I do think that charging for "meals" and, God forbid, luggage is absurd. We artificially keep the fare low and then tack on the charges. It's not just the airlines, though. I rented a car recently. The rental wa $117, but there was another $50 in taxes and fees! And how about hotel rooms? Depending on how many sports stadiums a city is paying for, your room can easily have 20% or more tacked on. And a $30 auto tire, after taxes, valve stems, warranty, recycling fee, etc., will probably run $50. It never ends...
I've usually had good SERVICE with the airlines, though. Which airline did you fly?
It seems like almost anywhere I go,anything I buy, any store that I wander in to, that any type of customer service is almosta lost art.
Its not just airlines--its everywhere.
I had two run ins with FedEx last week. One was something that I Absolutely had to have the next day and paid $198.00 for shipping, which was more than the cost of the item itself--it arrived in 6 Days. 6---for OVERNIGHT SHIPPING
Another Item I ordered took 19 days to get to me and then some bozo called me at 5AM to ask where to deliver it ( uh..try the address on the package that might be a good start...Is that 80 blablabla Street?...Yea....is it hard to find?...no ones every had a problem before.... are there any nearby landmarks?..well theres a Blablabla streetsign right there, a gigantic 80 on the house and a big note to FED EX saying THIS IS THE HOUSE on the door-- is that enough?) Mind you this was at 5AM--
--FED EX then called me 3 more times that day for God knows what reason to find a very simple address that a child could find before I finally snapped on some agent who was giving me yet another moronic runaround about nothing.
It's not just Fed Ex, It's not just the airlines, its rampant and unfortunately its everywhere
To me its no wonder that businesses fail.
Its because They should.
If anyone knows anything at all about service in this country, they should be making a fortune right now, because otherwise it is just about dead
...I don't like the security...I suppose it's necessary but I still don't like the feeling of being in Nazi Germany in 1941...
Got stuck in the Atlana airport for over 3 hours...I found the smoking room...my eyes instantly started to burn and the smell of smoke was overwhelming...I still managed to finish my camel...
the flights were bare bones...a bag of peanuts and a cup of coffee.
I never liked to fly---ever. OK, let me rephrase that. I always enjoyed the physical sensation associated with being in-flight. But, I have always detested all the protocol it involves. And, I haven't even flown since 9/11! Not necessarily because of that particular event, just because I haven't needed to.
Customer service: I work in a customer service driven industry. We get the frequent company pep rallies where it's stressed to us that "the customer comes first.", blah, blah, blah. Guess what? If, as a technician, you really adjusted your already over booked scheduled to make every customer happy, you'd be working 25 hours a day. It's the way these companies operate that needs to change, not the poor souls who are trying their best to provide a decent level of service. I think that's a point that needs to be remembered when addressing complaints.
Some of it depends on the particular airline, but here are some likely changes since 2000:
SECURITY: It varies from airport to airport and with time of day, but expect a much longer time in line. When you finally get to the front of the line, expect to have to remove all metal, including coins, rings, belt, and your SHOES. Your carry-on may also get a random drug check (the surface is wiped with a chemically-treated tissue to detect traces of drugs). Also, you may not be able to carry on larger-sized toiletries (shampoo, shaving cream, cologne). I'd pick up some travel-size items at a local drug store or the like.
LUGGAGE: not much difference in the actual handling of suitcases, etc., though many airlines charge extra now if you have checked baggage. Also, when you get to your destination and open your luggage, you might find a nice note from the Transportation Security Agency letting you know that they opened your bag and rifled through the contents.
MEALS: except in First Class, airlines now provide really minimal food service, often none at all if the flight isn't during "meal time." You'll probably still get a soft drink and some pretzels. And, airlines are now letting you bring your own food on board.
SEATING: still generally pretty crowded, especially since airlines have reduced the number of flights. The "emergency egress" seats near the wings usually have a bit more leg room, but those seats get reserved pretty quickly (for that reason).
Actually, you probably can still check your bags at the curb. I suspect that tipping is accepted,especially if the attendant refers to himself as a "Sky Cap."
George
One more thing: Only ticketed passengers can go past security to the gate. So, no family to see you off, or meet you at the arriving gate. If soneone is picking you up, you can meet at baggage claim or outside the terminal.
Although a lot of what has been commented on in this thread applies worldwide, I have to say that the air service personnel in the US are soooooo unpleasant that many people I know who do choose to fly will go "the other way round" so as to avoid having to pass via the US.
And that's despite getting twice the luggage allowance. If passengers fly via the US, they can take twice as much, weight-wise.
For a country that (says it) prides itself on good service, the US air service industry has such a looooong way to go, to match the reality with the hype.
Actually, you probably can still check your bags at the curb. I suspect that tipping is accepted,especially if the attendant refers to himself as a "Sky Cap."
George
One more thing: Only ticketed passengers can go past security to the gate. So, no family to see you off, or meet you at the arriving gate. If soneone is picking you up, you can meet at baggage claim or outside the terminal.
Last time I flew (early July) nobody was passing bags to Sky Caps to check through...all bags had to be brought to the check in counter and weighed. Each bag had to be paid for then (It was not on the price of the ticket) and also if the bag was over 50 pounds bore an additional charge. This was on Continental Air.
The only airline that I know of at the moment that still takes one bag per passenger FREE is Jet Blue.
I'm worried. I plan to fly to Florida this fall and it will be my first flight since Nov' of 2000. Anything I should be prepared for ?
..... And Tommy, whatever you do, DO NOT make any jokes or off hand remarks regarding security, bombs, guns, etc --- even if in total jest. I'm not trying to be bossy, I just don't want to read about you in the next day's headlines There is as an absolute No Tolerance policy.
And make sure you never, _never_ tick off the flight attendants. ... Unless you want to watch one curse out the passengers and slide down the escape chute.
Last time I flew (early July) nobody was passing bags to Sky Caps to check through...all bags had to be brought to the check in counter and weighed. Each bag had to be paid for then (It was not on the price of the ticket) and also if the bag was over 50 pounds bore an additional charge. This was on Continental Air.
The only airline that I know of at the moment that still takes one bag per passenger FREE is Jet Blue.
Actually, I usually fly Continental, living near Houston, and all. I flew to Vegas a month ago. In Houston, I had to bring my luggage (a bari sax) to the counter, but on my return trip I could check the instrument at the curb. The attendant there referred to himself as a "Sky Cap." In both cases, I prepaid for the saxophone online. (Fortunately, it weighs less than 50 lbs.)
Actually, I usually fly Continental, living near Houston, and all. I flew to Vegas a month ago. In Houston, I had to bring my luggage (a bari sax) to the counter, but on my return trip I could check the instrument at the curb. The attendant there referred to himself as a "Sky Cap." In both cases, I prepaid for the saxophone online. (Fortunately, it weighs less than 50 lbs.)
George
GsG - - - They wouldn't let you carry it on board?? Something like that should easily fit in an overhead compartment.
edited to add - - - that's smaller than a banjo case, and those fit overhead. Hmmmmm.
Recommended Posts
GeorgeStGeorge
I do think that charging for "meals" and, God forbid, luggage is absurd. We artificially keep the fare low and then tack on the charges. It's not just the airlines, though. I rented a car recently. The rental wa $117, but there was another $50 in taxes and fees! And how about hotel rooms? Depending on how many sports stadiums a city is paying for, your room can easily have 20% or more tacked on. And a $30 auto tire, after taxes, valve stems, warranty, recycling fee, etc., will probably run $50. It never ends...
I've usually had good SERVICE with the airlines, though. Which airline did you fly?
George
Link to comment
Share on other sites
ex70sHouston
Delta, whom I use to get great service from.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
mstar1
It seems like almost anywhere I go,anything I buy, any store that I wander in to, that any type of customer service is almosta lost art.
Its not just airlines--its everywhere.
I had two run ins with FedEx last week. One was something that I Absolutely had to have the next day and paid $198.00 for shipping, which was more than the cost of the item itself--it arrived in 6 Days. 6---for OVERNIGHT SHIPPING
Another Item I ordered took 19 days to get to me and then some bozo called me at 5AM to ask where to deliver it ( uh..try the address on the package that might be a good start...Is that 80 blablabla Street?...Yea....is it hard to find?...no ones every had a problem before.... are there any nearby landmarks?..well theres a Blablabla streetsign right there, a gigantic 80 on the house and a big note to FED EX saying THIS IS THE HOUSE on the door-- is that enough?) Mind you this was at 5AM--
--FED EX then called me 3 more times that day for God knows what reason to find a very simple address that a child could find before I finally snapped on some agent who was giving me yet another moronic runaround about nothing.
It's not just Fed Ex, It's not just the airlines, its rampant and unfortunately its everywhere
To me its no wonder that businesses fail.
Its because They should.
If anyone knows anything at all about service in this country, they should be making a fortune right now, because otherwise it is just about dead
Link to comment
Share on other sites
GrouchoMarxJr
My recent flying experience...
Had to go from Ohio to Louisianna and back...
...I don't like the security...I suppose it's necessary but I still don't like the feeling of being in Nazi Germany in 1941...
Got stuck in the Atlana airport for over 3 hours...I found the smoking room...my eyes instantly started to burn and the smell of smoke was overwhelming...I still managed to finish my camel...
the flights were bare bones...a bag of peanuts and a cup of coffee.
No thanks, next time I drive...
Link to comment
Share on other sites
waysider
I never liked to fly---ever. OK, let me rephrase that. I always enjoyed the physical sensation associated with being in-flight. But, I have always detested all the protocol it involves. And, I haven't even flown since 9/11! Not necessarily because of that particular event, just because I haven't needed to.
Customer service: I work in a customer service driven industry. We get the frequent company pep rallies where it's stressed to us that "the customer comes first.", blah, blah, blah. Guess what? If, as a technician, you really adjusted your already over booked scheduled to make every customer happy, you'd be working 25 hours a day. It's the way these companies operate that needs to change, not the poor souls who are trying their best to provide a decent level of service. I think that's a point that needs to be remembered when addressing complaints.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
TOMMYZ
I'm worried. I plan to fly to Florida this fall and it will be my first flight since Nov' of 2000. Anything I should be prepared for ?
Link to comment
Share on other sites
GeorgeStGeorge
Tommy,
Some of it depends on the particular airline, but here are some likely changes since 2000:
SECURITY: It varies from airport to airport and with time of day, but expect a much longer time in line. When you finally get to the front of the line, expect to have to remove all metal, including coins, rings, belt, and your SHOES. Your carry-on may also get a random drug check (the surface is wiped with a chemically-treated tissue to detect traces of drugs). Also, you may not be able to carry on larger-sized toiletries (shampoo, shaving cream, cologne). I'd pick up some travel-size items at a local drug store or the like.
LUGGAGE: not much difference in the actual handling of suitcases, etc., though many airlines charge extra now if you have checked baggage. Also, when you get to your destination and open your luggage, you might find a nice note from the Transportation Security Agency letting you know that they opened your bag and rifled through the contents.
MEALS: except in First Class, airlines now provide really minimal food service, often none at all if the flight isn't during "meal time." You'll probably still get a soft drink and some pretzels. And, airlines are now letting you bring your own food on board.
SEATING: still generally pretty crowded, especially since airlines have reduced the number of flights. The "emergency egress" seats near the wings usually have a bit more leg room, but those seats get reserved pretty quickly (for that reason).
CRYING BABIES: no change. ;)
George
Link to comment
Share on other sites
TOMMYZ
So no more tipping the guy at the curb $1 or $2 to check the bags in right there ?
I'll be flying out of O'Hare or Midway.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
GeorgeStGeorge
Actually, you probably can still check your bags at the curb. I suspect that tipping is accepted,especially if the attendant refers to himself as a "Sky Cap."
George
One more thing: Only ticketed passengers can go past security to the gate. So, no family to see you off, or meet you at the arriving gate. If soneone is picking you up, you can meet at baggage claim or outside the terminal.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Twinky
Although a lot of what has been commented on in this thread applies worldwide, I have to say that the air service personnel in the US are soooooo unpleasant that many people I know who do choose to fly will go "the other way round" so as to avoid having to pass via the US.
And that's despite getting twice the luggage allowance. If passengers fly via the US, they can take twice as much, weight-wise.
For a country that (says it) prides itself on good service, the US air service industry has such a looooong way to go, to match the reality with the hype.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
krys
Last time I flew (early July) nobody was passing bags to Sky Caps to check through...all bags had to be brought to the check in counter and weighed. Each bag had to be paid for then (It was not on the price of the ticket) and also if the bag was over 50 pounds bore an additional charge. This was on Continental Air.
The only airline that I know of at the moment that still takes one bag per passenger FREE is Jet Blue.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Flow7
..... And Tommy, whatever you do, DO NOT make any jokes or off hand remarks regarding security, bombs, guns, etc --- even if in total jest. I'm not trying to be bossy, I just don't want to read about you in the next day's headlines
There is as an absolute No Tolerance policy.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
GarthP2000
And make sure you never, _never_ tick off the flight attendants. ... Unless you want to watch one curse out the passengers and slide down the escape chute.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
GeorgeStGeorge
Actually, I usually fly Continental, living near Houston, and all. I flew to Vegas a month ago. In Houston, I had to bring my luggage (a bari sax) to the counter, but on my return trip I could check the instrument at the curb. The attendant there referred to himself as a "Sky Cap." In both cases, I prepaid for the saxophone online. (Fortunately, it weighs less than 50 lbs.)
George
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Watered Garden
Well, at least they don't require a colonoscopy before they let you on the plane (yet). <_<
Link to comment
Share on other sites
dmiller
GsG - - - They wouldn't let you carry it on board?? Something like that should easily fit in an overhead compartment.
edited to add - - - that's smaller than a banjo case, and those fit overhead. Hmmmmm.
Edited by dmillerLink to comment
Share on other sites
GeorgeStGeorge
Dude, this isn't an ALTO sax, it's a BARI. The case is 4 feet long.
George
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Sudo
Does it have a lower 'A' key? :)
sudo
Link to comment
Share on other sites
GeorgeStGeorge
Yes. It would have to be over 40 years old not to have one!
George
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.