United has economy ‘plus’ that provides a little extra leg room. You can upgrade your regular economy ticket for around $14 which isn’t too bad. My problem, is that when they have a nearly empty plane they make extra-special announcements to everyone in economy that economy plus upgrades must be purchased and they can’t just move to a new seat. If no one is using them, and the people that purchased got first dibs on their seats (bulkhead, window, aisle, etc) what does it matter if a few people want to stretch out?

Then there is the whole TSA debacle. I understand the need for security (and I’m for a standardized approach) but come on. This year alone I’ve visited 10 airports and security guidelines were different at each one. Some allow shoes in ‘bins’ some don’t, some have forced me to remove phone case (without phone inside) from my belt some haven’t, some don’t like sweaters and some do, the list goes on. It’s like they let each ‘officer’ write their own manual. Again, I’m for the security but apply the same guidelines everywhere so I know what’s coming.

While I don’t agree with all the comments (if you give ‘red carpet’ to everyone what do the people that spend thousands a year and deal with their crap every week get?), flying these days is definitely a disaster and the airlines are in desperate need of reform. Their customer (dis)service resembles that of Comcast…worst cable provider I’ve dealt with.

Wow, I’m really not an angry person but I’ve obviously got a little pent up anger towards the airlines. Thanks for the post!

Why don’t the airlines hire struggling actors as part-time attendants? They might not provide the best or most efficient service, but, isn’t that what we’re already dealing with anyway? Might as well be entertained, if nothing else. How about a fashion show up and down the aisle?

Slightly different but related: let the TSA screen my bag as I’m being checked in. They do this in other countries, and it doesn’t take longer since I have to stand there for check in anyway. If there’s a problem, I’m right there. Also, learn to re-pack my bag in a vague approximation of how I packed it (ie. clothes covering fragile items) and don’t steal things! I put the TSA approved lock on my bag, when something gets stolen I KNOW it was a government agent with the key…makes me feel reeeeaaal secure about how well they screen these people to be sure that nobody’s some terrorist/psycho who’s going to plant a bomb in it.

Stick a camera on the front of the plane. China Air have it. Stops boredom.

Have a camera in the cockpit.