"Airlines" on A&E
Did anyone see the documentary on "Airlines" on the Arts & Entertainment
Network just now? The promos said it was about what really goes on with airlines. But it turned out to be a program that honed the camera in on people who spent too long at the bar, and got back to the gate two minutes before the flight was scheduled to leave, when the doors were already closed--as well as people who showed up at the gate to claim seats with expired coupons. The "airline" was actually Southwest. Person after person with clearly limited means, in all senses of the phrase (with exceptons*), who had paid $47 for a ticket and had not met some primitive sense of personal responsibility (e.g. left for a smoke to an area OUTside of security and didn't get back until the flight had left) was shown strutting like Donald Trump insisting on accomodation to things that they themselves couldn't even conceive of. And scene after scene had drunken or clinically disturbed people (*see below) who "missed" their flights (e.g. show up two minutes before official departure time because they were themselves obviously "missing in action") seething with indignation, and demands, and threats about how there would be hell to pay--all of which would make a dog laugh! They generally asked to speak to the "supervisor" or the "manager", only to be told that the person they were speaking to WAS the supervisor and the manager. They all generally swore they would never fly Southwest again, and would cancel their grandmother's reservation for that big Halloween trip coming up on Southwest to boot. At first I wondered why Southwest let themselves be associated with such a concatenation of missed flights, miserable clientele, and general riff-raff--but the answer was soon obvious: all the drool-drippers who strutted and complained and demanded in the most prepostrously self-important of ways--and insisted on 'rights' that simply don't exist anywhere--only made the "airline" look supremely reasonable in contrast. I hope not to have to fly Southwest myself if I can avoid it, but my heart goes out for them. * P.S. I might add, given legal liability considerations, pardon my French, that there WERE intelligent, conscientious customers portrayed in the program who presented themselves with dignity and had legitimate concerns about rights and airlne responsibiliites that they expressed cogently and sincerely. Cough cough. |
"Airlines" on A&E
Douglas W. Hoyt wrote: Did anyone see the documentary on "Airlines" on the Arts & Entertainment Network just now? The promos said it was about what really goes on with airlines. But it turned out to be a program that honed the camera in on people who spent too long at the bar, and got back to the gate two minutes before the flight was scheduled to leave, when the doors were already closed--as well as people who showed up at the gate to claim seats with expired coupons. This is what really goes on.. I saw it happen tonight. The guy was at a bar when WN called his name for the flight. His seat was given away to a standby. I don't get to observer WN behavior very often, but I think the TV program is good for them. I flew WN tonight as I gave up my seat on my overbooked AA flight. In addition to the voluntary bump compensation, AA also gave me $150 for the WN ticket that was $102.60. AA even called WN to book the seat, but WN told them there were no seats. They must call someone at the airport (SNA), as I called WN from the AA gate as the agent was processing my compensation, and they gave me a seat. Almost $250 in vouchers (tax free value after the money I put out for WN) was sufficient for me to take a 40 minute later flight, even though I gave up my favorite Embrarer seat on AA (exit row, single side). Too bad you can't use vouchers online at AA. So, I flew WN.. I ended up near the front of the B line, by hanging out near the end of the B line for the earlier flight from that gate. I got an aisle seat about midway back. I wonder about the WN "people of size" policy as I observed a very large woman in a rear facing exit row seat, and she clearly imposed on the person sitting next to her. He was a late boarder and all that was left was the middle seat next to the large woman. It seems that this policy isn't enforced as it should be. The flight wasn't too bad, although I wish airline's could actually part with a full can of softdrinks. I am glad to see they have honey roasted peanuts and toss out 2 bags without asking, though they didn't mention the pretzel option. While collecting the empties, the FA was asking people if they wanted anything else. I asked for a coke and got it. That was a first for me on WN. There are a couple of things that stop me from flying WN regularly. One of these is seat assignments, and the other is the lack (no existance) of upgrades. |
"Airlines" on A&E
My favorite was the one where a guy showed up to board and smelled so bad
they wouldn't let him on until he cleaned up. Seriously though, I fly SWA all the time and I think the show does a good job of capturing reality. Of course they are going to show interesting snippets, after all it wouldn't make an entertaining show if they just showed the typical flight where everyone gets on board without incident and the plane leaves on time. For flights of less than two hours SWA is my favorite airline simply because they usually have the most frequent flights between the cities I usually fly to and they almost always are on time. Matt "Douglas W. Hoyt" wrote in message ... Did anyone see the documentary on "Airlines" on the Arts & Entertainment Network just now? The promos said it was about what really goes on with airlines. But it turned out to be a program that honed the camera in on people who spent too long at the bar, and got back to the gate two minutes before the flight was scheduled to leave, when the doors were already closed--as well as people who showed up at the gate to claim seats with expired coupons. The "airline" was actually Southwest. Person after person with clearly limited means, in all senses of the phrase (with exceptons*), who had paid $47 for a ticket and had not met some primitive sense of personal responsibility (e.g. left for a smoke to an area OUTside of security and didn't get back until the flight had left) was shown strutting like Donald Trump insisting on accomodation to things that they themselves couldn't even conceive of. And scene after scene had drunken or clinically disturbed people (*see below) who "missed" their flights (e.g. show up two minutes before official departure time because they were themselves obviously "missing in action") seething with indignation, and demands, and threats about how there would be hell to pay--all of which would make a dog laugh! They generally asked to speak to the "supervisor" or the "manager", only to be told that the person they were speaking to WAS the supervisor and the manager. They all generally swore they would never fly Southwest again, and would cancel their grandmother's reservation for that big Halloween trip coming up on Southwest to boot. At first I wondered why Southwest let themselves be associated with such a concatenation of missed flights, miserable clientele, and general riff-raff--but the answer was soon obvious: all the drool-drippers who strutted and complained and demanded in the most prepostrously self-important of ways--and insisted on 'rights' that simply don't exist anywhere--only made the "airline" look supremely reasonable in contrast. I hope not to have to fly Southwest myself if I can avoid it, but my heart goes out for them. * P.S. I might add, given legal liability considerations, pardon my French, that there WERE intelligent, conscientious customers portrayed in the program who presented themselves with dignity and had legitimate concerns about rights and airlne responsibiliites that they expressed cogently and sincerely. Cough cough. |
"Airlines" on A&E
"Max Mustermann" wrote in message age.info... Cisco troll/netkook/asshole Michael Voight mrtravelkay trolled: There are a couple of things that stop me from flying WN regularly. One of these is seat assignments, and the other is the lack (no existance) of upgrades. Well ... DUH ... ! They only have economy class, so where the hell are they going to upgrade you to, ****er? So let's get this straight. You fly down to Orange County every Sunday to see that daughter of yours, and you get back after midnight, and instead of going to bed to get some sleep, you log on and troll usenet. What a loser. Well, it's not like you have to be well rested for work the next day. You don't do any work at work. You just troll usenet all day. Your the troll and the loser Mr. Mustermann....or whatever your name happens to be this week. Get a life. Matt |
"Airlines" on A&E
"Matt" wrote in message ...
My favorite was the one where a guy showed up to board and smelled so bad they wouldn't let him on until he cleaned up. Seriously though, I fly SWA all the time and I think the show does a good job of capturing reality. Of course they are going to show interesting snippets, after all it wouldn't make an entertaining show if they just showed the typical flight where everyone gets on board without incident and the plane leaves on time. For flights of less than two hours SWA is my favorite airline simply because they usually have the most frequent flights between the cities I usually fly to and they almost always are on time. Matt "Douglas W. Hoyt" wrote in message ... Did anyone see the documentary on "Airlines" on the Arts & Entertainment Network just now? The promos said it was about what really goes on with airlines. But it turned out to be a program that honed the camera in on people who spent too long at the bar, and got back to the gate two minutes before the flight was scheduled to leave, when the doors were already closed--as well as people who showed up at the gate to claim seats with expired coupons. The "airline" was actually Southwest. Person after person with clearly limited means, in all senses of the phrase (with exceptons*), who had paid $47 for a ticket and had not met some primitive sense of personal responsibility (e.g. left for a smoke to an area OUTside of security and didn't get back until the flight had left) was shown strutting like Donald Trump insisting on accomodation to things that they themselves couldn't even conceive of. And scene after scene had drunken or clinically disturbed people (*see below) who "missed" their flights (e.g. show up two minutes before official departure time because they were themselves obviously "missing in action") seething with indignation, and demands, and threats about how there would be hell to pay--all of which would make a dog laugh! They generally asked to speak to the "supervisor" or the "manager", only to be told that the person they were speaking to WAS the supervisor and the manager. They all generally swore they would never fly Southwest again, and would cancel their grandmother's reservation for that big Halloween trip coming up on Southwest to boot. At first I wondered why Southwest let themselves be associated with such a concatenation of missed flights, miserable clientele, and general riff-raff--but the answer was soon obvious: all the drool-drippers who strutted and complained and demanded in the most prepostrously self-important of ways--and insisted on 'rights' that simply don't exist anywhere--only made the "airline" look supremely reasonable in contrast. I hope not to have to fly Southwest myself if I can avoid it, but my heart goes out for them. * P.S. I might add, given legal liability considerations, pardon my French, that there WERE intelligent, conscientious customers portrayed in the program who presented themselves with dignity and had legitimate concerns about rights and airlne responsibiliites that they expressed cogently and sincerely. Cough cough. It is a good show! The passengers are ridiculous. There is no sense of self responsibility. p.s Max - let it go !!! You have posted all over this board. Lets keep it on topic. This is why we read these boards, you have made your point! |
"Airlines" on A&E
Max Mustermann wrote: Cisco troll/netkook/asshole Michael Voight mrtravelkay trolled: There are a couple of things that stop me from flying WN regularly. One of these is seat assignments, and the other is the lack (no existance) of upgrades. Well ... DUH ... ! They only have economy class, so where the hell are they going to upgrade you to, ****er? I think I said it didn't exist.. Did you miss that. (surely you can understand that I meant "non existance" when I typed "no existance". What did you think I mean by that? Yeah, they don't have first class, therefore I can't upgrade. What difference does it make what the limiting factor is, it still doesn't get me a first class seat. So let's get this straight. You fly down to Orange County every Sunday to see that daughter of yours, and you get back after midnight, and instead of going to bed to get some sleep, you log on and troll usenet. I see.. First you are concerned about my work and now you are concerned about my sleep.... Thanks Mommy...... Don't forget my good night kiss. By the way, the flight arrive in SJC before 10. I was home by 11. Surely you know that both SJC and SNA have curfews... Oh yeah, that's right, you never fly. |
"Airlines" on A&E
Did anyone see the documentary on "Airlines" on the Arts & Entertainment
Network just now? This is a weekly series on Southwest Airlines and while I missed tonight's show, and have never flown SA before . . . after watching too many weeks of this series, I would never choose to fly SA ... and I have stopped my recommendations to our Airport Commission (of which I am a former member) that SA be added to the Memphis hub !! 007 -- ****************** Bill E. Burk Publisher, Elvis World Magazine [Remove "NOSP" from my e-mail address] |
"Airlines" on A&E
I have stopped my recommendations to our Airport Commission (of which I
am a former member) that SA be added to the Memphis hub !! But wait. If Southwest comes to Memphis, then fares on all the airlines that you WILL want to fly will drop dramatically! Invite them in. BEG them. PLUS, I have to admit, that they are simply a good airline. I flew them once. It was o.k. They offer low fares, cheerful staff, and are incredibly decent all around. I don't fly them for two reasons: 1) they don't serve anywhere within 200 miles of where I live (Chicago Midway is also a bit of a hassle); and 2) I would much rather fly Northwest (to maintain elite status) or Midwest Express from here in Madison. My brother, though, who is Delta Medallion, STILL flies Southwest a whole bunch from Kansas City, and really likes them, and likes how quickly you can earn and use free flights on them. |
"Airlines" on A&E
Douglas W. Hoyt wrote:
Did anyone see the documentary on "Airlines" on the Arts & Entertainment Network just now? The promos said it was about what really goes on with airlines. But it turned out to be a program that honed the camera in on people who spent too long at the bar, and got back to the gate two minutes before the flight was scheduled to leave, when the doors were already closed--as well as people who showed up at the gate to claim seats with expired coupons. The stories that strike me are the blatant airline errors and mistakes which are more often than not blamed on others. Nobody at SWA or any airline really seems ready to take responsibility for anything unless a passenger politely but forcefully argues with them at length. Two examples - the incident on this week's episode in which the power in the cabin of a jet went out. There was one (just one) gate attendant helping passengers get their bags out of the plane and helping them figure out what to do with missed connections. And worse, the guys who were supposed to be fixing the plane laughingly said "oh, sometimes these things take time to figure out" - in other words - "it'll be fixed when it's fixed." A much more extreme example - when a young bride-to-be's wedding dress arrived at her destination with giant black tire marks on it. This wasn't the old retiree with too much time on his hand who is complaining about a quarter sized blemish on the outside of his luggage. This lady's wedding dress was completely ruined. And the reaction of the ariline was to argue first that it wasn't their fault and that they weren't responsible for the destruction of the dress while it was in their care! At first I wondered why Southwest let themselves be associated with such a concatenation of missed flights, miserable clientele, and general riff-raff--but the answer was soon obvious: all the drool-drippers who strutted and complained and demanded in the most prepostrously self-important of ways--and insisted on 'rights' that simply don't exist anywhere--only made the "airline" look supremely reasonable in contrast. I hope not to have to fly Southwest myself if I can avoid it, but my heart goes out for them. I hardly ever fly SWA myself, for two reasons. First, their whole 'no seat reservation' thing is just plain annoying and invites trouble. Second, It's a pain for me to fly anyone other than Continental, given that I live in one of their hub cities. * P.S. I might add, given legal liability considerations, pardon my French, that there WERE intelligent, conscientious customers portrayed in the program who presented themselves with dignity and had legitimate concerns about rights and airlne responsibiliites that they expressed cogently and sincerely. Cough cough. You see irresponsible passengers as the norm. I see irresponsive airlines. Let's compare airlines to Greyhound Buses. After all, Greyhound caters to people even worse off than the discount travelers on SWA, and more than that, they are in a business similar to the airlines (getting people from one place to another). If a plane suffers technical difficulties on the tarmac, then passengers just have to wait for it to be fixed. If fixing the plane proves impossible to do within 1 or 2 hours, the flight is cancelled. By contrast, if a Greyhound bus breaks down the company brings another bus around to pick up the stranded passengers. If an airline overbooks a flight (as many of them do), passengers who don't get a seat are just plain out of luck. They'll have to make the case for compensation, and come back tomorrow. If more people show up at the bus station than a Greyhound trip has seats for, they get another bus in to handle the overload. These are just two things that the airlines should try to figure out how to do. I'm not saying it will be easy, but the point is that Greyhound gives better service and has better policy towards its passengers than airlines do, even though it can hardly be said to offer luxury travel. (And yes, I am aware that the higher ticket prices on airplanes are justified because they are so much faster than buses). |
All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:41 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
TravelBanter.com