In the grand scheme of things, many travel annoyances are not a big deal. Okay, most travel annoyances are not a big deal. If the airline gets you safely to a destination, close to on-time and without any permanent injuries from being crammed in a tiny seat for X number of hours, then, realistically, they have fulfilled their obligations.
On the other hand, sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the difference between a pleasant and unpleasant experience.
Fair disclosure: Anyone who thinks this forum has too much whining, stop reading now.
I do understand how airlines need to cut expenses. Especially for non-essentials. Playing cards disappeared so long ago many travelers can’t even remember them. And magazines, for example, were a super nice perk but probably cost a fair bit.
Ditto, I can understand cutting meals, although I don’t see why the airlines have to charge such high prices for their little snack boxes and sandwiches.
But some amenities had to cost next to nothing, and they are gone too — For example, the tiny half-ounce package of pretzels or snack mix.
The airline lounges are not immune to the cost-cutting either. United’s Red Carpet Club used to have nice pastries in the morning, then they switched to mini-bagels. Now, apparently even the bagels were too expensive, because the latest morning offering is basically what looks like sliced whole-wheat Wonder Bread.
Another relatively trivial issue, but one several of my clients have complained about, is that some check-in kiosks, instead of spitting out cardboard boarding passes, issue the documents on the flimsiest paper imaginable. Which is subject to tearing, getting lost, and dissolving with spilled coffee.
And speaking of coffee, creamer these days on most airlines is a packet of no-name white powder. Sometimes real milk or half-and-half Mini-Moos aren’t even available in first class. Sad.
So what about you, Consumer Traveler readers. What little cost cutting move bothers you the most?
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.)
