How Would You Fix the Airlines?

In order to fix the airlines, we need to go back and re-deregulate the industry. In 1978, Jimmy Carter signed a bill that gave airlines the right to compete for lower fares (beforehand, fares were regulated by the government).

David of VA 8:59AM June 02, 2009

Discount tickets are available to FILL the seats. The airlines are behind that. Now they are going to punish the travelers who need to buy those tickets the most. And if they are going to nickle and dime us to death, then I say let it be the death of air travel. They will not fly empty planes just to get a few 1st class and business travelers where they are going. There is a reason the economy section is the largest portion of the plane.

If I HAVE to fly, I'll choose an airline that doesn't charge to check a piece of luggage. If I can, I'll choose to drive, take a bus, or take a train. Not that Amtrak is anything special. But they aren't charging for luggage. Maybe if more people chose the train, the government would put some money into fixing our rail system.

I'd bet good money that if the economy/budget travelers boycott the airlines they'd figure out that they need us lots more than we need them. Hmmm, who else thinks that the pinheads making these kinds of decisions are the ones who are also raking in the big bucks in salary, bonuses and benefits.

Pam of NY 3:15PM May 29, 2008

You are absolutely right Liz the other airlines are "studying it carefully." They are waiting to see what is going to happen with AA when the surcharge takes effect in June. They want to see what the fallout will be. Will AA lose customers because of the charge? I think they will. When they (AA) lose customers, the other airlines, that have not imposed the fee, will be picking up those customers and may not have to charge the fee due to increased customers on their domestic flights.

Remember this baggage fee only applies to flights inside the US, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. It does not apply to business class or first class customers. It applies to those people who are flying for a holiday or to visit family. It applies to those who can least afford it.

When I was an undergrad, I took a class called "The Psychology of Work." This was in the 1990's and even then Southwest Airlines was the company that other's should emulate. Why? The employees received positive feedback from the CEO all the way down the corporate ladder. When a person is happy with the company they work for they will do anything and everything to make the company successful. Is it a hassle to fly Southwest? Yes, they have some problems they could fix, but evidently they feel that their system is cost effective. Since I am not privy to that information, I would have to think they may be right. Am I willing to put up with the hassle factor to show AA I will NOT pay the baggage surcharge. You bet! If I take a domestic flight I will ALWAYS choose the one that doesn't charge the fee. I can always carry on a snack. I can also purchase a beverage, even if the price is outrageous, after TSA finishes their body cavity searches.

My bottom line remains the same. If you can choose another airline, do it. That is the only way to show them we won't tolerate the ridiculous baggage fee. Why is it the only way? How many of the CEO's in ANY corporation is willing to give up their millions of dollars bonuses to help out the little guy? How many CEO's realize it is their employees that can either make them or break them? They are not willing to share their millions with the people who are actually responsible for helping them make it. Perhaps there would never be a surcharge if those bonuses were used to help out during these tough times.

Jacque of OK 10:29PM May 25, 2008

Problems of the airlines are legion.

It's not just the cost of the ticket but poor Airtraffic control and ground control.

How much fuel gets burned waiting to land or waiting for a gate ?

Cost of a ticket does not represent cost of flying. Cost of flying is directly related to Oil. Lower price of oil and tickets become less expensive.

Want better service? Stop upper management bonuses and give the money back to the employees which (Am Airlines) took a about a 33% pay cut several years ago and have never gotten it back. (You say bonuses needed to keep talent ?? What kind of talent are we talking about ??? People who can't keep the airlines profitable except to pay their bonuses ??? Don't think so.) End Golden Parachutes or pay them out at retirement only if the business is profitable.

Bring back gov't regulation. Deregulation did nothing for the traveler and only benefited the upper management and stockholders.

Stephen of SC rocks ! Spot On.

AA considered pricing the ticket $15 higher BUT the rest of the industry wouldn't go along with it. Ever watch Good Morning America !!

If you fly you'd better watch out for the OPEN SKYs initiative that is being talked about in "smoke filled rooms". That means that foreign carriers can fly anywhere in the US. Talk about over crowding and unfair competition. Most foreign carriers are subsidized by their governments. Say good bye to domestic airline service by US carriers and to personnel that speak English well.

Good luck to all of us. It is only going to get worse before it gets better.

JRS of CO of CO 1:45PM May 23, 2008