Quote:
Originally Posted by TorqueDog
It gets cheaper and cheaper because you get less and less. I've been flying since I was 4... hell, I remember when people still got dressed up to fly. You used to get a full complimentary meal on a flight in coach, plus the typical peanuts and a drink (soft or alcobev). They used to give you actual headphones (not even earbuds, branded headphones). One checked bag included was the norm, and carry-ons were not something your fare could preclude you from bringing with you -- I mean, you're the one doing all the work.
I get the appeal of the whole à la carte ticketing thing, but let's not pretend flying is just becoming a better and better value, there's definitely been a degradation in the service level you receive to facilitate that, and with all the talk about standing-room seating being introduced next year, the race to the bottom continues.
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I don't know how old you are, but I remember going to LA to visit my uncle at 4, 12, 14, etc. That would have been 1980, 1988 and 1990. People wore sweats, dude. I don't remember people dressing up. Some sad sacks would be in suits, but those were the depressing looking business guys.
But yeah, the market wants cheaper flights so they pare down services, comfort, etc. to hit a price. More people can fly that way. It's a very accessible form of travel.
My point is the deluxe experience is still there. Pay more and get more.