properly padded seat instead of an old worn one that I can feel the metal framing on.  I would like to have at least 32″ of seat pitch but I’d prefer 33″ of seat pitch.  If we are going to persist in this idea that flight attendants are there for my safety only, then how about we insist they treat their safety briefings as something more than a bored recitation.  And when you ask me if I know that I’m in an exit row and if I’m comfortable with that, at least look at me to see if I’ve nodded my head yes or no.

 

I would like the flight to depart and arrive reasonably on time according to the schedule you set.  I’ll define “reasonable” as being within 30 minutes of what you publish as the times (which is 15 minutes more generous than the government.)  It would be good for you to have my bag(s) at the baggage carousel within 15 to 20 minutes of opening the aircraft for us to deplane.  You are, after all, now charging me a fairly hefty fee to carry them.  And speaking of that fee . . .

 

I’d like my bags to be more secure in their travel.  That means providing a security apparatus that actually detects and stops thievery immediately.  If you want me to check in online, then don’t be charging a fee to do so.  After all, you (the airlines) wanted to eliminate the paper and you got what you want. 

 

I do expect a company that is capable of flying a multi-million dollar aircraft across the country to be able to provide sufficient and up to date status of my flight.  In other words, if you are going to change a gate assignment for an arriving airplane, change it in a timely manner so that my wife isn’t having to drive around the terminal *again* to pick me up because you couldn’t be bothered.  Don’t bother updating it 10 minutes after I’m in her car.  It does do any of us any good at all.

 

I don’t want to subsidize the frequent business traveler.  If they need larger seats and an internet connection, make *them* pay for it, not me.  

 

I’ve already agreed to sit in your metal tube for a specified time.  I know that part is going to be somewhat unpleasant and I accept that.  I don’t want to sit in your seats designed by Torquemada because you can’t adequately schedule your flights and find yourself unable to take off for several hours.  That is your problem, not mine.  Putting people on an aircraft and then holding them on a taxiway for even an extra two hours is the equivalent of fraud. 

 

You want better air traffic control andbetter flow around airports?  Great!  Do what airlines used to do and get together as an industry and”git ‘er done”.   I’ll happily fund it as a taxpayer but come to some agreement on what has to happen and *push* for it.   Wringing your hands and pointing at the FAA while yelling “Your Fault” is just childish.  You have both the staff and know how to help fix the situation so do it.

 

Treat your staff better.  You dont’ have to pay them the salary of a doctor but treat them like the human beings they are.  Reward their efforts and recognize them when they go beyond the call of duty.   Southwest Airlines manages to do this and they manage it with some of the highest labor costs in the industry.  It is a profitable and cost saving thing to do.  Quite acting like every one of your employees is reaching into your pocket and stealing. 

 

Yo!  Employees of airlines!  Get real too.  I do think you should be paid a living wage and treated well.  But I also think that you could adapt to the new world and figure out how to make your company succeed.  Quit extorting with the threats of labor action and come up with some solutions.  You work the jobs and therefore should have some solutions to the industry problems.  And if you just hate your job, find another one.  Don’t take out your frustrations with being away from home on me as I walk onto your aircraft.  You knew what that job entailed before you were hired so don’t make it my problem now.

 

To my fellow passengers:  Grow up.  You are no longer paying for food, drink or a reclining seat.  It’s an unfortunate reduction in service but it comes with a huge discount in the cost of flying.  Get on the plane, get a book out and enjoy a nice cup of shut the hell up.   Acting the prima donna only serves to raise tension levels enormously andby now you should have figured out that it doesn’t change anything.   When I ask you to raise your seat back *off* my kneecaps, don’t respond like I just asked you for a hundred dollar bill.  Show some courtesy and accomodate the request.  In return, I won’t speak to you and I’ll even let you have the arm rest if you’re quiet too.

Filed under: Airline Service by ajax