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Location: Alerts for 12/15/08
Discussion: Are you seeing fewer flight delays?
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jimglab |
Are you seeing fewer flight delays?
Dec 12 2008, 1:54 PM EST
Government statistics for October show a significant improvement in airlines’ on-time performance, no doubt because schedules have shrunk. They also show a dramatic decline in lost luggage, no doubt because more people are carrying everything on to avoid fees (see this week’s story). What’s your experience? Have you noticed that your flights are arriving on time more often? Have you had trouble finding space for your carry-on bags? Post your comments here.
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Steve@Tropomedia |
1. RE: Are you seeing fewer flight delays?
Dec 15 2008, 1:47 PM EST
Like most business travelers, I'm always on a stand-by list for earlier flights, in case I get to the airport early. Well by the time stand-bys are getting on, there is never any overhead space... in fact, more recently I've seen a lot more gate check-ins than I ever recall.
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sladerer |
2. RE: Are you seeing fewer flight delays?
Dec 15 2008, 3:27 PM EST
No and No. Any on-time benefit that could have been realized is being lost to delays for gate checking bags. I was on a flight last week where over 30 bags were gate checked.As an elite level flier I'm usually in first class or zone 1, but I feel sorry for the zone 5, 6, 7 folks. Of all the ridiculous, less than thought out airline policy changes of the last year, this is the most ridiculous. Just wait until the airlines give the attendants credit card machines to start charging for gate checking... Do you find this valuable? |
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Posted Anonymously |
3. RE: Are you seeing fewer flight delays?
Dec 15 2008, 7:49 PM EST
No I have not experienced fewer flight delays. I must have been fortunate enough to have been on several of the 14% of delayed flights in October as 10 of the 12 flights I was on were delayed. I also question the accuracy of the numbers since I have noted many recent flights where the scheduled flight times were inflated; presumably to cover delays on the tarmac, etc.As for luggage space I am fortunate to be an elite traveler and am one of the first to board so space is never a problem. However, the flights are often delayed as the attendants scamble to find space or to gate check the excess bags. Baggage charges are an extreme example of how to alienate the consumer. I understand the need to operate at a profit, but baggage fees are not the way to accomplish it. Do you find this valuable? |
