Feedback from the Frontlines of Travel
We welcome reader feedback on issues related to travel generally and frequent flyer programs in particular. Please use this link to submit comments.
Thoughts on Sully's Remarks to Congress
"Over the many years since the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, there has been a persistent claim laid at the feet of the chiefs and management of the nation's airlines to the 'grab it and run' attitude has collapsed Wall Street in 2008. That is all 'old hash' (and not undeserved), while it comes as no surprise that US Airways' Captain Sullenberger seizes the day with Congress of his moment in history.
"As with the banks, a call for return to strict regulation would appear in order. Problem is, regulation in the transportation industry is a form of price control with no assurance that the insiders grabbing the money won't continue their game as well, including the pilots' union. On the other hand, what Sullenberger is saying is that the current system threatens the health and welfare of the traveling public when skilled aviators walk away.
"At heart, deregulation has turned to be the old 'you get what you pay for,' but where the executives have skimmed all the cream, the staff is mad or quitting, and the public (including shareholders) be damned." [Edgar N.]
Bidding American Bye Bye
"After using American Air for years I have decided to drop them since they no longer fly from my airport, they have dropped Aer Lingus, limited British Air to Canada connections and their Europe flight go thru Chicago.
"Being on the East coast this means I fly the opposite direction first and thus add many more hours onto the flight. Also, they now charge for checked baggage, tax, misc. and a reservation fee for any frequent flyer redemptions.
"Goodbye American Airlines." [Frank M.]
Burlington Airport
"Please add Burlington International Airport (VT), BTV, to your airport directory. It's a great little airport with wonderful service, including JetBlue and AirTran, and nonstop Florida flights year-round." [Peter P. - Burlington, VT]
[FrequentFlier.com replies - It should be added by the time you read this.]
Is Anybody Listening?
"Bless you for your hard work and even hand.
"Finally, however, have to ask: Do you ever get any feedback from the airlines we write about? Which is to say, it's one thing to vent, but if it's just into the wind with the perpetrators, does it even matter?
"Stay the course. You do a great service. And you have my affection and respect." [Ed N.]
[FrequentFlier.com replies - We generally don't hear directly from the airlines (or hotels) unless we make a factual mistake. We know, however, that decision-makers at many travel companies monitor this publication, among others, for a very simple reason: Our readers are their customers.]
Until next week...
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