SubMariner - 13 January 2008 06:13 PM
MICHAELAJV - 13 January 2008 11:52 AM
I think this is a wonderful idea! Anything to help people understand how to be kind and considerate of others, is a GOOD thing.
My husband and I have flown many times, and the majority of the time on a Delta airline. Overall, Delta (of the American airlines) has by far been the best. Best in service and comfort for the money.
In regard to the last post, what happens on the tarmac in regard to landing, loading and unloading of passengers, and take off, is all controlled by traffic control officials in the airport, and not the airlines themselves or the pilots.
“Many times”? How about putting 157K miles on Delta alone for a year? That’s the kind travel time I’m talking about. If you compare Delta to other domestic carriers or especially to non-US airlines, I think you’ll find they are mediocre at best. Not only is legroom a joke (don’t get me started about their 777s!) but they have even done away with pillows & blankets on their longer flights.
As for time spent on the tarmac waiting for a gate, scheduling is still up to the airlines. In an effort to minimize their gate charges, they have been scheduling unrealistically short turn around times for aircraft. Hence the long wait on the tarmac for arriving planes. Here’s a link to some of the stats on this: http://www.bts.gov/press_releases/2007/dot055_07/html/dot055_07.html
The skies aren’t so friendly any more! 
As I said earlier, Delta, of the other American airlines, I feel is by far the better airline. Airlines are rated from one to five stars, similar to the way hotels are rated. There are no 4 star airlines that are American. The highest rated American airline is three stars, and Delta is among them. None of the airlines in America that I’ve flown, unless you’re in first or business class, have ample leg room. No story there!
There are a few European airlines that rank as four star, and just a couple in the world that rank as five star.
The point of all that is this, Unless you’re willing or able to pay for first class, you should not expect to be treated with first class amenities in coach.
I agree with you that airlines have cut way back over the years in order to be more profitable. And that’s a shame. Unfortunately, so have many other corporations. The airlines are not unique in this. They call it ‘progress’.
It’s a shame that your air travel has been less than stellar. For us, there are extremely few complaints when we fly Delta. In coach, request the exit row seats. There’s twice as much legroom in those aisles.
Good luck!
