Coffee, Tea, or Fees?

   In today's world of air travel, it's no longer the most fabulous or comfortable way of flying. What was once a  hassle free and glamorous way of travel has now becoming into nothing more than a flying cattle car. Not many airlines offer great amenities and you would be lucky if you even got a bottle of water with out having to pay for it. If you've ever flown recently in the past few years within the U.S. you can notice that airlines have been nickle-ing and dime-ing almost everything that was once free and basic and are now being charged as "extras". For example the no-frills low-cost airline, Spirit Air, is now charging people $30 dollars for your carry on. I think that's freaking ridiculous charging for your carry on bag on top of that if you're checking in your luggage you have to pay for that at $28 dollars, for the second is $40 and your third, fourth and fifth bag will cost you $90! Of course Spirit isn't the only airline to charge you for your bags, American charge you for both, so does Delta and Continental (now merged United) Jetblue only charges you for the second and third bag. The only airline that does not charge you for your bags is Southwest Airlines, they are the only airline that has refused to do so.

 There are so many fees that it's getting ridiculous! With all the money we're spending I'd rather fly in business because with the baggage fees and the fees they charge to change the date or destination plus the cost of difference, which by the way all together comes out to more than what you paid for in the first place. The airlines are getting so out of hand with fees that U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has stepped in and is calling on the Depart of Transportation to regulate airlines on fees. This issue has come to his attention due to the fact that he used an example of a family of four flying together were being forced to pay and extra $200 so that the family can sit together. Sen. Schumer said " Requiring parents to pay an additional fee to make sure their kids are sitting next to them and in sight is ridiculous and simply over the top."  
While I agree on him that paying $200 dollars to get seats you want is over the top but I don't believe safety is any issue because you're flying on a plane. I mean really where is your kind going to wander off too the back of the plane? Besides, that's why we have flight attendants, you can just ask them nicely to check on them periodically through out the flight.

 In the end all we can do is just try to avoid the fees as much as possible and if you're really just that cheap go driving or find other alternatives of getting to where you need to be. In the near future I do hope that the Department of Transportation does step in and put in some restrictions because I do believe what they're charging is excessive.

Service or No Service?

      Is your airline ticket really worth paying serious amount of cash compared to what is offered on board? Most people could care less but I on the other hand am very strict when it comes to the amenities offered on board. If you lack in service and charge like $500 for a oneway ticket don't expect to see me walking down that air bridge. IF! you do see me, then that means I'm very desperate and you were my last resort. Since I don't travel much outside the continental United States, with the exception of Puerto Rico. I'm going to compare three major airlines I travel with American Airlines, Jetblue Airways, and Delta Airlines. Between them I will use three major factors I look at when I book is the price, amenities, and convenience; All from the perspective of those traveling in Economy or coach. Let's use the example New York's JFK to Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Florida; based on a one way ticket. Do note that JFK is a major hub for all three airlines.

  There's not much I can say about American Airlines except from my own experience flying on them. This airline really lacked in service and too many fees for things that should be basic. I think charging for a meal is ridiculous, especially on long domestic flights like New York to Los Angeles. At least use the checked baggage fee to pay for a meal, I mean really, $25 for the first bag? that can pay for a nice steak dinner.

Okay, so now let's use our example. let's say we're going a way for while and want to leave for the summer and escape to the world class attractions Orlando has to offer. (eg: Walt Disney, Universal Studios etc...) You decide to leave on Wednesday July 4, 2012. We're booking through their website www.aa.com, We put in the airport codes JFK to MCO, Select the date and our cabin of choice which will be coach. Okay so they gave me my options and American does not give me much options in terms of non stop flights to Orlando, there's only two, a 7 a.m. flight out and an afternoon flight. The rest of the flight are connections via Miami International Airport there are different flight times and lay over times.  the ticket price for the one way, non stop is $191. As far as amenities are concerned, you're lucked out. American does not offer free meals on domestic and most international flights. However, they do offer free drinks through out the entire flight, alcohol beverages are available for purchase as well as sandwiches and brand name snacks. They no longer accept cash on board, so you  might want to buy something from inside the terminal before boarding. If you're very picky with entertainment I would say bring your and iPod or laptop but I do advise to comply with the cabin crews direction and turn them off during take off and landing.

  There's a lot I can say about Jetblue. This airline is the best there is in the United States. They have  been awarded J.D. Power and Power Associates award in customer satisfaction for 7 consecutive years since 2006 among all US airlines.
They have also been ranked an official 4 star airline and the country's only 4 star airlines. The amenities offered are the best and for free!

  Okay so we'll use the same as before this time at www.jetblue.com  with the exception economy since jetblue does not offer first or business class cabins. Now, the flight schedules they offer is way more than American. Jetblue has 6 non stop flights to Orlando; The earliest flight leaving at 7:00 a.m. and the last non stop is at 8:00 p.m. The most expensive non-stop flight at $153 and the cheapest is $128. So I have a lot options plus the price offered is very good. Now the amenities offered on-board is the most that any domestic airline offers. On-board Jetblue, you get a personal in-back-seat t.v. with 36 live t.v. channels from DirecTV  and 100 channels of SiriusXM satellite radio all for free but if you feel like watching a movie it's available for $5 on flight longer than 2 hours. They serve unlimited brand name snacks and serve full cans of soft drinks and juices plus my favorite free coffee is offered by Dunkin Donuts. Alcohol is available for purchase but just as American, Jetblue no longer accepts cash for onboard purchases.

   

In recent years Delta has grown to be the world's second largest airline since their acquisition of now defunct Northwest Airlines. This airline is pretty good but the amenities vary depending on your destination. My first time with them was a very pleasant one but could be better. I flew on their B757 aircraft configured for international flights, so I got lucky. I flew from Orlando to New York on this aircraft and the legroom was not that great. I scrutinize the airline for not having enough legroom in coach.

Okay so the same input of information as before and the price is surprising $99.80. I was expecting a $500 ticket but not this time but the amount of flight to Orlando was just as expected, only two non stop flights.An 8:30 a.m. flight and a 4:00 p.m. flight. Not the greatest convenience. The amenities offered on board is good they have in flight WiFi but that's pretty much about it (by the way it's not free). The good thing I like is that they tell you what's offered onboard this flight so you can plan ahead. They do no offer meals and snack are available for purchase the only thing that's free is a small up soda of your choice or free coffee; alcohol is offered but of course it's not free.

 This is a matter of opinion. If you're willing to pay a little more for service I'd recommend flying on JetBlue but if you just want to get there quick and cheap then Delta is your way to go plus they have a more extensive network in terms of destinations. I personally would have proffered JetBlue when I vacation I want to start off right and in a great mood. For more detail on how the airline handles cancelations, delays, or over bookings call the airlines or visit their website.