Comments on: Airline Industry Overview

By: James

James — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:49:18 +0000

I don’t do a whole lot of traveling but over the years it has grown to be more and more of a pain and a hassle. The loss of space because the airlines are squeezing more seats in the same cabin space along with the removal of services has completely ruined the travel experience. The real sad part is that I don’t think the industry is even listening. They made all these changes under the guise of being able to provide their customers with “better service.” Are they serious?!? How can they say that with a straight face. How is nickel and diming us for every little thing providing better service?

How is it that Southwest can still fly without charging for the first two bags and everyone else charges a minumum of $25? It’s ridiculous. Rapidly running out of overhead space because of an increase in carry ons was something that should have been completely obvious when they decided to start charging for checked bags. I think you’re right when you say to expect to pay a fee for carry ons. I’ll do you one better. Expect a change in the size requirement for carry ons so you will have no choice but to check the bag. So now what happens if we’re traveling with gear and a laptop and it doesn’t meet the requirement? Do I check it?? I don’t think so. When that day comes, that will be the day a lot of us stop flying. I can see mass revolt. They can save money by not paying their board of directors so much.

The industry getting their proverbial ‘act’ together has long been overdue. I can remember not too long ago when you got a decent breakfast on a United red-eye flight and carriers served lunch or dinner. Now what do we have peanuts, crackers or pretzels? Are you kidding me? I think air travel will soon become an activity for business travellers because they have to and the rich because they can afford all the fees. The ordinary guy like me won’t be doing anymore flying.

By: Unknown

Unknown — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 04:23:24 +0000

Amen to both the original article and the first post. I was just stranded in Malaysia when the Bangkok airport was overtaken by protesters. Thai Airways put me in a 5-star hotel and covered my meals for 3 days without complain. (Their liability was zero for a delay due to political events.) They rerouted over 500 people that had destinations outside of Thailand. They ended up booking me on a VIP bus from Penang Malaysia to Chiang Mai. If you ever have the option, I recommend Thai Airways.

By: David

David — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:21:45 +0000

Rolando, what you have talked about is why when I go to Asia, I fly the shortest distance I can on an American carrier to get me on an Asian carrier (usually Thai Air).

The best example I have to demonstrate the difference in how you are treated by Thai Air (and there are many examples) is the apology I got in Bangkok when I was checking in for the trip back to LA. Due to a plane change, they had to bump me from Premium Economy class to Business class. They were very concerned and apologized for only having an isle seat available in Business class when I had a window seat booked in Premium Economy.

Oh, and don’t get me started on TSA. The last trip to Asia, I had 14 departures or arrivals, 4 of which were in the U.S. Even in a small country like Bhutan, the airport security personnel were more thorough, more efficient, and more polite than any I went through in the U.S. That was especially true in Tokyo. They should sent the TSA folks there to see how professional work.

I am so looking forward to retiring to Asia.