Let's talk about domestic air travel, shall we?
There are many domestic airlines in the US: United, Delta, Southwest, American, to name a few. Collectively they all have their ups and downs and collectively they don't really care about whether your travel experience is pleasant if you're traveling within the country.
If you like these airlines, good for you. I'm not hating on them because they are terrible, I fly them all the time. I'm hating on them because other major and minor airline companies around the world do much better at increasing and maintaining customer satisfaction.
On some flights they have comment cards you can fill out. But where do the comment cards go? Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad and Qatar take into consideration what is written on the comment cards and what complaints are tweeted, emailed and told directly to them.
Why is it so hard for US airlines to do the same?
It's not asking for much. Just better snacks, maybe more free snacks when flying from East to West or West to East. Maybe more comfortable chairs so we don't get back pain. Maybe a better overall flying experience?
European, Arab and Asian airline companies have higher passenger satisfaction ratings than US domestic airlines. If I could rate them I would probably do:
1. United
2. Southwest
3. American
4. Delta
This could just be the fact that I've travelled on so many great airlines that I now only expect the best service. But if you're on a five hour flight from Washington Dulles to San Francisco, is it really too much to ask for a sandwich or something? Preferably something that does not cost additional.
Domestic flights and airlines conducting said flights are generally good though. Good about taking off and landing at the scheduled times and properly dealing with delays. Not many bags go missing and service is typically done happily - there are the few stewardesses who act as though it was forced upon them.
What really irks me besides the forementioned, is the boarding process. I find this especially with domestic flights. People board with whatever boarding number they want, which is completely unfair. There is a system of boarding and yes I know you want to make sure there is space in the overhead compartment, I have a bag too, but there is no need to cut the line.
The order is so simple. The first people to board are those with small children and those who need additional time boarding or additional assistance. Next are the first, business or priority boarders. Next are the economy dwellers who are categorized into different groups.
Some airports on the East Coast used to board by row numbers. Those were the days. Way back before boarding passes were available on your phone.
Nevertheless, air travel is getting better. The more integrated with technology the process is becoming, the easier it will be to get from your origin to your destination.
It just wouldn't hurt the airline to have more free snacks.
