"Friendly" Skies

[talon]

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63540720100406

This is part of the airline ticket price. I would rather pay a slightly higher price overall for a ticket and have everyone be able to check at least one bag and to carry on a few things - like an emergency bag in case the airline loses the checked bag (and don't tell me airlines never lose checked luggage - we all know better than that!), a laptop, some basic necessities like food and drink (the airlines need to get over the "no liquids" rule - if it's in a brand new unopened can or bottle, passengers should be able to bring their own beverages on board), a diaper bag if accompanied by an infant or small child, a pet bag if accompanied by a small pet or service animal, and a purse or some such. That's all in the ticket price.

Fees come in for excessive baggage and extras. Using the on board toilet is not an extra - where else is the passenger to go - the cockpit? It's not like they can stop at the next service station or restaurant, is it? If passengers cannot carry on their own food and beverages, they shouldn't have to pay an extra fee for that, either.

I still remember when customer satisfaction was the keynote of an airline, almost everyone was friendly and helpful, and passengers were generally pleasant because they weren't all stressed out and worried about the nickel and diming, the inspections, the constant assumption that they were criminals instead of people trying to get from Point A to Point B.

I think most passengers might be willing to pay higher ticket process if they didn't get treated like a combination of suspects and really slow and stupid juvenile delinquents.

I stopped flying because I was on the No-Fly List. Obama's administration got me off that list, but I'd rather not fly if it's not fun, convenient, friendly, and easy.