During 2020 and 2021 Delta, who I usually fly, suspended operations in my local airport. Their footprint there is small, only 2 gates, so it was understandable. I took some flights on American during that time, and one after Delta came back because American was cheaper. At this point I don't even care if Delta costs more, I'll pay it just to not deal with American. Even when the staff weren't rude, the interactions with them were cold and almost robotic. Delta certainly has their faults, but I feel like I'm treated so much better.
@@danielbeck9191 I want the same with sports stadiums. My taxes pay for the new stadium and then I have to pay to get inside the stadium I just helped pay for? Seriously...
@@keinlieb3818 That one just can't be fixed, if they made it free access to a stadium for all residents of a city and then held games with teams of any kind of popularity, that becomes a Crowd Crush type situation. No. Too dangerous.
@@rrai1999 then stop using tax dollars for stadiums. Average NFL team is worth $5b. Pretty sure they can afford to build their own stadiums, especially with the help of the NFL. Even if tax dollars do go to stadiums, NFL or teams should be required to pay that money back with interest. Same goes for MLB, NHL, NBA, etc. Especially when rented out to artists to put on concerts, or any other event requiring a large crowd. Major sports teams can and should pay for their own stadiums and same goes for universities as well. Every year billions are given to universities for stadium upgrades or new stadiums. Even if it was free to go to a game, they could still have a system to control who would be allowed at the stadiums or who would be allowed in or some type of tax credit for purchase of a ticket.
Michael O Leary has half joked about it. He said you should have to spend a pound, to spend a penny. Look him up and toilets, plenty of interviews from him about it.
It usually is. I've been with the same company for more than 20 years and I would swear upper management is shorting the stock. It used to be a really nice place to work.
Management personnel have to make themselves look useful, so they make changes. Whether the changes are good, bad, or indifferent is of little or no consideration.
17yr here 13 delta and few AA. I’ve seen what you have. Btw- did you retire? Can I buy your companion pass? Seriously? I’m obviously educated and know how to use it.
It is strange to watch management. The problem with management is that they have to appear like they are doing something to justify their rather high salary. If we are fortunate, then new management just rearranges the deck chairs to make things look a bit different. If we are unlucky, then we have new management actually do some really stupid things to show that they are super smart.
@@johnsmithers8913We’ve had to deal with constant stupid changes for the last 16 months. It’s beyond frustrating. Management will be the end for all of us. 🤬
@@benchoflemons398 Clear costs $150/yr, TSA Pre Check is $75 for 5 years. Or better yet, Global Entry costs $100 for 5 years which includes TSA Pre Check. I had Clear for a few years (it came with Delta status) and it was rarely faster, if it was even available at the airport. And my experience with their agents was mostly that they didn't know their jobs well. I won't tell anyone not to get Clear, but it is very costly for very few airports that have it.
Agree, let them fail, then let someone else rebuild. Executives make way too much money to have the feds bail them out...and they still ride of with their bonuses!!
If you’re not a business flyer, you will not like what happens. Economy seats are welfare at this point. Airlines would love to just have $1000 business seats with less planes.
I used to travel 85k miles a year on airplanes. I was a member of every club and knew how to work the system well. That was in the 80’s. I’m old enough to remember smoking on airplanes. These days, I ship my luggage to my destination in advance of my trip and only carry essentials like Rx. The least amount of contact with airline personnel the better.
@@wolfmantroy6601not only are you calling him a liar you also have nothing to back up your statement. People like you shouldn't be allowed to breathe, let alone vote or have a voice at all
Remember when flying was so special. I was 6 years old and invited into the cockpit during a flight to Disney World back in the 70's. From that day, flying became a dream. It's something I'll never forget.... now it's become a nightmare, lol
They did this up until 9 11, my brother and I would travel alone to visit our dad a few times a year and every single time with ATA. We would get to talk to the pilots, and check out the cockpit of the plane. Not sure if it's because it's the collective memories of a 5 to 11 year old, but it did feel special.
I have the same story, parents actually got me a toy plane with characters inside (I can't remember the brand, but the side opened and I could move the figures about) to go with the Flight pin one of the people (Pilot/Co-Pilot) in the cockpit gave me.
Remember when people actually dressed up to fly?!! Today almost anything goes as "comfortable." (I dress for comfort too, but not in short shorts, etc.)
Having recently flown American Airlines from US to Europe and back recently, I can confirm that they make sure the experience in the back of the plane is as horrible as possible. Leg room had me packed in with my knees crushed, and then they barely even gave us drink service a couple of times on a many-hours long flight . . . I had to go to the back galley asking for water several times to prevent myself from dying of thirst, and they were not polite in response to my polite requests for water.
It's more than that - Flying dehydrates you quite severely, especially if you've made the inadvertent error of drinking carbonated or caffeinated drinks. You were likely _very_ thirsty.
American Airlines is my personal "No Fly" list after experiencing issue after issue on one trip on all legs in both directions. That corporation is the perfect example of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing.
I have flown in every decade since the 70's and I'm telling you, things are intolerable now. Absolutely insane that people can't understand why there's so many rage issues in the air now. Smaller seats, paying for everything, less amenities, and flight attendants that are drunk on power. Why indeed?
There's nothing convenient about flying. You spend your time preparing for the airport, standing in the long-ass lines, waiting for your plane then you got to get to where you're going. For the most part I can drive anywhere I need to go and be there in just about the same amount of time. If I can drive there in 15 hours or less I'm driving.
Yes, you want everything handed to you at the "cattle-class prices"...but pay for business class? Of course you won't. There literally is a fine level of service available but you don't want to pay for it. How hard is it to understand that "cattle-class" is for extreme cost-saving and you get what you pay for? You have a choice but you have deadbeat entitlement blinders on so you refuse to accept basic principles of the market economy.
Remember back in. the 90's, OK I'm old, there was a big problem with "passenger rage". I traveled a lot during this time and I can tell you most of the problems were coming from the flight attendants attitude. Once the airline started to teach their flight attendants to treat people nicely things calmed down. Looks like things are going full circle.
Actually the reality is the grunts get the blame and the bosses who order it get the glory. You want them to get fired for your happiness? its 2023, things done changed. like Reagan said: the business of America is BUSINESS, not people.@@stormisuedonym4599
@@stormisuedonym4599 You might get a less than ideal experience (no peanuts for you!) if you call the Flight Attendant a Stewardess, it can be considered offensive. Just a friendly piece of advice!
The mindset of business is why I generally drive. I'm a nurse, and the people that I go above and beyond to serve, are always so appreciative. People telling me, thanks so much for the blankets or extra pillows, makes me feel good. I will continue regardless of what managers or administrators think!
I have worked for years with the public and most people are not rude. The airlines are setting it up because they are doing a lot of things to make people mad. It is not the customers, not most people. I call coach the Kiddie Seats because only children can fit into them comfortably.
No, you just refuse to pay for the type of flying you want. Go ahead and pretend to be entitled to super-cheap first class flights in your entitled fantasy-land. People who pay the absolute minimum for amazingly cheap tickets aren't entitled to "friendly service" and pampering. They get the bare minimum, and that's what they want! People in economy have traded the level of service for low cost. If they genuinely would want great service they'd pay for business class or first class. But that's not what they want.
@@themanhimself3 Nobody asked what? This comments section is literally full of people asking for level of amenities and service which they have available to them for a different price, but they for some reason think they're entitled to that higher level of service without paying for it.
I flew often in the late 90's/early 00's. When you flew with people for whom it was an ordinary activity, there was little conflict. Everyone knew what to do, and didn't stress about the inconveniences because it was the only way to get off and on the island. The local airline was kind of a joke, but everyone knew it and tolerated things like flying over the ocean with the door not quite closed (you could see all the way around it.) But the local airline knew you were flying to the bigger island to go shopping (there was a K Mart on the bigger island) and they accommodated what you bought there. That was before Sept. 11. In the Spring of 2002, we moved back to the mainland, and I've only flown a couple of times since. We drive everywhere. Airlines hate their passengers. Businesses seem to be clueless as to where their profits come from.
Some flight crew refer to passengers as...ready for it? "The meat." I heard that from a guy who flew for a regional. I say, truth in advertising let's call economy class "steerage". Mooooo!
The reason why the flight attendant did not want the passenger to move into the exit row after takeoff was that they are required to screen and brief the exit row passengers before departure to make sure the passenger meets the requirements to sit there. It's better to move there just before the main door closes for departure. And ask the flight attendant if it's ok as a courtesy.
Yes, but that was before they took away standard services like food, a pillow and a blanket. They should be included. Is it gentlemanly to accept things being taken away from you that everyone else gets?
I know a woman who when they fly for vacation she sends their things by UPS or other delivery. The hotels hold your luggage until you arrive. She says it's also cheaper but , you're also not dealing with luggage and airlines
I’m just old enough to remember when flying was still considered a luxury in the late 70’s & early 80’s. As a kid I remember getting to go to the cockpit to see the pilots & I got wings I could pin on my shirt & overall people would dress up. Even by the time I was in college in the early 90’s, when I was in college, I remember getting great customer service when my flight was cancelled because of weather but they got me in a competitor’s flight because it was going to be the last flight to Chicago that day. Flying now has gone straight to hell. I remember around 2004 talking to my mom about an upcoming flight I was going to be taking & I told her about how now you had to buy the food & this was on an American Airlines flight. I then said watch in a couple of years they are going to charge you to take a seat. I was joking at the time but I didn’t know how prophetic I was being because that’s essentially what had happened now.
If you compare the prices between then and now, you'll see that it _was_ a luxury, or at least a whole lot more expensive than now, even in economy. It's kind of the reverse of what's happened to TVs. Back in the day, TVs were expensive as f-k and not really very good, today you pay a similar or smaller dollar amount, despite decades of inflation, for a vastly superior product. With flying, it used to be quite pricey, but you got decent service, reasonably sized seats, legroom, and many included "perks". Today, the dollar amount you pay for a ticket is roughly the same, or less, but your seat is narrow as f-k, no legroom, no service to speak of, and you pay extra for every "perk", down to picking your seat, bringing checked baggage, etc.
Deregulation ruined the industry. When the airlines were operated as a regulated oligopoly, things were fine. Then some legislators figured they could improve things by opening up competition. They were wrong. Most of those legislators admitted this in the next decade or two. What deregulation really accomplished was to change what motivated airline decisions, which indirectly lead to the miserable situation we're in today. We have a model for how to fix it, just re-enact regulation. Pester your representatives, people! Let the lawmakers know we're tired of this nonsense. For a detailed explanation along with historical context including the tradition in the US of regulated monopolies in general, I recommend the book "Why Flying Is Miserable (and how to fix it)", by Ganesh Sitaraman.
Why would an airline not charge you for taking a seat? Isn't that the one thing they SHOULD be charging you for (since some other paying person could take that seat if you didn't)?
@@davecarsley8773 it wasn’t until about the last 10 or 12 years that you had to pay extra just to choose a seat. It used to be that when you bought your ticket they would ask if you wanted to sit & there was no difference in price within the same class. Sorry but what you just said just doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. Why would anyone be okay with paying for things that used to be included in the price. That is nothing but nickel & dimming people which is why the airline industry has gone from one of the most respected to being loathed right along used car dealerships.
it has been a long time for me too, pre 9 11, but on a flight from Bullhead City to Denver, I was asked if I wanted to sit in the exit row, and told I would have to help other passengers in an emergency. My wife quipped, " just try and stop him from helping" when seating us, she pointed out the requirements were in this folder and I should read them. She was a bit supersized and thinked me when she came by and saw me reading them carefully. I laughed and said, "we watch shows like seconds from disaster, so if I have to open that door, I will be tossing it outside the aircraft, rather then lay it across the seats. If they can reuse the plane but the door is lost, they can buy a new door." A door across the seats was found to be an inference to getting everyone off the plane in time in one show. She said " I knew you were the right one to seat here.
imo 9/11 was an insider job so they could kickstart the TSA into a new more restrictive mode for allready stressed passengers. The world economic forum is behind this, it's part of their agenda2021/agenda2030 , they don't want us travelling, they want us imprisoned in 15 minute hellhole 'cities'
Emergency exit over the wings is a "plug door" only meant to be opened in an emergency and has to come IN the plane to open. This is explained in detail in the instructions I read. You then turn the oval door to the narrow diameter and pass it through the opening to get it out of the plane, which is NOT explained in the instructions. This is not done in flight, only when it is safe to exit the plane. in the event of an engine fire on that wing, it may be able to be used as a heat shield so you can exit off the wing. The fact it has no hinges is why in a previous emergency someone laid it across the seats in the exit row extending into the row blocking exit row. As a small plane pilot, I study NTSB, and other airplane related accident blogs and such to avoid mistakes made in the past. I am also trained in search and rescue and advanced First aid/CPR so my mind set is always on safety and avoiding mistakes in a stressful situation. @@lucialuciferion6720
I call flying "Taking the chicken bus". In reference to the dirt cheap local busses in Mexico - where you are likely to see barnyard animals as well as human passengers. It helps keeping the flying experience in perspective....
In almost every sector! My pet peeve is the "no problem" response instead of "you're welcome". It feels like doing their job IS a "problem". I guess it's a generational thing but IDK 😐
@@Garth2011 the support personnel at Drs offices are most upsetting. More billing and scheduling than patient care. Some answering phones are borderline illiterate.
Because the vast majority of people want cheap. Ryanair has no respect for their customers, yet, they are one of the largest airlines in the world, because they are cheap. If it's cheap, people don't care enough about manners, or social etiquette. If it bothers you, pay for a more premium service.
AA used to be my go to airline, I have over 4 million miles on them but have NOT flown them in the past 10 years due to their hatred of their own customers. One exec was overheard saying, "This airline would run perfectly fine if we didn't have customers to deal with." lol.
I was flying back home on leave once from the Army when a stewardess came up to me and asked if I would mind changing seats so a family could sit together. I said "no problem." She then took me up and gave me a seat in first class. That's the only time I've ever flown in first class. It may not always pay to be nice but it oftentimes does.
My wife and I gave up our seats and debark the plane to our honeymoon destination. We're glad to help someone. Once back in the passenger lobby, personnel gave us both a ticket to fly anywhere in the Continental US, which we saved because we were on a round trip ticket anyways. 😊
It reminds me of the Carol Burnett sketch about premium and economy class on a plane where the carpet ended at economy as did her patience. Tim Conway had a very rough ride and didn't pay the extra fee for actually landing before he got off the plane.
We bought 3 tickets, one for our young child and we brought a car seat. We were at Narita Airport (Tokyo) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) was searching for something on the car seat, at the time I couldn’t understand what they were looking for but they could not find it and refused to let us take the car seat. Turns out they were searching for the term National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which was not printed on the car seat, but NHTSA was. We argued about it because they wanted to charge us to put it under the plane. We refused to pay it and took the seat anyways. When we got on the plane they refused to take off because of it. At that point I figured out what they were looking for and I found the NHTSA label and they finally let us keep the seat so we could use on the plane. The Japanese people, my wife included, are very nice but when it comes to rules they will follow them to the letter.
The self important gate agent ... sounds like my experience (a few times) flying United at SFO whole being 1K status and having a paid for 1st class ticket. I've also seen American Airlines leave the entire first class section empty with standard (economy) being 100% full. They only allowed some from the last row to 1st class first row when the pilot reported the plane was too rear heavy. And even they only allowed the back row people to sit in very first row or they wouldn't get upgraded. I now fly United and AA as little as absolutely possible.
I flew Spirit about 6 or 7 years back. It wasn't a horrible experience since I read up on everything ahead of time. It's cheaper to check than carry on. I didn't do it, but could have saved a bit more money by using a large suitcase with both our things instead of two smaller ones. I knew about the paying for snacks, so brought food along and bought sodas at the airport shop for about 1/3 of what they charge on the plane. Seats didn't recline, but I don't recline unless the seat behind me is empty anyway and at 6'3" my legs get crushed if the person in front of me tries to recline.
AA screwed me over by overcharging for my bags and then losing them. SWA treats us right with pre-boarding for us disabled folks and doesn’t overcharge. Two bags fly free.
I flew SW on Mother’s Day 10 - 15 years ago. Before takeoff they asked who were mothers traveling alone. 4 of us raised our hands. They moved the 4 of us into first class for the flight and gave us champagne and extra peanuts. Lol
This reminds me of my economics professor at London Business School, US born Paul Geroski, practical teachings; “when you observe increasing prices and declining customer service, smell absence of competition or collusion between market participants@“ . I suspect we are in the fist case with AA customer-hostile attitude.
The worst flying experience was when there were smoking and non smoking sections of the cabin. I did request a non smoking when making my reservation on an American Airlines flight from Chicago O'Hare to Detroit Metro. The plane was packed as it was a few days before Christmas. Unfortunately, I was an assigned a seat in the smoking section and had no choice but to suffer from inhaling and exhaling cigarettes smoke for most of the flight. That was the most horrible flight experience in the pre-9/11 period when there was free luggage and meals/snacks in coach seating.
I'm happy with air hostesses just being default respectful as anyone would be with any stranger. I don't expect them to act like magicians and slaves. I appreciate that they're doing a job and that doesn't have to include ingratiating themselves with me. Just get me to the destination alive and well, and I'm happy.
@@aaronmicalowe I hate double speak Why do we have to refer to people who are "woke" in the same category as normal people who are "Woke" Just crazy people crazy They've clearly never read a book in their life nor have the dignity to just learn what ingratiate means with the google search bar right next to their tab
@@aaronmicalowe you hurt him in his feels with the use of hostesses that is gendered language so by some effed up misuse of transitive property rules is automatically disrespectful..... the hoops they have to jump thru to be offended should win them some high jump awards.
It's funny to hear your viewpoint on flying. I flew enough for my Military position that I lost the desire to fly now if there's any other means available to me. Yes, we fly over to Ireland from time to time, but that is the extent of my wanting to deal with the cramped seats, crowded terminals, and grossly overpriced amenities. If I can't drive there now, then I guess it's not meant for me to go!!
I don't mind flying it's the sudden stop when you crash 😂😅. I had a flight from Mexico city to Phoenix. The difference at that time between first class and economy was a wider seat and my peanuts came in a glass bowl instead of a plastic package.
Yes, I recall those bags frames to size bags. I flew from Baltimore to Detroit. had a return flight 2 or 3 days later and the bag frames were switch out for smaller ones. Mind you I had been flying the same airline and route for several years. Then encounter an attendant telling me I had to check my bag for $50. The same bag I had been traveling with for the past few years. They finally let me on without paying the $$ since it was my return leg of the trip. But I haven't flown with them since.
If you have three or more checked luggage 1st class comes out less expensive on United. That's because the 1st two bags are included in the price and additional bags are at a reduced price. And, the puny little bottles of alcohol are $10.00 each in coach but unlimited at no extra charge in 1st class.
@@Spencer-wc6ew SW also doesn't have classes of passengers. There really isn't anyone the execs can point to and tell flight attendants the need to ignore those people.
My latest airline experience. 7-day trip. Outbound leg with 1 stop and a 23 hour layover. $588. Net result is a 6-day visit on the far end. If I had booked to depart the next day, $443 dollars with a 2-hour layover. Same 6-day visit. What really sucks is that the airline did everything possible to hide the fact that the one flight had a 23 hour layover. It was not obvious.
@@kingjbone1 Corporations have killed the customer relationship by turning the customer into cattle. The least they could do is put on an appreciative facade.
Its hard to smile with one knife in your back and another at your throat. Let me guess: mid-level management and less than 5 years until retirement? @@PacesIII
I’m so grateful to Southwest for being a consistently good experience for my son who has flown unattended minor nonstops from Missouri to california the last 9 years. Holy crap AA sucks. Sticking with SW. I’ve never had a bad experience with them. Their employees are wonderful people.
Well, everybody's mileage seem to vary. My home airport is very small and only a couple of airlines fly there, so our choices are very limited. I fly on AA and actually have not had any bad experiences. The ground staff and in-flight staff have always been cordial and helpful. In fact one time I was quite sure I was going to miss my connection because the first flight took off an hour late. As soon as we hit the ground I called the number to get gate info for the next flight (fortunately it was in the same concourse). The people in the seats beside me blocked the aisle so I could get out, and then I sprinted madly for the next flight. When I got to the gate, the waiting area was empty but the jetway door was still open. The gate agents greeted me by name and said they were waiting for me. (They knew my previous flight had just landed.) As soon as I was inside the plane they shut the door and started backing out before I even got to my seat. The flight attendant brought me water immediately because I had sprinted myself into an allergy attack and was coughing my head off. Of course there wasn't time for my checked bag to get aboard that flight, but they delivered it to my hotel once it did arrive. Well before bedtime, I might add. Another time I had to stay overnight one flight away from home because of weather conditions at the destination airport, which the airline had nothing to do with causing. Of course the entire planeload of people had to be on standby the next morning. I finally scored a seat and got home. Again, not the airline's fault; in fact they routed me to a different airport and then put me on a commuter flight from there to home with the rival airline that flies into my airport. It was a helpful airline employee that suggested that route and arranged it for me. And other employees were working hard to arrange flights for other passengers right next to me. All things considered, I have had no complaints about the service.
I remember being on a discount flight, with southwest, and there were maybe 10 passengers total, we were actually asked to sit closer to the center of the plane for balance reasons.
I flew on a 1 hour flight on a smaller plane last year and chose the $50 First Class upgrade ticket. The attendant gave us water only and spent the next 45 minutes going through her phone while the rest of the main cabin was served soft drinks and snacks. We got nothing. When I complained to the airline they blew me off and said they don't usually provide that service for flights of one hour or less. They didn't seem to care when I told them that economy class received service.
Huh I’ve flown both premium and basic economy and the next level up with AA. They treat me like crap no matter what. I’ve never been able to pick my seat even when I pay extra to do so. One time the flight attendant going around picking up trash took work documents from me and wouldn’t give them back. I’ve also ironically had the crew treat my seat as a trash bin and they just left a bag of trash on my tray and refused to take it. One screamed at me to stop crying when I was rushing to my Dad’s death bed after his accident. They’ve since my Dad’s accident have occasionally told me that people like me shouldn’t be allowed to fly. That I’m bad mojo. It’s amazing though that when I switch to either United or Southwest I don’t have any of these issues.
I’ve only ever flown Southwest for the most part and have never had such problems with the crew. Is that why the heart is their logo? One would assume all airlines offer great hospitality like Southwest.
@@SharpBalisong Southwest is the best I. My opinion. I’ve never had an issue with them and this past year I’ve basically flew them exclusively except for one trip where I went to an airport they don’t go. The difference was so striking. Even when I’ve had issues like last years meltdown at Christmas they were nice and helped as best they could. Last Feb. I also had some issues and the lady on the phone at southwest was so nice allowed me to change basically everything to get to where I needed to in a timely manner and when I had to get ahold of my mom to make sure she could get me at a different airport she basically was like I understand and waited a few minutes so I could get ahold of mom. Like I said nothing but praise for southwest. AA is a different story.
@@brentbeacham9691 Yep like I said in a previous comment I largely fly southwest unless it’s a situation I can’t avoid. The trip this summer was unfortunately an example of that as American was my only option….
I had to take an American Airlines flight back in 2012 from Phoenix to Denver. I’m totally blind, and I was still trying to get used to the idea of being totally blind at that time. That means that my experience was not exactly what you would call stellar. In point of fact, it was almost nightmarish. Between the TSA, treating me like a piece of furniture to be centered off the one side, to the flight attendants not being very helpful. The next time I had to fly up there, I went with America west. Much better experience!
At least when your trip in prison is done, the prison has not lost your checked belongings, or sent them to Dallas, Texas when you're flying to London, England.
I never had a problem flying in the past but now I feel the same way as Steve does..ive sen a lot of nonsense as airports and on planes to the point, I'd rather drive even if it would take me much longer to get to a destination.
About gate-checked bags: 1) The payable checked bags are allowed to be much larger and heavier. 2) I did allow them to check my cabin luggage twice. Will not do that again because I specifically packed stuff in case of a flight disruption and unforseen lay over. The first gate-checked bag arrived on the luggage carousel 1 hour after all the other luggage and the second time it did not arrive with me on my forced layover (they put it in the next plain as where I was not on that plain). GRRRR.
Try bringing your big carryon when flying overseas, they will check its weight, and charge you (right as you board) - they don't play. Only in USA can you bring large carry ons onto the plane. Drives me nuts.
I stopped flying when the TSA insisted on grabbing my nuts and feeling me up, and stealing my toothpaste at security checks. I just drive now, it's cheaper and a hell of a lot less stressful. They can get bent as far as I'm concerned.
Something not known to people outside of the industry is , while American ranked almost last in customer service , US air ranked dead last prior to the merger. Now the obvious conclusion you get with that scenario is the worst of the worst. It’s truly tragic considering what AA once was several decades ago.
They used to be the airline with friendly staff and great service and SW was 'budget'. Now the budget aitline has the friendly staff with better service unless you fly first class.
Makes total sense. You get what you pay for. It boggles my mind that someone would have the nerve to expect things that they could have paid for but chose not to.
In a normal world, companies compete to win the business of customers. In the airline industry, they compete to see who can offer the worst possible customer experience.
I see people flying with 3 bags carry on. And one of them is the larger hard suitcases. I usually go to my seat and there is no room in the bin above me. Flying international I am usually offered two free checked luggage. I check one.
One thing that I've watch happen a lot is people dropping off their carry-on bag into one of the overhead bins up front so they don't have to carry them to the back of the plane. This of course takes up space for the people actually assigned in those rows. One time I was sitting up front when someone dropped their bag into the first class overhead and continued on back into the coach section. One of the other passengers in first pointed this out to the flight attendant who promptly pulled the bag from the overhead and then made a call requesting that the passenger who dropped it off come retrieve it and stow it in their own portion of the cabin. When the person didn't come get their bag, the flight attendant made another call saying the bag would be gate checked if they didn't come get it. They didn't, so off the bag went to gate check land. Hopefully the destination of the flight was their last stop and they weren't connecting onward . . .
I'm honestly surprised they didn't treat it as abandoned (ie; potentially a bomb). I don't know exactly what they do with those, but I'm sure you wouldn't want it happening to your bag.
I was an air road warrior for years and logged over 500,000 miles. I have enough stories to write a book. These days people have no situational awareness or respect for other people. I rarely fly now that I am retired but when I do fly I just pony up the extra cash and buy a first class ticket. Expensive? Yes. But the comfort, service and freedoms make up for it....and as a bonus I can use their boardroom and relax in a private lounge with free drinks and snack prior to making my way to the boarding gate.
There are middlemen companies like Skylux and others that can get you business class seats for very competitive prices. The con is that you may not get a direct flight.
Last time I flew on a commercial airline, I comported myself in a polite, friendly, and courteous fashion, as is,or should be normal behaviour. Wish I could say the same about the flight attendants. They were without exception borderline rude. Perhaps they were all having bad hair days, or all of their favourite dogs died en mass, but one might think that if they couldn't at least be professionally polite, perhaps they were in the wrong profession Things have changed.
Attitude like that usually derives form a culture of crap from the top down in a company. Just my thoughts anyway. It seems to be the culture of so many companies.
@@mikepalmer1971 That's something we can agree on. I have actually refrained from applying for a job when I walked in the door and the vibes were so bad I knew it wasn't a good place to be, and it wasn't going to be any better should I become an employee. Upper management attitude trickles down.
@@mikepalmer1971 totally agree. Thanks. Bad management does destroy morale. I heard a saying in the 80s about flight attendants… “we’re here to save your ass not kiss it!” 😅
Flew American Airlines for years while in the military in the 80's and always enjoyed their level of service...Flew last in 2021 and felt like I was on a Greyhound Bus....
AA has two terms for stuff checked at the gate counter... Gate Check and Valet Check. Gate Check items you get to retrieve from the baggage area at the end of your trip. Valet Check you get to retrieve at the landing terminal gate. Not all planes are equipped with the cargo box for Valet check.
Steve, thanks for the airline stories ! Regarding the story where lots of passengers would lean on your movie screen, when I played hockey as a kid, I would have to take the public bus to and from hockey practice. I could place my equipment bag between my legs, BUT I would have to hold my hockey stick straight up. Many times, especially if the bus got packed, people standing or walking by me would grab my stick, thinking it was a bus pole to hang onto. I know my story has nothing to do with airlines, but your story mad me think of it. Thanks, Russ
Great point about the exit row seating. Fricking greedy airlines! I'm old enough to remember when flying was fun. Now I avoid flying, but fly Southwest when the speed from Point A to B is necessary. With Southwest you know what you get/don't get consistantly. No frills...no surprises.
I was on a flight from LA to Detroit on Spirit Airlines, the entire exit row in front of me had empty seats except for one elderly, frail woman in her late 70’s, who couldn’t possibly open the emergency exit door over the wing by herself. Since I was crammed in a center seat between two large passengers, I asked the flight attendant if I could take an exit row seat since I was once a Naval aviator and more than capable of opening the exit door in the event of an emergency. My request was refused, she said I must pay extra for the exit row when booking my ticket.
Experienced this on Delta when flying to Europe. Paid for Comfort+, they canceled my original flight. Got rebooked in basic coach. The experience was very basic and not as attentive. The return trip I was treated very different in my booked Comfort+ seat. Had to fight with Delta to get the price difference.
Just got back from Hong Kong on a 787 'Dreamliner'. We were packed in like sardines flying economy, sleeping was difficult. A horrible experience on EVA airlines to Seattle. Getting groped by TSA is standard. I have never experienced any extra benefits flying economy.
Wow thank you Steve for the info on airports. Flying terrifies me and never flew past the first only time as a teen, never again, and with this, very interesting video, yikes, never ever again, thanks Steve, whew!!!
I use to fly Delta a lot, work, and many times would get asked I f would like an exit row, no extra charge they tried to get people in those seats but do have to agree to and be able to assist with the exit in an emergency seems I remember being told the need to have someone in those seats if they can ?
The nickel and diming and charging for things that were previously part of the ticket price is what infuriates people. If they were smart, they’d charge for carry on bags and not for checked bags. If more people checked, boarding would go much faster and at least some frustrating things would go away.
@@johnp139 Yeah, I'm pretty sure the airport charges the airlines for each bag that goes through the baggage handling system. That's why gate checking is free - it didn't go through the airport system. Everyone is just out to nickle and dime everyone else for everything these days.
People asked for this for years. They kept saying "we don't want to pay for frills, we don't want meals, just let us buy a ticket." They priced their tickets accordingly and they do now. People complain about say, paying $3 for a soda onboard and yet would complain more if the ticket were priced $3 higher. so it could be "free." $50 for an additional bag - that's robbery!! $50 more for the fare to include the cost - "too high!!!"
@@gorak9000 Actually, that isnt the reason. The reason they charge for checked bags is because they make far more money hauling cargo in their cargo bay than they do hauling passenger bags. The more people who check bags, the less cargo they can haul and the less money they make. Many people dont know that airlines also haul some freight on passenger flights. And because every airline charges for even one checked bag, people dont check bags nearly as much, leaving more room in the plane for freight, which they get paid more for (and is easier to move). At least, this was the reason as i understood it.
I've been asked to move into an emergency row because they had to have someone there. I've seen them make people move who weren't willing to help or able to help if there was an emergency. I am military so I assumed that was part of why Ive been picked more than once but it was also delta/united flights.
Can honestly say I've rarely, if ever, had a bad flying experience. (If I have it's been on a US based airline, not the Canadian airline I normally use) However, due to my height, and personal preference, I pay premium for seat 1A (or 1E). For that I get 2 checked bags free, (regular economy get 1) plus carry-on and personal item. (Being in Row 1 I don't get under seat so both go in overhead) Blanket and pillow are on the seat on boarding (I never use either so they are at my feet throughout the flight) and meals and drinks are free. My last flight, the overseas portion had a business class, so I wasn't 1A but still bulkhead as the Business section was in front of the entrance.
I recently flew delta from US to Tokyo, connected in Tokyo on ANA to Osaka. The flight attendants on ANA were like a different better world of pleasant and nice compared to the indifferent sometimes rude delta ones.
As a consultant I use to regularly fly a connecting flight (last flight of the night, it might have been San Diego to Denver) on Friday evening and that flight had maybe a handful of passengers that would fly on that route at that time... and the attendants would often allow people to move up to business class since having them not scattered all over the flight was easier on them. The reason that flight continued to operate, was because the plane itself had to fly to get it into where it had to be for the first flight in the morning. I no long live or work in the US, and now try not to fly at all (locally I will take a 6 hour VIP bus rather than fly). If I do have to fly back to my country of birth (Canada), I make sure to avoid the US completely. If given the chance, I will avoid flying any American/Canadian airline as well... though it is harder since many codeshare flights operate on Air Canada planes/crew. The flying experience is not something I appreciate - especially in North America, and the United States is even worse than Canada (which is not good either).
premium economy. I'll have a glass of that to go with my fresh frozen yoghurt thanks. Could be worse. We were seated separately on our flight to Scotland because we didn't pay extra and they said "there is a chance" this might happen. The plane was about 20% full, and we were seated separately. We NEED to pay extra for that now, which I will go out of my way to never do from here on out.
Steve, towards the end of the video, you mentioned that people getting hit with other people's bags as they are loading. I travel with a backpack all of time as others do. When I get ready to hand my ticket to the gate agent, I put my backpack in front of me. It helps in a couple of different ways, it helps me make sure no one behind me takes anything out of my bag, I have more control of where my bag is and not hitting anyone (which just rude) and when I find my seat the backpack just slips off my shoulders and I either put it in the overhead bind quickly or under the seat. Coming off, I do the same, I want to be quick and efficient with my time as well as others. We all want the same thing, getting to the final destination safely and having a peasant time of getting there!
Oh my goodness. I can't believe so many people tolerate this treatment from airlines! I always drive. It's so nice traveling when you get to see different scenery and stop whenever you want to. The bonus is not having anyone treat you in a rude or unkind manner. 🚘👌🙂
@@gorak9000 I don't do short distance travels. Last week I was still doing my drive from PA to AZ. I do it in 4 days. It's nice. Sometimes I drive from PA to SC, and even though it's doable in 1 day, I often split it into 2 days. Is there really any air travel that can be completed in only 3 hours? I'm very skeptical about that claim. ☺️🤷♀️😁
@@kmstins That's great if you're retired and on no fixed schedule, but if you work and have a set number of vacation days, it's a total waste of days to spend them driving. And yes, you can certainly fly somewhere in 3 hours. Book evening flights - the airport is less busy, there's no lines, and things generally go smoother. Show up 1 hour before the flight, security takes 15 to 20 minutes, sit by the gate for 20 minutes. Flight is however long it is. Only take carry on, at the far side you just grab your bag and walk to the door (probably 10-15 minutes from the plane to the curb). You just need to learn to be efficient, pack efficient, and travel at less busy times. Also flying on Tues - Thurs or Sundays makes a big difference. Most people are traveling on Monday / Friday / Saturday. The other days are quieter
"people don't understand how personal space works on airplanes". 160 people in a 12 foot diameter tube with 30" pitch front-to-back and 17 inch width seats while having to sit between a 300lb guy on the left and 250lb woman on the right with a 6yo in front who keeps turning around staring, and two people behind sharing Durian and the man uses the term "personal space".
The first flights of my life were almost 50 years ago, flying to orchestra auditions, carrying a French horn. Would be flying on Saturday, the plane might be nearly empty, and the sweet stewardesses (still called them that then) would always find room for the instrument. Would offet an exit row or a bulkhead row. No TSA, you just got there maybe 20 or so minutes early on a standby ticket (couldn't afford fancier and they aiways had room). Wonderful experiences. Got to my return flight a bit late once, and the young lady knocked herself out getting me booked onto a competitor's pair of connecting flights - took her maybe 5 minutes. You coukd pay by check or cash, and they'd even cash a check for you. Fares were pretty much regulated, so the airlines competed on service. I remember my first flight on a DC10 - shoved you back in the seat like a drag car on takeoff. Window seats, such a joy, you could see so much stuff. Did I mention that fellow passengers were usually very nice also? No, I'm not making this all up. It ain't the same no more. Last time I had to fly ('07) was a 6-across Southwest 737, Love to Houston Hobby. Counting ground travel and early show-up for TSA, might as well drive. They didn't even pour olive oil on us to pack us in. Employer insisted on us flying, who knows why. Have for years had this ideal airline in mind: they buy farms here, there, and elsewhere near large markets and build their own private airports (no TSA) on them. They get turboprops of similar performance to the Avanti, with maybe 50 seats 1+2 across, all wide, all with legroom. All luggage is carry-on, stored in the tailcone. Free parking at the airport, and National is the car-rental firm. Flight operation is designed to break even at 50% load or less, so that's all the seats they reserve; you can usually call the airport an hour ahead and get a seat. All seats priced the same. Most flights no food needed, because there is a REGULARLY-PRICED food court in the terminal. Well-behaved pets (dogs and cats, not alligators) allowed on leash or in crate, in the passenger compartment. Because of the operational model, your door to door will always be faster than the scheduled airlines. One pilot, one first officer, one passenger officer. The head works and is kept clean. No screens, but WiFi for your tablet, and a charging port. Ah, just a pipe dream . . .
I don't ever remember blankets and stuff ever being Extra. Next will be a couple bucks for the Seatbelt. Cause you only bought the seat. And were you expecting Breathable Air 😂 ... shoulda upgraded my friend, it's only a 4 hour flight
Worked for different airlines for many years. I was never told to treat passengers rudely or disrespect. Plus it was not in my character. Customers are basically very nice. With each transaction I always put a smile on my face as the next one in line. Smiling makes our heart happy as well. Cheers.
I hear ya!! I would love the actually "flying" part and have flown numerous times. But I despise the whole airport "experience", enough so that I will drive 3 days straight, one way, to avoid flying. I am not "cattle" and refuse to be treated that way. No, I am not the type to argue or be rude or to be ugly to those around me. I will be polite, nice, and will probably talk softly and say please and thank you. But treat me like I'm stupid, treat me like I am worthless, treat me like I am untrustworthy, treat me like a criminal when I haven't done anything wrong, I'm done. Have not set foot in an airport in years and no plans to do so again.
Years ago my Dad and I flew from Sydney to LA on UA. My Dad was seated in business class while I was in economy, the flight attendant told me I wasn't allowed to vist or talk to my dad during the flight. 🙄
I don’t see a problem with not giving things to those who didn’t pay for them. As long as the flight attendant treats each customer with the same amount of respect it’s fair.
Like pillows and blankets or a decent meal so you are treated as a human? No ine is expecting filet mignon on coach but come on, airlines all over the world can do it why can't our airlines. American Airlines is the laughing stock of America
@@kathic6402do you understand how expensive economy tickets are now? And how they’re supposed to come with food and blankets? Only in the USA have they taken those away from the cheapest seats, which costs hundreds or even a thousand plus dollars
I flew quite a bit during 2000 during the height of covid restrictions and fear. Was absolutely wonderful! Empty terminals, nearly empty planes. Used an upgrade for first class several times and was the only one there. Was amazing. Oh, you don’t get any amenities in first class while flying domestic aside from whatever semi questionable inflight meal served on a napkin.
![ไลฟ์สุ่ม iPhone 295 บาท... โกงมั้ย?[ โกงมั้ยครับ ep.97 ] | DOM](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gdstHEE4UUE/mqdefault.jpg)
It’s difficult for me to believe that American Airlines had to remind their flight attendants to be rude.
I see what you did there. ~Flys away
During 2020 and 2021 Delta, who I usually fly, suspended operations in my local airport. Their footprint there is small, only 2 gates, so it was understandable. I took some flights on American during that time, and one after Delta came back because American was cheaper. At this point I don't even care if Delta costs more, I'll pay it just to not deal with American. Even when the staff weren't rude, the interactions with them were cold and almost robotic. Delta certainly has their faults, but I feel like I'm treated so much better.
So true, they seem to have the oldest and nastiest attendants
LMAO!!
I believe it.
The crazy part is ALL THE MONEY THE AMERICAN PUBLIC GAVE TO BAIL OUT THESES AIRLINES , We want our money back
PLUS all of the money for FAA/air traffic control AND the construction of the airports and the highways to serve them!!!
@@danielbeck9191 I want the same with sports stadiums. My taxes pay for the new stadium and then I have to pay to get inside the stadium I just helped pay for? Seriously...
@@keinlieb3818 That one just can't be fixed, if they made it free access to a stadium for all residents of a city and then held games with teams of any kind of popularity, that becomes a Crowd Crush type situation. No. Too dangerous.
@@rrai1999 then stop using tax dollars for stadiums. Average NFL team is worth $5b. Pretty sure they can afford to build their own stadiums, especially with the help of the NFL. Even if tax dollars do go to stadiums, NFL or teams should be required to pay that money back with interest. Same goes for MLB, NHL, NBA, etc. Especially when rented out to artists to put on concerts, or any other event requiring a large crowd. Major sports teams can and should pay for their own stadiums and same goes for universities as well. Every year billions are given to universities for stadium upgrades or new stadiums.
Even if it was free to go to a game, they could still have a system to control who would be allowed at the stadiums or who would be allowed in or some type of tax credit for purchase of a ticket.
Hate the 'To Big To Fail" narritive , a soild case of that.
If they could get away with it, I'm sure the airlines would install coin-operated locks on the bathrooms.
Omg shhh don’t give them ideas
And charged by the sheet for toilet paper 😂
Michael O Leary has half joked about it. He said you should have to spend a pound, to spend a penny.
Look him up and toilets, plenty of interviews from him about it.
Wait. That's a bathroom? In two square feet?
And you’d book the flight through the airline that did this if it was the cheaper ticket
I worked for AA for 21 years. I’ve seen management changes over the years that make absolutely zero sense. Management has always been the problem.
It usually is. I've been with the same company for more than 20 years and I would swear upper management is shorting the stock. It used to be a really nice place to work.
Management personnel have to make themselves look useful, so they make changes. Whether the changes are good, bad, or indifferent is of little or no consideration.
17yr here 13 delta and few AA. I’ve seen what you have.
Btw- did you retire? Can I buy your companion pass? Seriously? I’m obviously educated and know how to use it.
It is strange to watch management. The problem with management is that they have to appear like they are doing something to justify their rather high salary. If we are fortunate, then new management just rearranges the deck chairs to make things look a bit different. If we are unlucky, then we have new management actually do some really stupid things to show that they are super smart.
@@johnsmithers8913We’ve had to deal with constant stupid changes for the last 16 months. It’s beyond frustrating. Management will be the end for all of us. 🤬
I love being in the Air but I hate airlines. The TSA is my most hated experience.
Thousands Standing Around
It’s not bad when it’s run by private companies. Try clear.
@@benchoflemons398 Clear costs $150/yr, TSA Pre Check is $75 for 5 years. Or better yet, Global Entry costs $100 for 5 years which includes TSA Pre Check.
I had Clear for a few years (it came with Delta status) and it was rarely faster, if it was even available at the airport. And my experience with their agents was mostly that they didn't know their jobs well.
I won't tell anyone not to get Clear, but it is very costly for very few airports that have it.
@@benchoflemons398 I'm thinking of getting my license back and working on a small plane
Anyone who doesn't despise TSA isn't looking.
This is why the government should have never bail them out.
The government did not bail them out. Our tax dollars did. But the government did shut them down from flying anyone for a period of time. Twice.
Agree, let them fail, then let someone else rebuild. Executives make way too much money to have the feds bail them out...and they still ride of with their bonuses!!
If you’re not a business flyer, you will not like what happens. Economy seats are welfare at this point. Airlines would love to just have $1000 business seats with less planes.
Out of 535 members of the U.S. Congress (435 House + 100 Senate), *500+* of them fly *every* weekend.
@@MickyAvStickyHandsSo true !!
Remember when being in business meant treating your customers humanely and giving them the best experience possible?
Business is NOT BASIC ECONOMY! Listen!
Now people just want your money and they don't want to give any value for it in exchange.
Minimal effort, maximize profit.
Now when you go to the airport you are treated as a convict.
Damn! How old ARE you?
I used to travel 85k miles a year on airplanes. I was a member of every club and knew how to work the system well. That was in the 80’s. I’m old enough to remember smoking on airplanes.
These days, I ship my luggage to my destination in advance of my trip and only carry essentials like Rx. The least amount of contact with airline personnel the better.
Shipping has gotten stupidly pricey
@@GreenAppelPie still cheaper than checking your luggage.
@@RPSchonherr Not even close to being cheaper. How can you people be so unintelligent?
@@wolfmantroy6601not only are you calling him a liar you also have nothing to back up your statement. People like you shouldn't be allowed to breathe, let alone vote or have a voice at all
What service do you use to ship? Just standard mail?
Remember when flying was so special. I was 6 years old and invited into the cockpit during a flight to Disney World back in the 70's. From that day, flying became a dream. It's something I'll never forget.... now it's become a nightmare, lol
They did this up until 9 11, my brother and I would travel alone to visit our dad a few times a year and every single time with ATA. We would get to talk to the pilots, and check out the cockpit of the plane. Not sure if it's because it's the collective memories of a 5 to 11 year old, but it did feel special.
I have the same story, parents actually got me a toy plane with characters inside (I can't remember the brand, but the side opened and I could move the figures about) to go with the Flight pin one of the people (Pilot/Co-Pilot) in the cockpit gave me.
"Have you ever been to a Turkish prison?"
"Do you like gladiator movies?"
"I had the fish"
Remember when people actually dressed up to fly?!! Today almost anything goes as "comfortable." (I dress for comfort too, but not in short shorts, etc.)
same
Having recently flown American Airlines from US to Europe and back recently, I can confirm that they make sure the experience in the back of the plane is as horrible as possible. Leg room had me packed in with my knees crushed, and then they barely even gave us drink service a couple of times on a many-hours long flight . . . I had to go to the back galley asking for water several times to prevent myself from dying of thirst, and they were not polite in response to my polite requests for water.
It's more than that - Flying dehydrates you quite severely, especially if you've made the inadvertent error of drinking carbonated or caffeinated drinks. You were likely _very_ thirsty.
American Airlines is my personal "No Fly" list after experiencing issue after issue on one trip on all legs in both directions. That corporation is the perfect example of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing.
Passengers are allowed to bring water on board with them.
I have flown in every decade since the 70's and I'm telling you, things are intolerable now. Absolutely insane that people can't understand why there's so many rage issues in the air now. Smaller seats, paying for everything, less amenities, and flight attendants that are drunk on power. Why indeed?
There's nothing convenient about flying. You spend your time preparing for the airport, standing in the long-ass lines, waiting for your plane then you got to get to where you're going. For the most part I can drive anywhere I need to go and be there in just about the same amount of time. If I can drive there in 15 hours or less I'm driving.
Yes, you want everything handed to you at the "cattle-class prices"...but pay for business class? Of course you won't.
There literally is a fine level of service available but you don't want to pay for it.
How hard is it to understand that "cattle-class" is for extreme cost-saving and you get what you pay for? You have a choice but you have deadbeat entitlement blinders on so you refuse to accept basic principles of the market economy.
Yeah but also mostly it’s because everyone is on drugs
Do you estimate for robbery?@@pistonburner6448
@@Lurlly Are you trying to write in English?
Remember back in. the 90's, OK I'm old, there was a big problem with "passenger rage". I traveled a lot during this time and I can tell you most of the problems were coming from the flight attendants attitude. Once the airline started to teach their flight attendants to treat people nicely things calmed down. Looks like things are going full circle.
Close. The Flight Attendants are just doing what corporate wants. Go complain to corporate and see what that gets you.
@@kingjbone1 "I'm just following orders" isn't an excuse when a soldier does it, so it's not an excuse when the stewardess does it.
Actually the reality is the grunts get the blame and the bosses who order it get the glory. You want them to get fired for your happiness? its 2023, things done changed. like Reagan said: the business of America is BUSINESS, not people.@@stormisuedonym4599
@@stormisuedonym4599 You might get a less than ideal experience (no peanuts for you!) if you call the Flight Attendant a Stewardess, it can be considered offensive. Just a friendly piece of advice!
@stevemcglamery5368 old, is remembering when you could smoke on an airplane
The mindset of business is why I generally drive. I'm a nurse, and the people that I go above and beyond to serve, are always so appreciative. People telling me, thanks so much for the blankets or extra pillows, makes me feel good. I will continue regardless of what managers or administrators think!
Gee, you are practicing basic humanity, how wonderful. Kudos to you!
I have worked for years with the public and most people are not rude. The airlines are setting it up because they are doing a lot of things to make people mad. It is not the customers, not most people. I call coach the Kiddie Seats because only children can fit into them comfortably.
No, you just refuse to pay for the type of flying you want.
Go ahead and pretend to be entitled to super-cheap first class flights in your entitled fantasy-land.
People who pay the absolute minimum for amazingly cheap tickets aren't entitled to "friendly service" and pampering. They get the bare minimum, and that's what they want! People in economy have traded the level of service for low cost.
If they genuinely would want great service they'd pay for business class or first class. But that's not what they want.
@@pistonburner6448nobody asked and no body cares.
@@themanhimself3 Nobody asked what? This comments section is literally full of people asking for level of amenities and service which they have available to them for a different price, but they for some reason think they're entitled to that higher level of service without paying for it.
I flew often in the late 90's/early 00's. When you flew with people for whom it was an ordinary activity, there was little conflict. Everyone knew what to do, and didn't stress about the inconveniences because it was the only way to get off and on the island. The local airline was kind of a joke, but everyone knew it and tolerated things like flying over the ocean with the door not quite closed (you could see all the way around it.) But the local airline knew you were flying to the bigger island to go shopping (there was a K Mart on the bigger island) and they accommodated what you bought there.
That was before Sept. 11. In the Spring of 2002, we moved back to the mainland, and I've only flown a couple of times since. We drive everywhere.
Airlines hate their passengers. Businesses seem to be clueless as to where their profits come from.
Some flight crew refer to passengers as...ready for it? "The meat." I heard that from a guy who flew for a regional. I say, truth in advertising let's call economy class "steerage". Mooooo!
@@bob1505cattle class. It's a fact.
There was a time when I had luggage that visited more countries than I did. Hence why I don't check bags ever.
The reason why the flight attendant did not want the passenger to move into the exit row after takeoff was that they are required to screen and brief the exit row passengers before departure to make sure the passenger meets the requirements to sit there. It's better to move there just before the main door closes for departure. And ask the flight attendant if it's ok as a courtesy.
I always thought that being nice to the cabin crew made me a gentleman. It wasn’t for freebies.
Exactly. What happened to human decency all they care about now is, what’s in your pocket. I would never use American Airlines.
Yes, but that was before they took away standard services like food, a pillow and a blanket. They should be included. Is it gentlemanly to accept things being taken away from you that everyone else gets?
@@tyrelldiggzI’m curious how you agree but also disagree with OP at the same time
@@M_SC It's gentlemanly to not complain. You get your wife to do that.
I've found being nice gets me taken advantage of. If people can't be nice if people are nice to them, people will stop being nice.
Not be too nice to passengers? They are nailing it!
What do you expect from banks that happen to operate passenger planes?
I know a woman who when they fly for vacation she sends their things by UPS or other delivery. The hotels hold your luggage until you arrive. She says it's also cheaper but , you're also not dealing with luggage and airlines
Interesting. Probably more reliable also
I thought about that a few times, but decided to edit my clothing instead, deleting an entire second suitcase.
I've been doing that for years. It doesn't save you that much money, but it saves you a ton of time and hassle.
I do not believe you. Your story is a fabrication. The cost of shipping the luggage would be more than the airline ticket. Try again craig.
@@billycox475 You have not! It would cost you far more than the airline ticket! Damn people if ya going to lie but some thought into it first.
I’m just old enough to remember when flying was still considered a luxury in the late 70’s & early 80’s. As a kid I remember getting to go to the cockpit to see the pilots & I got wings I could pin on my shirt & overall people would dress up. Even by the time I was in college in the early 90’s, when I was in college, I remember getting great customer service when my flight was cancelled because of weather but they got me in a competitor’s flight because it was going to be the last flight to Chicago that day.
Flying now has gone straight to hell. I remember around 2004 talking to my mom about an upcoming flight I was going to be taking & I told her about how now you had to buy the food & this was on an American Airlines flight. I then said watch in a couple of years they are going to charge you to take a seat. I was joking at the time but I didn’t know how prophetic I was being because that’s essentially what had happened now.
If you compare the prices between then and now, you'll see that it _was_ a luxury, or at least a whole lot more expensive than now, even in economy.
It's kind of the reverse of what's happened to TVs. Back in the day, TVs were expensive as f-k and not really very good, today you pay a similar or smaller dollar amount, despite decades of inflation, for a vastly superior product.
With flying, it used to be quite pricey, but you got decent service, reasonably sized seats, legroom, and many included "perks". Today, the dollar amount you pay for a ticket is roughly the same, or less, but your seat is narrow as f-k, no legroom, no service to speak of, and you pay extra for every "perk", down to picking your seat, bringing checked baggage, etc.
@@rocketsurgeon2135 We took cheaper flights regardless of the lessor service or comfort. We still make that choice.
Deregulation ruined the industry. When the airlines were operated as a regulated oligopoly, things were fine. Then some legislators figured they could improve things by opening up competition. They were wrong. Most of those legislators admitted this in the next decade or two. What deregulation really accomplished was to change what motivated airline decisions, which indirectly lead to the miserable situation we're in today. We have a model for how to fix it, just re-enact regulation. Pester your representatives, people! Let the lawmakers know we're tired of this nonsense. For a detailed explanation along with historical context including the tradition in the US of regulated monopolies in general, I recommend the book "Why Flying Is Miserable (and how to fix it)", by Ganesh Sitaraman.
Why would an airline not charge you for taking a seat? Isn't that the one thing they SHOULD be charging you for (since some other paying person could take that seat if you didn't)?
@@davecarsley8773 it wasn’t until about the last 10 or 12 years that you had to pay extra just to choose a seat. It used to be that when you bought your ticket they would ask if you wanted to sit & there was no difference in price within the same class. Sorry but what you just said just doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. Why would anyone be okay with paying for things that used to be included in the price. That is nothing but nickel & dimming people which is why the airline industry has gone from one of the most respected to being loathed right along used car dealerships.
it has been a long time for me too, pre 9 11, but on a flight from Bullhead City to Denver, I was asked if I wanted to sit in the exit row, and told I would have to help other passengers in an emergency. My wife quipped, " just try and stop him from helping" when seating us, she pointed out the requirements were in this folder and I should read them. She was a bit supersized and thinked me when she came by and saw me reading them carefully. I laughed and said, "we watch shows like seconds from disaster, so if I have to open that door, I will be tossing it outside the aircraft, rather then lay it across the seats. If they can reuse the plane but the door is lost, they can buy a new door." A door across the seats was found to be an inference to getting everyone off the plane in time in one show. She said " I knew you were the right one to seat here.
imo 9/11 was an insider job so they could kickstart the TSA into a new more restrictive mode for allready stressed passengers. The world economic forum is behind this, it's part of their agenda2021/agenda2030 , they don't want us travelling, they want us imprisoned in 15 minute hellhole 'cities'
That door should be loose in the first place , it should stay attached imo , imagine that landing on a house etc
@@lucialuciferion6720 You... you don't take it off while _in the air._
Emergency exit over the wings is a "plug door" only meant to be opened in an emergency and has to come IN the plane to open. This is explained in detail in the instructions I read. You then turn the oval door to the narrow diameter and pass it through the opening to get it out of the plane, which is NOT explained in the instructions. This is not done in flight, only when it is safe to exit the plane. in the event of an engine fire on that wing, it may be able to be used as a heat shield so you can exit off the wing. The fact it has no hinges is why in a previous emergency someone laid it across the seats in the exit row extending into the row blocking exit row. As a small plane pilot, I study NTSB, and other airplane related accident blogs and such to avoid mistakes made in the past. I am also trained in search and rescue and advanced First aid/CPR so my mind set is always on safety and avoiding mistakes in a stressful situation. @@lucialuciferion6720
You are an absolute hero sir! In your own mind.
I call flying "Taking the chicken bus". In reference to the dirt cheap local busses in Mexico - where you are likely to see barnyard animals as well as human passengers. It helps keeping the flying experience in perspective....
The customer service we grew up with no longer exists!
In almost every sector! My pet peeve is the "no problem" response instead of "you're welcome". It feels like doing their job IS a "problem". I guess it's a generational thing but IDK 😐
It's because we're currently in a depression. Turns out, transferring our wealth to China to make stock prices higher wasn't a good idea
That also applies to just about every business today. Crap service from badly trained employees or numbskulls.
@@Garth2011 the support personnel at Drs offices are most upsetting. More billing and scheduling than patient care. Some answering phones are borderline illiterate.
Because the vast majority of people want cheap. Ryanair has no respect for their customers, yet, they are one of the largest airlines in the world, because they are cheap. If it's cheap, people don't care enough about manners, or social etiquette.
If it bothers you, pay for a more premium service.
I live in the UK and am so glad when travelling to parts of Europe, I can relax on a train.
Those high-speed trains are amazing and usually have a bistro or restaurant...
Flying at zero altitude 😂
AA used to be my go to airline, I have over 4 million miles on them but have NOT flown them in the past 10 years due to their hatred of their own customers. One exec was overheard saying, "This airline would run perfectly fine if we didn't have customers to deal with." lol.
That's easy to solve for AA
Just become an airline that only does cargo
Perfect.@@DaveBigDawg
I guess if he was talented, not drugged out or drunk, he could land (get it? land) with UPS or FedEx or one of those non-people airlines.
Yup.@@timothyjohnson6258
Who did that exec think kept the company going?
I was flying back home on leave once from the Army when a stewardess came up to me and asked if I would mind changing seats so a family could sit together. I said "no problem." She then took me up and gave me a seat in first class. That's the only time I've ever flown in first class. It may not always pay to be nice but it oftentimes does.
My wife and I gave up our seats and debark the plane to our honeymoon destination. We're glad to help someone. Once back in the passenger lobby, personnel gave us both a ticket to fly anywhere in the Continental US, which we saved because we were on a round trip ticket anyways. 😊
It reminds me of the Carol Burnett sketch about premium and economy class on a plane where the carpet ended at economy as did her patience. Tim Conway had a very rough ride and didn't pay the extra fee for actually landing before he got off the plane.
I remember that episode--No-Frills! Also, no window, no seatbelt...
We bought 3 tickets, one for our young child and we brought a car seat. We were at Narita Airport (Tokyo) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) was searching for something on the car seat, at the time I couldn’t understand what they were looking for but they could not find it and refused to let us take the car seat. Turns out they were searching for the term National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which was not printed on the car seat, but NHTSA was. We argued about it because they wanted to charge us to put it under the plane. We refused to pay it and took the seat anyways. When we got on the plane they refused to take off because of it. At that point I figured out what they were looking for and I found the NHTSA label and they finally let us keep the seat so we could use on the plane. The Japanese people, my wife included, are very nice but when it comes to rules they will follow them to the letter.
That sounds like a positive experience. Nothing wrong. I don't want unsafe stuff near me on the plane.
@@Notme-tq4xsPeople with sticks up their rear aren’t nice.
The self important gate agent ... sounds like my experience (a few times) flying United at SFO whole being 1K status and having a paid for 1st class ticket.
I've also seen American Airlines leave the entire first class section empty with standard (economy) being 100% full. They only allowed some from the last row to 1st class first row when the pilot reported the plane was too rear heavy. And even they only allowed the back row people to sit in very first row or they wouldn't get upgraded.
I now fly United and AA as little as absolutely possible.
I flew Spirit about 6 or 7 years back. It wasn't a horrible experience since I read up on everything ahead of time. It's cheaper to check than carry on. I didn't do it, but could have saved a bit more money by using a large suitcase with both our things instead of two smaller ones. I knew about the paying for snacks, so brought food along and bought sodas at the airport shop for about 1/3 of what they charge on the plane. Seats didn't recline, but I don't recline unless the seat behind me is empty anyway and at 6'3" my legs get crushed if the person in front of me tries to recline.
The main point: You got a dirt cheap ticket. Saved money.
I got an extra cookie on my last flight and I felt like a king among peasants.
What's your secret? I've heard of such things happening but always thought it was folklore🙂
I could listen your flight / personal space stories all day! So relatable.
AA screwed me over by overcharging for my bags and then losing them.
SWA treats us right with pre-boarding for us disabled folks and doesn’t overcharge. Two bags fly free.
I flew SW on Mother’s Day 10 - 15 years ago. Before takeoff they asked who were mothers traveling alone. 4 of us raised our hands. They moved the 4 of us into first class for the flight and gave us champagne and extra peanuts. Lol
@@bidencrimefamilymottof-cky953 Nowadays a bunch of guys would stand up and threaten to sue for discrimination.
@@bidencrimefamilymottof-cky953
Southwest does not have class seating. You must be mistaken. All seats are the same.
@@205rider8 They did years ago.
@@sexygeek8996 🤣🤣🤣
This reminds me of my economics professor at London Business School, US born Paul Geroski, practical teachings; “when you observe increasing prices and declining customer service, smell absence of competition or collusion between market participants@“ . I suspect we are in the fist case with AA customer-hostile attitude.
I actually had a flight attendant ask me to move to an exit aisle seat for the reason you said. Of course I obliged.
I recently paid a couple of dollars for an exit seat and the seat was AWFUL! It was harder and shorter than the regular seats!
Back in the 90's they asked "Do you mind sitting in an exit row?" as if those seats were undesirable.
The worst flying experience was when there were smoking and non smoking sections of the cabin. I did request a non smoking when making my reservation on an American Airlines flight from Chicago O'Hare to Detroit Metro. The plane was packed as it was a few days before Christmas. Unfortunately, I was an assigned a seat in the smoking section and had no choice but to suffer from inhaling and exhaling cigarettes smoke for most of the flight. That was the most horrible flight experience in the pre-9/11 period when there was free luggage and meals/snacks in coach seating.
I'm happy with air hostesses just being default respectful as anyone would be with any stranger. I don't expect them to act like magicians and slaves. I appreciate that they're doing a job and that doesn't have to include ingratiating themselves with me. Just get me to the destination alive and well, and I'm happy.
You are not being the minimum respectful in this comment. Using language outdated by 30 years indicates a disrespect for others.
@@M_SC Can you be more specific, or has the word "specific" also been woked?
@@aaronmicalowe I hate double speak
Why do we have to refer to people who are "woke" in the same category as normal people who are "Woke"
Just crazy people crazy
They've clearly never read a book in their life nor have the dignity to just learn what ingratiate means with the google search bar right next to their tab
What do they call a male "air hostess"?
@@aaronmicalowe you hurt him in his feels with the use of hostesses that is gendered language so by some effed up misuse of transitive property rules is automatically disrespectful..... the hoops they have to jump thru to be offended should win them some high jump awards.
His laugh gets me every time. It announces a surprise of absurdity or stupidity.
It's funny to hear your viewpoint on flying. I flew enough for my Military position that I lost the desire to fly now if there's any other means available to me. Yes, we fly over to Ireland from time to time, but that is the extent of my wanting to deal with the cramped seats, crowded terminals, and grossly overpriced amenities. If I can't drive there now, then I guess it's not meant for me to go!!
So the airline actually told employees to make the costumers experience as bad as possible until they pony up more dough.
I don't mind flying it's the sudden stop when you crash 😂😅. I had a flight from Mexico city to Phoenix. The difference at that time between first class and economy was a wider seat and my peanuts came in a glass bowl instead of a plastic package.
Yes, I recall those bags frames to size bags. I flew from Baltimore to Detroit. had a return flight 2 or 3 days later and the bag frames were switch out for smaller ones. Mind you I had been flying the same airline and route for several years. Then encounter an attendant telling me I had to check my bag for $50. The same bag I had been traveling with for the past few years. They finally let me on without paying the $$ since it was my return leg of the trip. But I haven't flown with them since.
If you have three or more checked luggage 1st class comes out less expensive on United. That's because the 1st two bags are included in the price and additional bags are at a reduced price. And, the puny little bottles of alcohol are $10.00 each in coach but unlimited at no extra charge in 1st class.
If you have three or more checked bags you're either going for over a month or have no clue how to pack.
The more booze you drink, the less the average price gets.
Southwest lets you check 2 bags for free on all tickets. And their tickets are cheaper than United's cheapest most of the time.
@@Spencer-wc6ew SW also doesn't have classes of passengers. There really isn't anyone the execs can point to and tell flight attendants the need to ignore those people.
@@Garth2011 yes
My latest airline experience. 7-day trip. Outbound leg with 1 stop and a 23 hour layover. $588. Net result is a 6-day visit on the far end. If I had booked to depart the next day, $443 dollars with a 2-hour layover. Same 6-day visit. What really sucks is that the airline did everything possible to hide the fact that the one flight had a 23 hour layover. It was not obvious.
There's no such thing as service with a smile anymore.
Corporate wants a maximum profit experience with as little wages, benefits and amenities as possible. And you want a smile? For what?
@@kingjbone1
Corporations have killed the customer relationship by turning the customer into cattle. The least they could do is put on an appreciative facade.
Its hard to smile with one knife in your back and another at your throat. Let me guess: mid-level management and less than 5 years until retirement? @@PacesIII
A frown is a smile, just upside down from how you're looking at it. 😊
I’m so grateful to Southwest for being a consistently good experience for my son who has flown unattended minor nonstops from Missouri to california the last 9 years. Holy crap AA sucks. Sticking with SW. I’ve never had a bad experience with them. Their employees are wonderful people.
Well, everybody's mileage seem to vary. My home airport is very small and only a couple of airlines fly there, so our choices are very limited. I fly on AA and actually have not had any bad experiences. The ground staff and in-flight staff have always been cordial and helpful. In fact one time I was quite sure I was going to miss my connection because the first flight took off an hour late. As soon as we hit the ground I called the number to get gate info for the next flight (fortunately it was in the same concourse). The people in the seats beside me blocked the aisle so I could get out, and then I sprinted madly for the next flight. When I got to the gate, the waiting area was empty but the jetway door was still open. The gate agents greeted me by name and said they were waiting for me. (They knew my previous flight had just landed.) As soon as I was inside the plane they shut the door and started backing out before I even got to my seat. The flight attendant brought me water immediately because I had sprinted myself into an allergy attack and was coughing my head off. Of course there wasn't time for my checked bag to get aboard that flight, but they delivered it to my hotel once it did arrive. Well before bedtime, I might add.
Another time I had to stay overnight one flight away from home because of weather conditions at the destination airport, which the airline had nothing to do with causing. Of course the entire planeload of people had to be on standby the next morning. I finally scored a seat and got home. Again, not the airline's fault; in fact they routed me to a different airport and then put me on a commuter flight from there to home with the rival airline that flies into my airport. It was a helpful airline employee that suggested that route and arranged it for me. And other employees were working hard to arrange flights for other passengers right next to me.
All things considered, I have had no complaints about the service.
I remember being on a discount flight, with southwest, and there were maybe 10 passengers total, we were actually asked to sit closer to the center of the plane for balance reasons.
Seems reasonable. Did you have a problem with sitting in a seat that looked exactly like your old seat?
I was on that flight. I was sleeping in the back.
10 people on a 737 is insignificant as where they sit.
On small planes what I call puddle jumpers, seating customers based on weight and balance is standard procedure
@@johnp139 There are other models of aircraft in service.
I flew on a 1 hour flight on a smaller plane last year and chose the $50 First Class upgrade ticket. The attendant gave us water only and spent the next 45 minutes going through her phone while the rest of the main cabin was served soft drinks and snacks. We got nothing. When I complained to the airline they blew me off and said they don't usually provide that service for flights of one hour or less. They didn't seem to care when I told them that economy class received service.
Chargeback on credit card? 😂
(edit: for failure to supply contracted services?)
Huh I’ve flown both premium and basic economy and the next level up with AA. They treat me like crap no matter what.
I’ve never been able to pick my seat even when I pay extra to do so. One time the flight attendant going around picking up trash took work documents from me and wouldn’t give them back. I’ve also ironically had the crew treat my seat as a trash bin and they just left a bag of trash on my tray and refused to take it. One screamed at me to stop crying when I was rushing to my Dad’s death bed after his accident. They’ve since my Dad’s accident have occasionally told me that people like me shouldn’t be allowed to fly. That I’m bad mojo.
It’s amazing though that when I switch to either United or Southwest I don’t have any of these issues.
I’ve only ever flown Southwest for the most part and have never had such problems with the crew. Is that why the heart is their logo? One would assume all airlines offer great hospitality like Southwest.
@@SharpBalisong Southwest is the best I. My opinion. I’ve never had an issue with them and this past year I’ve basically flew them exclusively except for one trip where I went to an airport they don’t go. The difference was so striking.
Even when I’ve had issues like last years meltdown at Christmas they were nice and helped as best they could. Last Feb. I also had some issues and the lady on the phone at southwest was so nice allowed me to change basically everything to get to where I needed to in a timely manner and when I had to get ahold of my mom to make sure she could get me at a different airport she basically was like I understand and waited a few minutes so I could get ahold of mom.
Like I said nothing but praise for southwest. AA is a different story.
The market has spoken. Don’t like X then go to Z.
@@brentbeacham9691 Yep like I said in a previous comment I largely fly southwest unless it’s a situation I can’t avoid. The trip this summer was unfortunately an example of that as American was my only option….
Agreed@@ninjagirl226. Southwest is best. It's the reason why I am a 3rd generation customer.
I had to take an American Airlines flight back in 2012 from Phoenix to Denver. I’m totally blind, and I was still trying to get used to the idea of being totally blind at that time. That means that my experience was not exactly what you would call stellar. In point of fact, it was almost nightmarish. Between the TSA, treating me like a piece of furniture to be centered off the one side, to the flight attendants not being very helpful. The next time I had to fly up there, I went with America west. Much better experience!
Typical customer service these days. They want to nickle and dime you for everything.
"Thank you for boarding sir, care to leave a tip?"
Airlines treat us like prisoners, not paying customers.
At least when your trip in prison is done, the prison has not lost your checked belongings, or sent them to Dallas, Texas when you're flying to London, England.
Delta has a fare for coach (main cabin) then a lower cost fare called (basic). So where are the Basic seats, on the wing?
A lot of companies treat people like they're an obstacle between the company and their money.
Yes, this is all businesses in the US. The customer experience is gone! We are all treated like criminals and it’s disrespectful
You wanted the cheapest fare. So did I.
I never had a problem flying in the past but now I feel the same way as Steve does..ive sen a lot of nonsense as airports and on planes to the point, I'd rather drive even if it would take me much longer to get to a destination.
About gate-checked bags: 1) The payable checked bags are allowed to be much larger and heavier. 2) I did allow them to check my cabin luggage twice. Will not do that again because I specifically packed stuff in case of a flight disruption and unforseen lay over. The first gate-checked bag arrived on the luggage carousel 1 hour after all the other luggage and the second time it did not arrive with me on my forced layover (they put it in the next plain as where I was not on that plain). GRRRR.
Try bringing your big carryon when flying overseas, they will check its weight, and charge you (right as you board) - they don't play. Only in USA can you bring large carry ons onto the plane. Drives me nuts.
I stopped flying when the TSA insisted on grabbing my nuts and feeling me up, and stealing my toothpaste at security checks. I just drive now, it's cheaper and a hell of a lot less stressful. They can get bent as far as I'm concerned.
Something not known to people outside of the industry is , while American ranked almost last in customer service , US air ranked dead last prior to the merger. Now the obvious conclusion you get with that scenario is the worst of the worst. It’s truly tragic considering what AA once was several decades ago.
They used to be the airline with friendly staff and great service and SW was 'budget'. Now the budget aitline has the friendly staff with better service unless you fly first class.
Makes total sense. You get what you pay for. It boggles my mind that someone would have the nerve to expect things that they could have paid for but chose not to.
Everybody wants a cheaper ticket. Me too. But you don't get first class for nothing.
In a normal world, companies compete to win the business of customers. In the airline industry, they compete to see who can offer the worst possible customer experience.
in a normal world, the dregs of society didn't fly. It was pleasant and safe for everyone.
No need to compete if you have a monopoly: Denver, Dallas, Miami, Houston, Salt Lake City.
I see people flying with 3 bags carry on. And one of them is the larger hard suitcases. I usually go to my seat and there is no room in the bin above me. Flying international I am usually offered two free checked luggage. I check one.
One thing that I've watch happen a lot is people dropping off their carry-on bag into one of the overhead bins up front so they don't have to carry them to the back of the plane. This of course takes up space for the people actually assigned in those rows.
One time I was sitting up front when someone dropped their bag into the first class overhead and continued on back into the coach section. One of the other passengers in first pointed this out to the flight attendant who promptly pulled the bag from the overhead and then made a call requesting that the passenger who dropped it off come retrieve it and stow it in their own portion of the cabin. When the person didn't come get their bag, the flight attendant made another call saying the bag would be gate checked if they didn't come get it. They didn't, so off the bag went to gate check land. Hopefully the destination of the flight was their last stop and they weren't connecting onward . . .
I'm honestly surprised they didn't treat it as abandoned (ie; potentially a bomb). I don't know exactly what they do with those, but I'm sure you wouldn't want it happening to your bag.
I was an air road warrior for years and logged over 500,000 miles. I have enough stories to write a book. These days people have no situational awareness or respect for other people. I rarely fly now that I am retired but when I do fly I just pony up the extra cash and buy a first class ticket. Expensive? Yes. But the comfort, service and freedoms make up for it....and as a bonus I can use their boardroom and relax in a private lounge with free drinks and snack prior to making my way to the boarding gate.
There are middlemen companies like Skylux and others that can get you business class seats for very competitive prices. The con is that you may not get a direct flight.
@@johnkowalski5756 Time wasted hours gone. Very tired. Arrive at 2am. No thanks.
Last time I flew on a commercial airline, I comported myself in a polite, friendly, and courteous fashion, as is,or should be normal behaviour. Wish I could say the same about the flight attendants. They were without exception borderline rude. Perhaps they were all having bad hair days, or all of their favourite dogs died en mass, but one might think that if they couldn't at least be professionally polite, perhaps they were in the wrong profession
Things have changed.
They're only paid after the doors close. They've changed since the 70-80s for sure. Still no excuses for being rude.
Attitude like that usually derives form a culture of crap from the top down in a company. Just my thoughts anyway. It seems to be the culture of so many companies.
@@mikepalmer1971 That's something we can agree on. I have actually refrained from applying for a job when I walked in the door and the vibes were so bad I knew it wasn't a good place to be, and it wasn't going to be any better should I become an employee. Upper management attitude trickles down.
@@mikepalmer1971 totally agree. Thanks. Bad management does destroy morale. I heard a saying in the 80s about flight attendants… “we’re here to save your ass not kiss it!” 😅
Ever try walking, accept or walk.
Thanks, Steve! Have a great day!
Flew American Airlines for years while in the military in the 80's and always enjoyed their level of service...Flew last in 2021 and felt like I was on a Greyhound Bus....
AA has two terms for stuff checked at the gate counter... Gate Check and Valet Check. Gate Check items you get to retrieve from the baggage area at the end of your trip. Valet Check you get to retrieve at the landing terminal gate. Not all planes are equipped with the cargo box for Valet check.
Steve, thanks for the airline stories ! Regarding the story where lots of passengers would lean on your movie screen, when I played hockey as a kid, I would have to take the public bus to and from hockey practice. I could place my equipment bag between my legs, BUT I would have to hold my hockey stick straight up. Many times, especially if the bus got packed, people standing or walking by me would grab my stick, thinking it was a bus pole to hang onto. I know my story has nothing to do with airlines, but your story mad me think of it. Thanks, Russ
Great point about the exit row seating. Fricking greedy airlines! I'm old enough to remember when flying was fun. Now I avoid flying, but fly Southwest when the speed from Point A to B is necessary. With Southwest you know what you get/don't get consistantly. No frills...no surprises.
I agree with Steve the flying experiences just not for me. I’ve done it Ben there don’t ever wanna do it again.
I was on a flight from LA to Detroit on Spirit Airlines, the entire exit row in front of me had empty seats except for one elderly, frail woman in her late 70’s, who couldn’t possibly open the emergency exit door over the wing by herself. Since I was crammed in a center seat between two large passengers, I asked the flight attendant if I could take an exit row seat since I was once a Naval aviator and more than capable of opening the exit door in the event of an emergency. My request was refused, she said I must pay extra for the exit row when booking my ticket.
Experienced this on Delta when flying to Europe. Paid for Comfort+, they canceled my original flight. Got rebooked in basic coach. The experience was very basic and not as attentive. The return trip I was treated very different in my booked Comfort+ seat. Had to fight with Delta to get the price difference.
Just got back from Hong Kong on a 787 'Dreamliner'. We were packed in like sardines flying economy, sleeping was difficult. A horrible experience on EVA airlines to Seattle. Getting groped by TSA is standard. I have never experienced any extra benefits flying economy.
Wow thank you Steve for the info on airports. Flying terrifies me and never flew past the first only time as a teen, never again, and with this, very interesting video, yikes, never ever again, thanks Steve, whew!!!
I use to fly Delta a lot, work, and many times would get asked I f would like an exit row, no extra charge they tried to get people in those seats but do have to agree to and be able to assist with the exit in an emergency seems I remember being told the need to have someone in those seats if they can ?
The nickel and diming and charging for things that were previously part of the ticket price is what infuriates people. If they were smart, they’d charge for carry on bags and not for checked bags. If more people checked, boarding would go much faster and at least some frustrating things would go away.
But checking bags costs the airlines more.
@@johnp139 Yeah, I'm pretty sure the airport charges the airlines for each bag that goes through the baggage handling system. That's why gate checking is free - it didn't go through the airport system. Everyone is just out to nickle and dime everyone else for everything these days.
People asked for this for years. They kept saying "we don't want to pay for frills, we don't want meals, just let us buy a ticket."
They priced their tickets accordingly and they do now.
People complain about say, paying $3 for a soda onboard and yet would complain more if the ticket were priced $3 higher. so it could be "free."
$50 for an additional bag - that's robbery!! $50 more for the fare to include the cost - "too high!!!"
@@gorak9000 Actually, that isnt the reason. The reason they charge for checked bags is because they make far more money hauling cargo in their cargo bay than they do hauling passenger bags. The more people who check bags, the less cargo they can haul and the less money they make. Many people dont know that airlines also haul some freight on passenger flights. And because every airline charges for even one checked bag, people dont check bags nearly as much, leaving more room in the plane for freight, which they get paid more for (and is easier to move). At least, this was the reason as i understood it.
Well, everybody wanted a cheaper fare. You got it.
I've been asked to move into an emergency row because they had to have someone there. I've seen them make people move who weren't willing to help or able to help if there was an emergency. I am military so I assumed that was part of why Ive been picked more than once but it was also delta/united flights.
Can honestly say I've rarely, if ever, had a bad flying experience. (If I have it's been on a US based airline, not the Canadian airline I normally use) However, due to my height, and personal preference, I pay premium for seat 1A (or 1E). For that I get 2 checked bags free, (regular economy get 1) plus carry-on and personal item. (Being in Row 1 I don't get under seat so both go in overhead) Blanket and pillow are on the seat on boarding (I never use either so they are at my feet throughout the flight) and meals and drinks are free.
My last flight, the overseas portion had a business class, so I wasn't 1A but still bulkhead as the Business section was in front of the entrance.
Thanks Steve.
I recently flew delta from US to Tokyo, connected in Tokyo on ANA to Osaka. The flight attendants on ANA were like a different better world of pleasant and nice compared to the indifferent sometimes rude delta ones.
As a consultant I use to regularly fly a connecting flight (last flight of the night, it might have been San Diego to Denver) on Friday evening and that flight had maybe a handful of passengers that would fly on that route at that time... and the attendants would often allow people to move up to business class since having them not scattered all over the flight was easier on them. The reason that flight continued to operate, was because the plane itself had to fly to get it into where it had to be for the first flight in the morning. I no long live or work in the US, and now try not to fly at all (locally I will take a 6 hour VIP bus rather than fly). If I do have to fly back to my country of birth (Canada), I make sure to avoid the US completely. If given the chance, I will avoid flying any American/Canadian airline as well... though it is harder since many codeshare flights operate on Air Canada planes/crew. The flying experience is not something I appreciate - especially in North America, and the United States is even worse than Canada (which is not good either).
premium economy.
I'll have a glass of that to go with my fresh frozen yoghurt thanks.
Could be worse. We were seated separately on our flight to Scotland because we didn't pay extra and they said "there is a chance" this might happen. The plane was about 20% full, and we were seated separately. We NEED to pay extra for that now, which I will go out of my way to never do from here on out.
Steve, towards the end of the video, you mentioned that people getting hit with other people's bags as they are loading.
I travel with a backpack all of time as others do. When I get ready to hand my ticket to the gate agent, I put my backpack in front of me. It helps in a couple of different ways, it helps me make sure no one behind me takes anything out of my bag, I have more control of where my bag is and not hitting anyone (which just rude) and when I find my seat the backpack just slips off my shoulders and I either put it in the overhead bind quickly or under the seat. Coming off, I do the same, I want to be quick and efficient with my time as well as others. We all want the same thing, getting to the final destination safely and having a peasant time of getting there!
ive got a roller backpack from samsonite. converts to stroller or backpack depending on the situation.
Oh my goodness. I can't believe so many people tolerate this treatment from airlines! I always drive. It's so nice traveling when you get to see different scenery and stop whenever you want to. The bonus is not having anyone treat you in a rude or unkind manner. 🚘👌🙂
With the acceptation of other drivers.
@@brentbeacham9691 Yes but, I'm not trapped inside my vehicle with them. 😉☺️
That's fine for short distances that you shouldn't be flying anyway. It's a big difference though when it's a 2 day drive vs a 3hr flight
@@gorak9000 I don't do short distance travels. Last week I was still doing my drive from PA to AZ. I do it in 4 days. It's nice. Sometimes I drive from PA to SC, and even though it's doable in 1 day, I often split it into 2 days. Is there really any air travel that can be completed in only 3 hours? I'm very skeptical about that claim. ☺️🤷♀️😁
@@kmstins That's great if you're retired and on no fixed schedule, but if you work and have a set number of vacation days, it's a total waste of days to spend them driving. And yes, you can certainly fly somewhere in 3 hours. Book evening flights - the airport is less busy, there's no lines, and things generally go smoother. Show up 1 hour before the flight, security takes 15 to 20 minutes, sit by the gate for 20 minutes. Flight is however long it is. Only take carry on, at the far side you just grab your bag and walk to the door (probably 10-15 minutes from the plane to the curb). You just need to learn to be efficient, pack efficient, and travel at less busy times. Also flying on Tues - Thurs or Sundays makes a big difference. Most people are traveling on Monday / Friday / Saturday. The other days are quieter
Got to love airline airline customer service.
"people don't understand how personal space works on airplanes". 160 people in a 12 foot diameter tube with 30" pitch front-to-back and 17 inch width seats while having to sit between a 300lb guy on the left and 250lb woman on the right with a 6yo in front who keeps turning around staring, and two people behind sharing Durian and the man uses the term "personal space".
The rule of personal space on the plane is occupy as much of it as possible right when you sit down, and never relinquish any of it.
The first flights of my life were almost 50 years ago, flying to orchestra auditions, carrying a French horn. Would be flying on Saturday, the plane might be nearly empty, and the sweet stewardesses (still called them that then) would always find room for the instrument. Would offet an exit row or a bulkhead row. No TSA, you just got there maybe 20 or so minutes early on a standby ticket (couldn't afford fancier and they aiways had room). Wonderful experiences. Got to my return flight a bit late once, and the young lady knocked herself out getting me booked onto a competitor's pair of connecting flights - took her maybe 5 minutes. You coukd pay by check or cash, and they'd even cash a check for you. Fares were pretty much regulated, so the airlines competed on service. I remember my first flight on a DC10 - shoved you back in the seat like a drag car on takeoff. Window seats, such a joy, you could see so much stuff. Did I mention that fellow passengers were usually very nice also?
No, I'm not making this all up. It ain't the same no more. Last time I had to fly ('07) was a 6-across Southwest 737, Love to Houston Hobby. Counting ground travel and early show-up for TSA, might as well drive. They didn't even pour olive oil on us to pack us in. Employer insisted on us flying, who knows why.
Have for years had this ideal airline in mind: they buy farms here, there, and elsewhere near large markets and build their own private airports (no TSA) on them. They get turboprops of similar performance to the Avanti, with maybe 50 seats 1+2 across, all wide, all with legroom. All luggage is carry-on, stored in the tailcone. Free parking at the airport, and National is the car-rental firm. Flight operation is designed to break even at 50% load or less, so that's all the seats they reserve; you can usually call the airport an hour ahead and get a seat. All seats priced the same. Most flights no food needed, because there is a REGULARLY-PRICED food court in the terminal. Well-behaved pets (dogs and cats, not alligators) allowed on leash or in crate, in the passenger compartment. Because of the operational model, your door to door will always be faster than the scheduled airlines. One pilot, one first officer, one passenger officer. The head works and is kept clean. No screens, but WiFi for your tablet, and a charging port. Ah, just a pipe dream . . .
I don't ever remember blankets and stuff ever being Extra.
Next will be a couple bucks for the Seatbelt. Cause you only bought the seat.
And were you expecting Breathable Air 😂
... shoulda upgraded my friend, it's only a 4 hour flight
The dynamics of a commercial airline trip could fill a decent sized manuscript
I shure would like it if the Gov't wouldn't give them "first class amenities" when they need a bailout every few years
They've had one bailout.
Three times Google it. That is only the most recent batch. Go back to 2001 and it starts counting again.@@wolfmantroy6601
@@wolfmantroy6601 more than one. Go back a few years
Worked for different airlines for many years. I was never told to treat passengers rudely or disrespect. Plus it was not in my character.
Customers are basically very nice. With each transaction I always put a smile on my face as the next one in line. Smiling makes our heart happy as well.
Cheers.
I hear ya!! I would love the actually "flying" part and have flown numerous times. But I despise the whole airport "experience", enough so that I will drive 3 days straight, one way, to avoid flying. I am not "cattle" and refuse to be treated that way. No, I am not the type to argue or be rude or to be ugly to those around me. I will be polite, nice, and will probably talk softly and say please and thank you. But treat me like I'm stupid, treat me like I am worthless, treat me like I am untrustworthy, treat me like a criminal when I haven't done anything wrong, I'm done. Have not set foot in an airport in years and no plans to do so again.
Years ago my Dad and I flew from Sydney to LA on UA.
My Dad was seated in business class while I was in economy, the flight attendant told me I wasn't allowed to vist or talk to my dad during the flight. 🙄
These younger CEO's and their focus groups have no clue what they are doing.
Thank you for reminding me why I no longer fly, Steve
Ben's on the Superbird hood. Sneaky guy, that Ben.
You don't really want one of those blankets anyway, we never wash them. Whatever time of year always bring a sweatshirt.
I don’t see a problem with not giving things to those who didn’t pay for them. As long as the flight attendant treats each customer with the same amount of respect it’s fair.
Like pillows and blankets or a decent meal so you are treated as a human? No ine is expecting filet mignon on coach but come on, airlines all over the world can do it why can't our airlines. American Airlines is the laughing stock of America
If you want nice things, pay for them.
@@kathic6402do you understand how expensive economy tickets are now? And how they’re supposed to come with food and blankets? Only in the USA have they taken those away from the cheapest seats, which costs hundreds or even a thousand plus dollars
How about I just break yours? @@kathic6402
@@kathic6402 OP was talking about a basic level of respect. Not about so called "freebies" Can't you read?
Good stories. Thanks!
Ben on the hood of the "71" car.
I flew quite a bit during 2000 during the height of covid restrictions and fear. Was absolutely wonderful! Empty terminals, nearly empty planes. Used an upgrade for first class several times and was the only one there. Was amazing. Oh, you don’t get any amenities in first class while flying domestic aside from whatever semi questionable inflight meal served on a napkin.