All frequent travelers want first class service at coach prices whenever and where they fly. Forgetaboutit. On a more realistic note, there are a number of steps airlines could potentially take to improve the flying experience.
Here are four of my potential wishes for not-too-unrealistic changes the airline can make. Let me know if you agree or disagree.
1. A child- or baby-free zone. Potentially, this may be the most controversial change. Reactions probably depend on how young passengers’ children might be. Passengers paying a premium fare, or just paying for extra legroom, understandably may want to be able to travel with their family. On the other hand, many passengers paying extra just want to be able to travel in peace and quiet.
One thought is an area in the back of the plane where extra seats are blocked for babies unless the plane is 100 percent full. (The back of the plane is closer usually to toilets and the galley, both which can be useful for passengers with young children.)
2. Expanded premium economy for a reasonable price. Many clients tell me United’s “Economy Plus” is the only reason they fly the airline. (Now, there are problems when the economy plus section gets full, and elites can’t find a seat, but that’s a different issue.)
At this point, United has limited competition on domestic flights. JetBlue has followed suit with some “Even More Space” rows, available for an extra charge. Continental flights will have extra legroom, eventually, as the merger is completed. But, other than that, exit rows with other carriers are the only option. And, there aren’t many of those at any price.
Virgin America does have a “Main Cabin Select,” with extra legroom and other perks, but the fares are usually from two to four times over the cheapest coach fares.
For overseas travel there are more choices, Delta has some seats with extra room and premium services on international flights. British Airways, Eva Airways and Virgin Atlantic, for examples, all have fourth cabins, but again, at a real premium to their coach fares.
3. Enforcement of carry-on rules. ‘Nuff said. How many frequent travel have endured delays in boarding and sometimes even delayed flights just because entitled fellow passengers think the rules don’t apply to them. Not to mention having had to check a regulation sized bag because the bins above their seats were full. (Now, if you ARE one of those “entitled” travelers, you will probably think this doesn’t apply to you.”)
4. Keep the boarding area clear. Anyone who’s ever been upgraded or is in an early boarding group knows this drill. The gate agent calls the first or second boarding group and you cannot get to the gate without pushing past people who will be boarding later. Of course, they want to be the very FIRST in group four or five or whatever it is. (Then there are the folks who just try to board early because they feel like it.)
Gate agents are in a tough spot, because they often don’t have the authority nor the size to enforce the rules. But, it’s still maddening. Over the holidays on one of my flights, passengers all had to move around a large man standing by the boarding gates with his carry-on, and he did indeed have a group five boarding pass, but no one was telling him to move.
I’m not sure how to fix this. But maybe the answer is roving security to speed up the process? It would be a great job for ex-college football players or wannabes.
No doubt readers of this column have many other dream wishes for airline travel. The question is, within reason, what change would you like to see?
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
