Flying can be a frustrating experience
Flying Can Be a Frustrating Experience
Going back in time, one can remember that the experience of flying in general was one without much hassle; it was something pleasant, exciting and memorable for everyone – not counting the people with a flight phobia, of course. Fast forward to 2013 and flying is still memorable; but unfortunately it does not mean the same thing like 20-30 years ago. Back then people used to be excited about flying, but nowadays the increased costs of the air fares and the decreased quality of the services offered, the possibility of the travelers’ belongings being stolen or lost, and the increased security control at the checkpoints too often offer travelers very frustrating experiences.
The consolidation of some airline companies and the bankruptcy of other companies have led to a monopoly situation; therefore, having no incentive to offer lower prices, many companies have raised the cost of the airline tickets. On the other hand, the price of fuel has galloped significantly higher and the airline taxes and the security fees have also gone up. In the same time, the quality of the services offered has decreased considerably. The food menu on the domestic flights has shrunk down to nothing but a miniature bag of pretzels or peanuts. In addition, most of the airlines’ new policy imposes a charge for the bags checked; and the weight allowed per each bag changed from 70 pounds to 50 pounds.
Another issue for the passengers is the theft or the loss of baggage. While locking suitcases helps to prevent theft, it is probably not a good idea because if something looks suspicious the suitcases will be forced open for verification. Additionally, there have been numerous reports of lost bags: about 328,000 bags were lost in October, 2010, out of which Delta alone reported 16,000 losses. Delta took little responsibility and was penalized by DOT (Department of Transportation) for falsely informing some people that they are entitled to only $25 a day,
Going back in time, one can remember that the experience of flying in general was one without much hassle; it was something pleasant, exciting and memorable for everyone – not counting the people with a flight phobia, of course. Fast forward to 2013 and flying is still memorable; but unfortunately it does not mean the same thing like 20-30 years ago. Back then people used to be excited about flying, but nowadays the increased costs of the air fares and the decreased quality of the services offered, the possibility of the travelers’ belongings being stolen or lost, and the increased security control at the checkpoints too often offer travelers very frustrating experiences.
The consolidation of some airline companies and the bankruptcy of other companies have led to a monopoly situation; therefore, having no incentive to offer lower prices, many companies have raised the cost of the airline tickets. On the other hand, the price of fuel has galloped significantly higher and the airline taxes and the security fees have also gone up. In the same time, the quality of the services offered has decreased considerably. The food menu on the domestic flights has shrunk down to nothing but a miniature bag of pretzels or peanuts. In addition, most of the airlines’ new policy imposes a charge for the bags checked; and the weight allowed per each bag changed from 70 pounds to 50 pounds.
Another issue for the passengers is the theft or the loss of baggage. While locking suitcases helps to prevent theft, it is probably not a good idea because if something looks suspicious the suitcases will be forced open for verification. Additionally, there have been numerous reports of lost bags: about 328,000 bags were lost in October, 2010, out of which Delta alone reported 16,000 losses. Delta took little responsibility and was penalized by DOT (Department of Transportation) for falsely informing some people that they are entitled to only $25 a day,