by Lufthansa Flyer | Nov 20, 2011 | Uncategorized |
I came across this article from the Associated Press..take a moment to read it and then tell me if I’m wrong.
Article Link
I read this article and at first glance I see it as an attempt to bring the whole class war-fare argument to air travel. Am I missing something here? Seems like the author went out of his way to describe life in front of the plane as being that of comfort and opulence (USair Mahi Mahi right? maybe not the best example….) and then basically “by the way” refers to coach (while hinting at sitting in the middle seat) as getting better but the divide between elite travel classes like first and business growing at a faster rate than in the past. I’ve been hearing this “growing divide” argument more and more in society especially from the disgruntled young masses “occupying” everything these days. So now that argument comes to the airline cabin?
I’m not sure what argument he’s trying to prove. He states elite class passengers pay substantially higher fares compared to coach flyers. So shouldn’t a passenger paying more for a better seat have a better experience? And I know he refers to improvements in amenities for flying in first or business due to an improvement in the health of the airline industry but the article seemed to try to make me feel guilty that the coach flyer is suffering in steerage. Even his title “No pillows in coach, but it’s sundae time up front” seems to cry “sour grapes”. Maybe it just me.
I have always thought and defended the position that flying is not a right but a privilege to those willing to pay the premiums to get virtually anywhere in the world in a matter of hours. But reading this article, it seems like strong hints were made that there’s a growing “class” inbalance on board and that it’s the elite class flyer’s fault for demanding the premium treatment at the expense of not having enough resources left to improve life in coach.
I think the author understands that premium class brings premium fares, but does he realize that these elite class flyers are among the few reasons that airlines can turn a profit on a flight? From all the numbers that I’ve seen in the past, a full coach cabin on a 737 can still yield an operating loss on a flight unless there are premium fare passengers aboard.
In my travels, I’m usually fortunate to fly in at least business class, and I know that my fares have grown proportionately faster than that of coach fares. To me it seems that the premium fares may be moving up faster than coach on a percentage basis. When I look at coach fares today, they’re not that much different than 2-3 years ago. However business and first class fares are noticeably higher.
Maybe its just me, maybe I’m just sensitive to all of this “crying foul” and “poor me, I’m a victim” mindset that seems to be infecting parts of our society. I’d like to hear what you have to say. What side of the fence (or curtain) are you on? Do I get it? Am I just feeling guilty? Or is my head in the clouds?
by Lufthansa Flyer | Nov 19, 2011 | Uncategorized |
Finally, a reality show that helps Frequent Travelers. If you haven’t heard about this, keep reading and watch the show.
For fans of Bourdain’s “No Reservations” series, “The Layover” is a new show built from within “No Reservations”. Bourdain aims to figure out the best way to spend time in between flights, whether its a couple of hours or most of a day. The objective will be how to best spend time taking advantage of whats available to see, eat and drink within the vicinity of airports around the world. Episodes will cover Singapore, London, Rome, Hong Kong, Montreal and Amsterdam among others. I suspect that he will continue to be as blunt and honest as we New Yorkers tend to be when asked to give our opinion.
Based on everything I have seen about “The Layover”, it will be a very “real” show. No promotional consideration (What? no Chase Credit Card sliding across the table?), no scripting, no rehearsals. Just Bourdain leaving the airport and seeing whats available before his next flight. The only planning will be an advanced crew that will travel a day or 2 ahead to set up for taping.
I think this will be worth watching for us travelers if its just to prove that its possible to leave the airport to go explore. How many of us tend to play “defense” and not leave the airport during that 6 hour layover in London? Chicago, San Francisco or _________________? If you stop and think about most major airports, they are almost always near major metropolitan areas, at worst a short train or bus ride.
I’ve done this in the past, most often in Prague where you are a 20-30 minute bus ride from one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. I’d land at 8am and my next flight would sometimes be as late as 6p, giving me 8-10 hours to walk around. I always considered it a bonus.
Airports in cities such as London, Hong Kong, New York (yes NY), Singapore, Munich, etc. etc. are close enough where its OK to leave the airport grounds and go explore something new. Almost consider it a mini excursion within your trip. Next time you find yourself waiting for hours in an airport, and you’re tired of the lounge, or worse, you don’t have access to one, leave the airport and see what you can find.
“The Layover” starts this Monday on The Travel Channel and unfortunately I was not compensated to bring this to your attention :). But Anthony if you’re reading this, send me an email…….
by Lufthansa Flyer | Nov 18, 2011 | Uncategorized |
Just received my Hyatt Gold Passport Summary e-mail and within it was a link to a contest sponsored in conjuction with TNT-TV network.
They’re calling it the Armchair Detective Mystery Sweepstakes, associated with TNT’s shows “The Closer” & “Rizzoli and Isles”.
You must be a Hyatt Gold Passport Member (visit Hyatt.com to enroll if you’re not) to enter.
Winner gets 2 nights at The Armchair Detective Mystery Experience Weekend to be held in February, 2012 at either the Regency Huntington Beach Resort in California or Regency Tamaya Spa in New Mexico.
Winner gets coach airfare, 2 nights @ resort and $300 spending money in the form of a gift card.
Here’s the LINK that will take you to the website to enter. You’ll need your Hyatt Gold Passport number.
