Airline Service strikes again

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I don’t know what it is about airlines but there is a reason why people don’t like air travel. Reading this situation story from Elliot.org I would ask the question why did the flight attendant really act in this way and how could it have been handled better. Are you telling me that a minor “conflict” with a passenger is grounds for removal from the flight. In that case I’m never asking for a second bag of peanuts again. Listen I know airlines can be stressful and since that ugly day in 2001 people are on edge but honestly last i checked the airlines are still a business for humans by humans. I do think the author of this article says it best when he thinks Mr. Winn should take his travel budget elsewhere. Here’s a brief look at the story.

“I said I prefer to hold it on my lap, and wrapped its
cloth strap around my wrist and laid it on my lap, as it held my
wallet. Note that the steward did NOT say, “I’m sorry, but
plane regulations require you put your wallet up above.” I knew
of course that larger bags could not be held in an exit row during
takeoff.

Strangely, the steward pointed his finger at me, with thumb raised
up in the air as if it were a pistol, and said, “It looks like
you and I are in for a conflict.” Then he walked away. I
dismissed it as odd behavior, or maybe a poor attempt at humor.

It was no joke. Winn says he was escorted from the plane. “I
was threatened with arrest and deplaned for wearing an eyemask,”
he told me. “

Read the full story here.

What makes me wonder is the follow up correspondence that Mr. Winn had with the airline where he was made out to the be bad guy. Seriously? Listen airlines I give you the benefit of the doubt so many times only to be proven wrong time and time again.

There is a new concept coming out in airline design in which passengers will sit face to face. Apparently the idea comes from the way military personnel are transported. Now the design is for short commuter flights but honestly taking an idea from the military is basically telling us we’re not viewed a living people just sardines in a can. Sure the 50% savings maybe tempting but just make sure their intention is to land the plane. I’d hate to get on a flight where they then remind you that your seat cushion is also your parachute for jumping to the ground with. For some this will work and for others it is just another nail in the coffin of a good customer service.