The Problems with the Airline Industry

There was a time, not too long ago when "flying the friendly skies" was a true statement !

Now not only are the skies not friendly, but the airline industry makes it seem like we are imposing on them !

With constantly rising prices and finding new ways to add on other fee's, a typical cheap round trip coach class ticket costs around $300. It cost about the same when I started flying in the late 80's but then, they gave you alot more for the $$$ ! Of course you can pay thousands upon thousands of dollars for a first class seat, where they actually treat you like they value you as a customer.

The airline industry claims, they need to cut back because of the rising gas prices but if you do the Math they still come out clearly on top. If they were really concerned about this issue, they would find a way to make the airlines more fuel efficient like the car industry is doing.

I know the technology and the money exists so why the excuses, because they can.

That's not the only reason no one wants to fly anymore. Common sense has left the equation long ago. With planes being stranded on run ways and airports not giving even the most common courtesies, the consumer remembers each time a company treats them badly. Some offenders are worse then others.

In the consumers mind, there is no excuse that can explain the bad decisions someone is making on the ground.

Every year there are delays which cause passengers to miss their connecting flights, which have NOTHING to do with the passengers. Yet the airlines refuse to take responsibility for their lateness. They don't even do their best to make you comfortable in the meantime.

For instance the last time I flew the not so friendly skies. My plane, A Delta was held back on the runway in the previous city due to traffic and weather. We sat on that plane for at least an hour, it was no wonder we would be late to the next city Atlanta. Still the pilot assured us we would all get our next connecting flight. To which, if things went as they should would have remained true.

However when we got to Atlanta and the next gate with still 30 minutes till the gates close. We arrived to see OUR plane leaving at least 15 minutes before the gates were even supposed to have closed !!! The weather was fine. We were disturbed to find out, Someone had decided to fill the plane with standbys, therefor bumping everyone else ! The next flight at 6 am was 6 hours later. We were not the only ones, there was a line of disgruntled people. All knowing they had been wronged. We had to stand in line another 30 minutes just to get a "complimentary" bathroom bag and a half off a hotel room next door. All we could do is wait and and attempt some sleep. Since you can no longer sleep at the airport. Even though they have secret cots ! They have put arm rests between seats so no one can even lay down. The blankets they hand out are laughable. It is a truly disturbing situation for anyone to have to endure.

My list of complaints could go on and on, but I will never fly Delta again! Just think, they used to be one of the GOOD airlines that treated you right. Gave you decent meals and drinks. Now they treat us like cattle, we did not even get a meal on the next flight ! A four hour flight, they decided it didn't happen at the right time to deserve a breakfast ! More crackers and soda for us all !

Never mind when you get to the airports you have to be there hours ahead of time, so you can line up for your ritualized violation of belongings!

The rules have gotten ridiculous, take off the shoes, put all cosmetic products in little baggies if they are small enough. The bigger products must go in checked luggage or thrown out ! Once they tried to throw out about $150 worth of my hair products because they were not in a zip-lock bag.. To which they do not have any of these bags but expect you to have everything in them. So I had to get out of line and run around to a little shop that had them.. To which they were charging 10 cents per bag !

Do any of us have time for any of this ridiculous, I only did because I RAN there and back !

I have been full body x-ray scanned, and seen women forced to drink their own breast milk because they thought the liquid in the baby bottle was questionable !?!

Some airlines still do it right! My top three picks if you have to fly !

1. Virgin Airlines

They treat everyone like they are valuable, will have special meals for you if you have a special diet like myself. A complimentary bag full of anything you could have forgotten AND an incredible entertainment selection FOR EVERYONE chose over 40 movies, TV or even video games ! They even give you the headsets for free ! Not to mention the free beer and wine !

Downside, they mostly service international flights to Britain. Its worth the few extra bucks for all the loving they give. Nevermind the great outfits the stewards wear !

2. British Airlines

Almost as good as Virgin, with food and drinks. Not as good in the entertainment selection and complimentary bag of goodies. Cheaper then Virgin, almost as nice.

3. Jet Blue

A bit pricey, but as far as American Airlines go if you can afford them it is worth it. Great service with a smile, food is pretty good. No excuses from this Airline, they try and make it up to you if they screw up.

Three worst, in my experience.

3. Spirit

Cheap airline, often cold food. Likely to damage your bag and not care. You get what you pay for in this one.

2. Delta

Infamous for bad treatment, the once grand airline had fallen and now you are lucky if you get a meal and make your next flight on time.

1. Southwest

Budget airline, is great if you enjoy a circus. Nothing is gratis on this flight except maybe the peanuts and a small soda drink . Don't even think you are going to get a meal without paying for it, or head phones or polite service.

So in conclusion, if you can drive don't bother to fly ! It is cheaper and less stressful !

I would love for the Airlines for "Wake up" and put the SERVICE back in their Service industry but I won't be holding my breath !