I wonder how much one would have to travel to start cribbing about the quality of in-flight service and food. Or maybe it is the fact that some people are actually flying on other people’s money that causes them to ignore the fact that expensive flight tickets do precious other than get you from here to there.
But there is something about flying that makes the person want more and more. For instance, imagine that you are on a one-hour flight from city A to city B. And instead of the get-stuck-between-the-teeth type of poor quality candy, the aircrew serves you a large bar of exquisite Swiss chocolate. How would you feel? If you would rate this as an example of good service, you have my sympathies. I just do not understand you.
Let me tell you what I would think. I would think that I got approx two dollars worth of benefit. That is because that is what the chocolate bar would probably cost me if I pocketed it on my way to the airport.
Stretch this example to alcohol, in-flight entertainment, reading material or anything else. There is really a strange value that some people seem to derive from plastically smiling cabin crew. In reality I am one of those that think that the only purpose of a flight is to get you from point A to point B. As long as it does so within reasonable approximation to the time limit that you expected, or the time limit that is standard, you should be happy.
Wait, you should be happy assuming that the price was right. I am always surprised when I find out that two people on the same flight are paying dramatically different prices. I can forgive occasional mis-planning being the cause of delayed reservations. But what is the deal with choosing chronically expensive flights and carriers. Are you not interested in saving money?
Is the fact that your employer or customer is paying for the ticket enough for you to shirk the responsibility of going ahead and doing your bit to save money, and maybe use it more sanely later?
There are many airlines that specialize in low fares. There is usually a catch, but I think it is worth exploring. Some of them have few flights to make sure that they fly full flights only. That should be fine as long as you can plan a bit in advance. Some other airlines will not give you on-flight service or refreshment. That should not be a concern either. If you are really that keen on a lousy bag of peanuts, spend an extra dollar on that bag before you board, instead of paying an extra hundred to get this “service” on board.
Then there are those that will restrict the amount of luggage you can carry. Some others will fly from less prominent airports. On these I have no prescriptions, except: avail of these low prices if at all possible.
I would never be caught dead flying full fare to get a free drink on board. Would you?