August 28, 2007
Switching from planes to trains or driving
I suppose terrible airline experiences shouldn't be too surprising these days, considering that this has been the worst summer for delayed flights in the US, but this one still amazes me:
Things seemed fine when she arrived at the gate for the first connection. They still seemed fine — the sign at the gate still brightly proclaimed that her flight would be on time — when she and other passengers noticed that the flight after theirs was boarding, and they weren’t.The author's wife clearly agrees that US airlines are broken, and I don't blame her. Not telling passengers about a cancelled flight is just ridiculous.Somebody had the temerity to ask, and was told, “Oh, we canceled yours.” No apology, and apparently no intention of making an announcement....
“So I’m not flying any more,” she said with that dangerous emphasis that I know not to contradict. “They don’t care how much they inconvenience you, or how much they lie to you. I’m just not doing it any more.”
Of course not, dear. Especially since, between her experiences and my own, this was the third trip in a row that could have been completed more quickly by driving. That haul up interstates 77 and 81, passing through six states, is a stroll in the park compared to these aeronautic nightmares.
Some may blame the air traffic control system, and no doubt better infrastructure would help, but I have to blame this on the airlines. This reminds me I owe you a Spirit Airlines review. I gave up looking for my notes...
Posted by James Trotta at August 28, 2007 8:07 AM | TrackBack
I've recently taken to travelling via Amtrak vs. driving due to the costs of gas! I can visit my parents for $130 with an Amtrak ticket compared to paying that much just in gas, let alone the wear and tear on my car. Plus, I get treated pretty well, I can have nail clippers on board, I can watch the scenery go by, AND use my cell phone.
Posted by: Sarah at August 28, 2007 10:37 AMWell, your experience on Amtrak was very different from mine. The serving person acted like a thug and like they were the decision maker on who gets drinks served to them and who doesn't. She was rude and nasty looking.
I reported her when we arrived in D.C. Never rode Amtrak again. My experiences on planes has never been as bad as that trip.
Posted by: travelfan at August 28, 2007 8:11 PMHaving worked for the California Dept of Transportation for over 34 years, I can relate to the publics' frustrations with transportation.
I did a 12 year stint with the Dept's Rail Passenger Office. I found the Amtrak operations to be inefficient and wasteful. The commuter trains like Metrolink and Coaster were far better than Amtrak. Their staff on the average were superior also.
With airplane travel, it is obvious certain airlines do a better job than others. From past experiences I avoid airlines with big problems and stick with the ones with a good track record.
The bottom line is whatever form of transportation, there are problems and issues with all. Avoiding the holiday and peak travel times are best if possible with planes, trains, and automobiles.
Posted by: Ray Anderson at August 29, 2007 3:25 AMSo what truley is better??? Back a few years we all (7 of us) packed into my minivan with trailer in tow to go to disney...we are in NJ. We are planning again but thought we would fly...so what is the best airline??? this is the first time ever on a plane.
Posted by: Ellen at August 30, 2007 8:22 PM