Everyone has a story about a trip ruined because of an airline nightmare.  We all know the same worn out stories.  Being stuffed in between two “big” passengers, putting up with the annoying guest sitting next to you, missed connections, rude airline personnel, lost luggage…the list goes on and on.  With today’s economic downturn everyone is trying to save a buck and this includes airlines.  This combination of financial concessions for both provider and customer is causing a downward spiral of service.
It starts when you book your flight.  First you search the internet for the best deal you can find.  Give your name and email address for 10 different sites until finally you find the best price you can find.  You give the website your information, and of course your credit card you think the hard part is over.

The day of your flight arrives and you drive through traffic to the airport and walk your way toward the ticket counter.  You check your bags and find out that you have to pay for “overweight” luggage.  You whip out your credit card again and proceed to the security area.  Your things are searched while the watchful eye of the security personnel studies your every move.  No liquids, so you have to throw away your favorite shampoo.  The final indignity happens when you are told to take your shoes off and step to the side.  Then they wave their magic wand over you and you are sent on your way.  Now the hard part is over, right.
Wrong.  Now you stop to get a coffee on your way to the gate and find that it is going to cost you 8 bucks for your caffeine fix.  Here comes the credit card again.  You wanted to stop for a magazine but you are reaching your credit limit.

When you arrive at the gate you hear over the loudspeaker that your flight has been overbooked.  Unfortunately, you are not one of the lucky ones who actually make it onto the flight even though your credit card is just as good as theirs.

After a 3 hour wait it is finally time to get on a plane to your destination.  You board without incident only to find yourself sitting between the incredible hulk and Mama Cass.  Oh wait, the fun has just started.  There just happen to be 3 screaming kids behind you and a man in front of you who has to have his seat fully reclined.

By now you need a drink.  The flight attendant comes by and you place your order only to find out that now you have to pay for your drink.  “That’s not how it used to be” you reply, to no avail.  Out comes the credit card again.

Your $300 flight has just turned into a $600 flight when you add up all the charges you had to put on your credit card. To add insult to injury, the smiling flight attendant merrily wishes you a “nice day.” Welcome to travel in the new century!