N6376M From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Posted (9 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 1725 times:
It's obvious that many people are unsatisfied with air travel. Airlines are looking to cut costs where ever possible so that they can survive, travelers are growing increasingly frustrated with what air travel in this day and age means, and airline employees, most of which are like the rest of us try to do their jobs as best as they can, end up bearing the brunt of this dissatisfaction.
My question is, "What one thing would you suggest airlines do to improve the quality of the travel experience." Let's try to keep it realistic based on the fact that airlines are private businesses and need to make money to survive (i.e. no suggestions like - make every seat a sleeper seat in economy). I think that there are many changes, most of which would cost very little money, but could go a long way toward bridging the gap between customer expectations and the business needs of the airlines.
I'll start this off by offering my suggestion - Be honest with your customers. If a flight is going to be 2 hours late, tell everyone to get lost for two hours. Don't keep changing the departure time in 15 minute intervals when the flight hasn't even arrived and the scheduled departure time is already upon us.
WGW2707 From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 1197 posts, RR: 38 Reply 1, posted (9 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 1711 times:
I suggest two things: set the minimum seat pitch in coach to 33" for all flights, setting aside certain rows of 35" for extremely tall passengers, and allow coach passengers to buy "Business-Class Meal Service" throughout the flight for a fixed supplement. The later option would improve service without causing the airline to bear increased financial risk. In general, improvements in meal service should be made industry-wide. Also, electronic automatic luggage tracking would be a major help.
WNfan From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 203 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (9 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 1694 times:
I would say get rid of change fees -- they have become outrageous. To change my travel date takes a five-minute phone call that shouldn't cost anywhere near a hundred bucks.
Goboeing From United States of America, joined Jun 2000, 2631 posts, RR: 12 Reply 3, posted (9 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 days 11 hours ago) and read 1677 times:
I think if all of the bureacracy was taken out of the industry, everything would improve. Treat the passengers with respect from the moment they're on airport property to the moment they are leaving the destination airport. Airport security, gate agents, f/a's, etc. They shouldn't have a bad attitude while on the job.
StevenUhl777 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 5, posted (9 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 days 9 hours ago) and read 1649 times:
JAL777: Exactly...one brave carrier has to do it and make it work before others will attempt it themselves. I don't see any volunteers. Each market is unique, and so it makes it difficult to apply a "blanket" approach to a big problem. Make one person happier, piss off someone else.
Goboeing: In a perfect world, there would be no beuracracy. Some of it is truly ridiculous and unnecessary. However, security is now handled by the government and totally independent of the operation each airline runs. It would be great if all of the the public contact employees wore rose-colored glasses and smiled and had a wonderful attitude 100% of the time. That's not realistic. I really have a lot of sympathy for them, given what they have to deal with these days. Even before 9/11, there were passengers who were verbally and physically abusive towards these employees, and then other types who paid next to nothing for their flight, yet they expect to be treated like royalty. I can understand why an airline employee would be less than thrilled to deal with these types of passengers.
electronic automatic luggage tracking would be a major help
Don't all airlines already have this? I'd say the system is already in place, but prone to human error. If they can cut down on mishandled bags, that would make people happier!
AlitaliaORD From United States of America, joined Aug 2003, 242 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (9 years 9 months 2 weeks 3 days 9 hours ago) and read 1637 times:
how bout refusing travel to all the whiners. I cant stand the guy who complains the whole flight about paying $74 for a round trip from LAX to to PHX. Just shut up and let me enjoy the peanuts on my Southwest flight!
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