Monday, June 30. 2008
Well, I did it again… I flew this weekend. While I could fill pages with my
rants on how frustrated I get when I fly, I have something else on my mind
today as I sit in the boarding area, waiting for my delayed flight.
Can our airline industry continue as we know it? We have the best transportation system in the world! Everyday, we have trains, planes, and automobiles whizzing across our country like roof shingles in a hurricane… and we take it all for granted. We demand strict time schedules be met, complete safety and comfort, and then we complain because the lines move too slowly. Are we asking too much?
As I passed through security for the 3rd time today, I began to consider the strain that the last few years have placed on the airlines: screening agents, high-tech machinery that can peer inside a suitcase, rising fuel prices, and the thousands of people who are needed each day to schedule this daily ballet at airports across the country. Airlines spend trillions of dollars to minimize the risk presented by that small segment of terrorists who want to blow us up, while trying to compete in a competitive market. They have done an amazing job of minimizing that risk, but it has not been cheap, and it has not been enjoyable for the majority of travelers. With the additional customer hassles, added security costs, increased regulation, and escalating fuel prices, do our airlines have what it takes to survive? And if they don’t, have the terrorists achieved their purpose?
I have developed a new respect for the airlines. They have managed to deal with these unimaginable market pressures and still keep the planes in the air. Sitting here in the airport, I am feeling that my ticket was way too cheap (did I just say that?). Sure, I am going to get home a little late today, but I felt secure, the planes operated safely, and although I could have used a few extra peanuts on the last flight, it was a pretty positive experience.
I wonder how long flying can continue to be an inexpensive transportation option. I worry that prices will have to be raised to continue to provide for the demands of regulation and security, or we will have to accept a new system of airline service that can adapt to the increasing demands of very complicated marketplace.