Letters to the Editor
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Complaining about the airline industry
Hantu13 says:
"Why should we trust an industry that has shown such disregard for their customers' satisfaction, comfort and loyalty?"
I would love to know *specifically* what you mean by this nice little sound-bite.
Do you fly a lot? Then you are rewarded for your loyalty by frequent flier miles, or had you just taken them for granted? Or are you so self-entitled to expect airlines to give you free flights?
"Satisfaction" Have you ever arrived at your destination? Did somebody wish you a good day as you left the aircraft? Was there somebody waiting to assist you with getting to a connecting flight? My brother recently landed a full hour early ahead of schedule. I asked him "Did you hear anyone thank the pilot on your way out?" Eh, no. Somebody complained they had another hour to kill.
Comfort? I think everyone knows the deal here. If you want first or business class, then you pay for it. Same as with railways! Same as if you were going to purchase a nice large comfortable car! What is so different about the airline industry? Oh that's right, they are the media's whipping boy and you bought the story hook line and sinker! Would you prefer everyone had three feet of legroom but that no airline could economically afford to fly?
Southwest's extra fuel charge for this year will be $750m. That was their entire profit for 2007.
More people should remember that before they start whining about loyalty and satisfaction.