Airline rule changes

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/06/02/airlines-pay-bumped-passengers-white-house-says/

Never been a fan of govt intrusion into the private sector, but this is one time I'll make an exception.

Used to be, when you flew, you were treated respectfully and the personnel was genuinely happy to serve you. (For you youngsters, I'm referring to the mid 70's, to maybe the early 80's. You'll never know how pleasant it was to fly). Hot meals, free drinks, helpful, pretty, and friendly stewardesses, (in short skirts).

Boy has that changed! Now you're herded like cattle, treated like criminals, and everything is going a'la carte, even get charged for a mini pillow! And just Dare and hit that call button! I wonder how they recruited all those DMV workers?

Looks like the airlines are getting a little well deserved come-uppance.

Oh, but for the good old days. :cry

 

I recently flew to the Caribbean and had excellent service from British Airways. All very friendly, unlimited free drinks, couldn't have asked for more. It depends who you fly with and how much you pay really.

 

I never flown in an airline myself but in my priorities of items to dislike with Gov and USA. I remember being told often that peoples flights were very nice and only thing bad was ears popping. But from what I read while ago (dont know if its in the rules) but they were talking about charging more for the seats that the emergency doors were on(because little more room for those people). But I really just think many things are tring to get any ich of money for any reasons.

Few things when calling into to get your airlines seats and priced(figure what you will be charge for what you will need/use). One thing is over weight people its like asking them are you over weight, because you'll be charge for 2 type situation. I know the USA is full of big people and yes flying with a big person next to you may not be ideal but give them some slack they have to live with it enough in there lives and shouldnt have to suffer on an airline. I personally have a family member that is big and drives the car,she is short and so seat up close to steering wheel and belly against the steering wheel due to shortness. Now because of this she can not fit the seat belt that is in the car, not long enough. SO this person constantly getting pulled over for no seat belts, and she had to go to court and file some sort of issue regarding her not being able to fit the belt around.

 

FAA rules state that if you cannot lower the armrests on a plane fully for takeoff then you must purchase 2 seats, as you must be separated from the person next to you by an armrest during Takeoff/Landing in case of emergancy, as the armrests are reinforced and are designed to stop you crashing into the person next to you (I believe).

@McAdam: BA are one of the best in the world for a reason

 

I can't disagree with this. Many of the airlines, esp. the European ones, still treat their passengers as "clients".

My comments are directed only to the U.S. cattle haulers.

Or perhaps it is more the airports to blame, and I have no idea who runs these or who these actually are accountable to. Who can you ever even complain to?

I only know that flying these days in the states is hardly ever a pleasant experience. And there doesn't seem to be much of an emphasis on "quality" of this experience, certainly not like there used to be.

Fair winds, following seas.