Ok this is going the first (well last to be read) post of a few in one day. But it’s really not. I just haven’t had a chance to actually post them to the internet =).
I have been traveling via airplanes since I was 8 months old (yes I know, I’m spoiled). But I have no recollection of that trip except looking at photos of me, sleeping in a stroller while my parents and grandparents stood in front of the Tower of Pisa and the ruins of Pompeii and various other ancient structures around Italy (yes my first plane trip was to Italy...I was a lucky kid). Because I have been traveling since I was young, and have traveled a fairly decent amount (I think this is my 30th plane ride?) I have watched the airlines decline over the years. Not only in the sense that they aren’t as prosperous as they once were, but how much they give you for your buck.
Back in the day, you bought a plane ticket, and you also got a blanket, pillow, snacks, headphones (for free) to listen to the in flight movie and included beverages and a meal on the long flights, like transcontinental flights (i.e. LA to NY). Now, thats definitely not the case. On my flight from LA to NY this week, we were offered drinks. Oh and a tiny blanket (thank goodness I’m not tall) and a pillow. Those have downsized. No food, no snacks and the plane’s DVD player had broken. So sad. Also my computer was dead (totally not related to the airline) but that made the 5 and a half hour flight seem like it was 10 hours.
On my flight to Italy (so far...I’m writing this mid-flight...thank goodness for strong computer batteries) we HAVE received snacks and drinks (and you don’t even have to pay for the alcoholic drinks! but i don’t think it’d be wise to drink on a plane) and a meal (kind of nasty but hey they gave us something). I guess if you’re going to fork over $1000-$2000 for a plane ticket across the Atlantic, they have to give you something. Oh and they’re not the happiest staff in the world. Not too happy to be jumping across the pond again I guess.
Oh and I have to mention that the gap between what the “economy” customers get compared to what the “business” and “first” class customers get is absurd. I have been fortunate enough to travel to Italy several times (6 to be exact) and this is the second time flying coach. And I am promising myself NOW that I will make a life for myself where I can afford the little luxury of buying at least a business class ticket. Up there in the front of the plane, passengers have room to stretch out (yes I know I’m short but sheesh even I need to stretch out), and obviously get a few more little luxuries. Back in coach, passengers are sandwiched in like sardines. Presently, on my Italian flight, I am in a row of a 2-3-2 configuration, while up front, it is a 2-1-2 configuration. Oi vey. I don’t know how any person taller than 5’5” can put up with being buckled in so tight. I know that when my parents fly internationally, they have to fly business because my dad stands at 6’3”....he would SO not like to be back in coach.
Ok I think that’s enough ranting for now. I know the airlines are doing their best in this economy, but it just makes me wish for the “good ol’ days” when you got a meal included, especially a Happy Meal with a cool Airport themed toy =). Ahh childhood memories bring me back.
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