A week after I write this flattering note about Southwest and Delta, BusinessWeek writes "Long lines, late flights, near collisions—everyone is unhappy with the state of the U.S. air travel system." Not just US. Same issues in Europe.
My wife would agree. Last week I dropped her at United to connect to Aer Lingus from Dulles to Ireland. It was an hour to the flight. She waited 25 minutes for one of the 6 United employees to finally check her in. Then they gave her hell for not checking in earlier for an international flight. (even though United was only carrying her domestic). And said not sure the bag was going to make the connection. At the same airport I have seen Southwest work magic in 20 minutes.
She gets to Dulles. Has 3 hours to her connection. She begs Aer Lingus to check if her bag has made it. They assure her it is - but in retrospect feels they told her that to get her to board. Security rules on international flights say an unaccompanied bag is reason to delay a flight. A unaccompanied passenger - well, it's their personal problem.
So she lands in Dublin. No bag. Aer Lingus grudgingly approves a small allowance. And ensures she does not live in Ireland. If she was an Irish resident no allowance even for deodorant.
Next day bag does not arrive. There is no daily flights from Dulles. 3 from New York, but you think they would go to that additional step? She finally gets the bag delivered 3 days late.
It is wrong to malign the whole industry. But there are plenty of uncaring employees and idiot rules in the industry.
