Airline Experiences; Comfortable and Friendly or Not even Close

By: Banahene
Cheaper flights less comfortable planes and gone are the “Friendly Skies”
It’s bad enough that the average plane seat size and comfort they provide in Economy meets the needs of an imaginary dwarf on a diet. Then when you add attitude and rudeness from the moment you check in to when you disembark. ‘Flying the Friendly Skies “makes you want to do a Wiki check on the meaning of “Friendly” and ask yourself what part of this did you not understand.
I’m of average build ad size,5-6”, 130lbs. Just like the average person I predominantly fly Economy. When I’m hemmed in 3 deep on a flight with my loved ones, People I don’t mind being really physically close to, I feel like my space is totally invaded. Imagine this with complete strangers of varying sizes. I understand the economics of this. The more people you get on a flight, the cheaper the fares. But at what point is close too close. Sleeping is virtually impossible, you can’t stretch out, and you can’t use the arm rests unless you want to cuddle with the stranger next to you. Pray you don’t have to go to the bathroom. After what seems like rearranging at least two other people’s lives and possibly bumping into at least 10 others as you maneuver your way down the aisle. Getting into the bathroom turning around to lock the door and complete what nature wants you to do is something only an experienced contortionist would achieve with ease! On the flip side first class or business class on long distance flights is the complete opposite of everything I’ve said.
The nightmare begins at check in. The employee assumption is you do this every day or you took a 10 hour class prior to your arrival. There must be a point award system for how inferior can we make you feel at check in for the employees.
So you make to the plane and are now seated uncomfortably in your invaded space. It would really help if you were at least treated above the level of the hoarded cattle member that you are now feeling. Over the years I firmly believe a special recruitment requirement and training session has been added to flight attendant training that mandates you are naturally rude obnoxious and unfriendly without prejudice! For the most part Looks are still a priority but personality is not. It’s wonderful to see an older generation of extremely good looking attendants. I’m in my mid 40s and can appreciate and respect this. What tenure seems to have done though is make for very grumpy unfriendly customer service. The 20 something attendants are even worse. Godzilla’s with breasts was one phrase I’ve come up with for the female attendants and Scarface the live version for the males. What happened to “friendly” and caring? I’ve been yelled at on flights for wanting another sugar for my coffee, given the look of death for asking for a blanket, been spoken to very rudely in Spanish as I do speak the language and often get mistaken for Latino even though I’m from Ghana. Yet treated with the utmost respect if I speak in my now natural very Georgia American accent. Bigger is not better in the Airline industry. You would think the big boys like Delta, US Airlines British Airways would have taken steps to overcome this often talked about subject. Here are my comments;
Delta; It’s like playing Russian roulette. On 90% of my US bound flights I’ve experienced boarder line rude treatment. On 100% of my Delta International flights both in Economy and First class, as soon as my accent is duly noted as American, the treatment has been beyond exceptional and friendly. Almost like a familiarity in who you are dictates a different treatment.
British Airways; truly act like their doing you a favor. Unbelievably snooty, always have been and actually gets worse on their international flights. They seem to live by the typical British attitude of if you’re not British you’re inferior. Hard to say as I’m half British.
US Air, Never friendly stuck on themselves and proud of it. So sad.
Air-Tran; hit and miss 50-60% enjoyable flying. The good flying experiences were a “WOW” the bad ones were really bad.
Here’s the great news, there are Airlines that believe customer Service is the key to repeat business. What a concept
Swiss Air, So unbelievably consistent Always Polite, friendly and caring. Top notch and classy in my opinion.
Spirit Airlines; If only they flew the World. New planes, very clean and roomy. Never had a delay I’ve flown them repeatedly on my South of the Boarder expeditions and much needed get aways. Every time has been exceptional. At the risk of sounding corny, it was a “spiritual” experience compared to some other flights I’ve taken
Frontier Airlines; right up there with Spirit Airlines. New planes, immaculately clean and spacious. They seem to go out of their way to find naturally fun loving attendants with crazy senses of humor. Just what you need as you set off across the Border to relax.
Southwest; Love the colorful planes. Relatively newer planes always clean. Fun and friendly. Always a great experience. Keep you well entertained if you are delayed which is rare.
Flying should be a thrill and a pleasure, do your homework before you book. It could make for a great beginning and end to your vacation.