tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post7586460552351929178..comments2024-02-21T03:48:52.674-05:00Comments on Flying Lessons: Time Magazine takes on aviation. Time loses.Christine Negronihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15190247339367487575noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-52888580608224521662011-06-15T08:37:46.321-04:002011-06-15T08:37:46.321-04:00"Air travel has become more affordable as evi..."Air travel has become more affordable as evidenced by the many hundreds-fold increase in the number of people who can afford to fly."<br /><br />This is of course is totally untrue. I spent literally 10 minutes on the internet comparing prices in the USA and Europe using Expedia and easyjet.com with Washington DC to Atlanta and London to Milan round trips as a comparison.<br /><br />I went a few weeks into the future and used the same dates for both trips (Aug 1 out, Aug 5 back). The r/t fare on Expedia (DC-Atl) was $592. This is for a trip that I can drive easily in a day. By comparison the fare from London Gatwick to Milan and back is the equivalent of $234. In other words I can fly between two of the loveliest cities in Europe and back for less than the cost of a one way ticket to Atlanta from Washington DC (two decidedly unlovely cities). In fact these weren't even the cheapest flights in Europe, and I found a fare from Milan back to London for LESS than $70 if I just wanted to change my plans and fly into Luton instead of Gatwick. Try finding a trip anywhere in the USA between two points for under $70. <br /><br />Its about time we got rid of this myth that airline travel in the USA is cheap or that deregulation somehow worked. When I buy an airline ticket in the USA I would be more comfortable if someone wore a mask and pointed a gun at me at the time of purchase to make the daylight robbery more acceptable.<br /><br />Airline travel in this country is not cheap, not comfortable and definitely not a pleasant experience. It's time more people were made aware of the rock bottom cost of airline travel in Europe and demanded the same pricing structure here.Andy Kaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-3447013682960091462010-07-19T00:23:59.404-04:002010-07-19T00:23:59.404-04:00Well said, Airlines are no angels but they are not...Well said, Airlines are no angels but they are not a bad lot of people.I have been working in this industry for more than 30+ years and eventhough some airlines go overboard the industry as a whole tries to provide its passengers the best service they can and I emphasize "tries"Oussama's Takehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17804888569746656075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-54264697570327312022010-07-15T22:20:38.541-04:002010-07-15T22:20:38.541-04:00Check out Allegiant Air. They charge for everythi...Check out Allegiant Air. They charge for everything including $2.00 for a bottle of water. They charge for "priority" boarding. If you don't pay, you can't check in ahead of time on line. Plus they don't seem to have the DOT and FAA oversight that demands all their fees are clearly stated up front on their web site. I don't say hate them, but they do many of these things and their customers don't seem to care. What's up with that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-34179540691527960832010-07-15T02:10:49.412-04:002010-07-15T02:10:49.412-04:0020 people could come up with a reason to hate Time...20 people could come up with a reason to hate Time Magazine and we could consolidate it into an article entitled "20 Reasons to Hate Time Magazine."<br /><br />If 20 people read Time Magazine anymore...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-13521426490297220752010-07-14T11:40:42.193-04:002010-07-14T11:40:42.193-04:00Ron, you are absolutely correct. See my previous p...Ron, you are absolutely correct. See my previous post on this subject.<br /><br />http://christinenegroni.blogspot.com/2010/04/tarmac-rules-trap-passengers-and.html<br /><br />And as for your final line, I wish I'd written it.<br /><br />C.Christine Negronihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15190247339367487575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-24901851197577461202010-07-14T11:32:35.987-04:002010-07-14T11:32:35.987-04:00As an aviation analyst and writer, I have observed...As an aviation analyst and writer, I have observed and worked in the industry for over 40 years. I agree with much of what you say in terms of unrealistic customer expectations but there are two considerations you have missed.<br /><br />The first is that since 9/11 we have seen airlines removing and/or charging for things that used to be included. No industry goes unscathed when they eliminate things that were previously included. And in the process they have done little to make the customer sympathetic to the airlines' needs.<br /><br />The other has already been alluded to--the demise of customer service. Along with meals and pillows, smiles and a positive attitude have also disappeared on many flights. While many employees have taken a beating over the past decade, that is not my fault and the fact that they are annoyed or angry should not extend to the cabin. <br /><br />Indifference should never be included in the fare.Ronnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-44694071534309875432010-07-14T11:28:21.680-04:002010-07-14T11:28:21.680-04:00Christine, BEAUTIFUL is what I have to say on ALL ...Christine, BEAUTIFUL is what I have to say on ALL your points on this one! On Point 1 - VERY true, no one seems to remember that in 1979 you could go anywhere for under $200, & 30 years later they still want a RT fare for the same price while (as you pointed out) fuel in 1980 was $1 and today its at $77 per barrel! WOW I guess inflation shouldn't apply to airline fares as well.<br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to post your comments; it was well received by many of us that travel frequently 'enough' to understand the big differences in air travel from the days before deregulation and Peoples Express.Miguelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-76589020690723256212010-07-14T04:26:11.974-04:002010-07-14T04:26:11.974-04:00Whoever commented on cheap fares NY-DC for 9.99 wi...Whoever commented on cheap fares NY-DC for 9.99 with Ryanair (no additional charges) must never have flown with them.<br /><br />Everything is charged extra... I got charged (8 USD/6 Eur) for not bringing any bags with me on a trip. Go figure on that one. The cost of the flight was 7.99 Eur. Yes cheap, but in the end I could've flown better by paying 20 Eur and not get slapped with all kinds of extras. Also, they make money through advertising from everything... and it is absoltely everywhere.<br /><br />I would like to see real transparency in the pricing... and clear advertising from airlines. This is the price for A-B and this is included... and this is your list of options... your choice if you want it or not.<br /><br />Airlines that put a low base far on to get a high ranking spot in search engines to slap you with higher fees later in the process are doing this consiously and that is bad marketing in the long run. Unfortunately it happens a lot.<br /><br />Most passengers have completely unrealistic expectations when they walk on board. And THAT is the problem and up to airlines to work on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-32024103561054365012010-07-14T02:58:09.337-04:002010-07-14T02:58:09.337-04:00I liked the "times" countdown with some ...I liked the "times" countdown with some reservations (people express, cost of headset), but i did not like yours, may be it is the righteous or know-it-all tone of the whole article<br />You are a good lobbyist for the aviation industry, but you forgot one essential things that airlines put themselves in that dire situation, airlines are trying to compensate their irresponsible pricing policy by charging all those ancillary costs.I wonder at the end of the credit card payment ( and adding all the extras )if fares dropped.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-25566202586038542292010-07-13T18:22:06.154-04:002010-07-13T18:22:06.154-04:00Christine -- Just got back in the biz ... I'm ...Christine -- Just got back in the biz ... I'm at United in Chicago these days ... great to see you continuing to bring a level head to the dialogue! Although I left TWA in 1997, it appears the issues with 'not letting the facts get in the way of a good main-stream media story' remain ... Ah, the smell of AvGas on the magazine pages ... <br /><br />John M. McDonald<br />United Communications<br />john.m.mcdonald@united.comJohn M. McDonaldnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-44049513883255317362010-07-13T16:09:21.531-04:002010-07-13T16:09:21.531-04:00US Airways actually did implement a charge for bev...US Airways actually did implement a charge for beverages for a short period of time. It wasn't just a concept, it was actually in place. Other than that, I agree with everything you said. That was a lame excuse for an article by Time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-39783305177302843472010-07-13T15:35:00.017-04:002010-07-13T15:35:00.017-04:00Hi Christine - As a person who grew up in the indu...Hi Christine - As a person who grew up in the industry and a 34 year employee now I actually agree with most of what you said. Times have changed and airlines are now just mass transportation and that's just the way it is.<br />However you missed the point (and so did Time) on the disappearence of CUSTOMER SERVICE. <br />It's all well and good to use the web when you are booking your initial seats but its when things go wrong that a good customer service agent can turn a bad situation into one you can at least live with.<br />For example - one of my employee's was flying from DEN to ANC recently on UA and the flight cxld. UA told him the next flight available was the next day. What they failed to tell him was that AS had a trip leaving in 2 hours and they had plenty of seats. We found it by calling AS.<br />So you do what is right for your customer not what is right for your airline and that is Customer Service! We are sorely missing that today<br />Best Regards<br />SpenceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-60262805916811219462010-07-13T14:37:16.971-04:002010-07-13T14:37:16.971-04:00Vidiot said...
I wouldn't mind paying to chec...Vidiot said... <br />I wouldn't mind paying to check a bag IF the airlines agreed to refund the fee in the event of problems or if they lose my bag.<br /><br />of problems or if they lose my bag.Well, Vidiot, Alaska Airlines does just that. <br /><br />http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/promo/Baggage-Service-Guarantee.asp<br />Of course, if you Fly US Airways alot, you are probably on the East Coast and only a few cities there see Alaska Airlines service.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-47883131195739144642010-07-13T14:10:53.000-04:002010-07-13T14:10:53.000-04:00I'm just amazed 'Time' didn't try ...I'm just amazed 'Time' didn't try to resurrect the 'New York Times's' 2006 urban legend about 'The airlines are going to make us fly standing up!'Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-27638519246540906562010-07-12T21:21:24.791-04:002010-07-12T21:21:24.791-04:00Great article! People just do not understand the ...Great article! People just do not understand the difficult job we Low Cost airlines have. We are caring people who just want to get you from A to C, and often are roughly treated in the media for our efforts.<br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />Robert E. Coli<br />CEO Thromby Air - Lowest of the Low<br /><a href="http://www.thrombyair.com" rel="nofollow">www.thrombyair.com</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-23421099899936568172010-07-12T13:54:24.118-04:002010-07-12T13:54:24.118-04:00I wouldn't mind paying to check a bag IF the a...I wouldn't mind paying to check a bag IF the airlines agreed to refund the fee in the event of problems or if they lose my bag. If they don't provide the service I'm paying for, then I shouldn't have to pay for it. (I'm looking at you, US Airways. Other airlines seem to never lose my bags. Yours seems to do it every other time.)<br /><br />Conversely, I also wish that when they instituted the baggage checking fee, they also started policing how much crap people bring on. On short-haul flights and shorter trips, I carry on. But I have one carry-on bag that fits in the size template, and one camera bag or computer bag that qualifies as a "personal item." I really hate it when I follow the rules yet STILL can't get any overhead bin space because of a.) piggy self-entitled travelers who feel that they MUST bring on three or four bags that are way too big, and b.) gate agents and flight attendants who let them get away with it.<br /><br />And re: frequent-flyer miles and other loyalty programs, you write:<br /><i>But still, there was a time when an airline ticket was bought with the expectation of getting from A to B and that was that. Now we feel like we deserve a prize for gracing the airlines with our presence.</i><br /><br />No, the airlines freely offered up the mileage programs. That was their decision. We travelers took them up on it. Now is it cryingly unfair of us to ask the airlines to deliver what they promise?Vidiothttp://www.uselessbeauty.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-4063157530283783102010-07-12T13:34:14.432-04:002010-07-12T13:34:14.432-04:00Interesting thoughts which seem to suit only one s...Interesting thoughts which seem to suit only one side of the argument. The inefficiency of most airlines is unarguably the biggest contributor for their losses. Both articles seem to fail to recognize the inconvenience for passengers on overbooked flights. Regarding the 'free' drinks I refuse to drink from a cup which size reminds me of my last urine sample. Last but not least if U.S. airlines truly want to compete the Open Skies should go into effect and Europe's Ryanair (quoted in your article) or Easyjet should be able to offer a 9.99$ NY-DC or NY-Chicago flight with no booking fees, boarding categories or any other smart marketing concepts to charge more money.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-73808333426130780542010-07-12T13:23:03.004-04:002010-07-12T13:23:03.004-04:00You go, Christine! Great counter argument. I felt ...You go, Christine! Great counter argument. I felt the same way when I read this article.chrishttp://www.travelskills.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133703253863123050.post-51747789735234283242010-07-12T11:52:56.243-04:002010-07-12T11:52:56.243-04:00Christine,
Thanks for pointing out the FACTS.
Un...Christine,<br /><br />Thanks for pointing out the FACTS.<br /><br />Unfortunately for the airline industry, the public has been convinced to have unrealistic expectations to travel across the world - SAFELY - at ~500 miles per hour for on average, approximately ten cents per mile.<br /><br />Robert Herbst<br />AirlineFinancials.comRobert Herbstnoreply@blogger.com