Here's a take. In previous positions (80's/90's), I flew regularly. As my flights became more infrequent (and a greater % become for pleasure), the experiences became alot worse. Always seemed like a 1 in 3 chance the product would be delivered as promised.
My wife and I recently decided to go see my sister in Va over the 4th. It would have entailed a connecting flight and I told her "screw it, we'll drive". The total drive time was about 9 hours (500+) . I figured with the reporting time of a couple of hours to make sure we don't give them an excuse to drop the hammer when things go South, the flight times, the layover and getting the luggage (hopefully) we would probably end up ringing her doorbell at the same time if we drove.
She rented 1/2 dozen books on tape, packed a small cooler and we enjoyed the hell out of the trip. Had a big pillow, plenty of leg room (I'm 6'3" - you guys KILL me), my luggage showed up and we had a complete lack of stress.
New house rule. Whether for business or pleasure if its under 10 hours, we're driving. And just so you know its not just me, my boss, who is also a regional manager, is flying a whole lot less. He has branches in Madison, Green Bay, Columbus, Des Moines and Cincy. He has tried to do it flying but now he just rents a car. Just too much of a hassle.
You guys have slowly but surely eliminated your advantage. Speed/comfort. The delta is getting smaller and you guys are just so undependable and unpleasant.
And just so you know, for all the weather/equipment, delays/cancellations I endured over 25 years, I never (almost) lost my temper. I used to smile, shake my head and give thanks I never had to work in the airline industry. This tack used to get me upgrades (most recently in Atl for a missed connection due to mechanical delay plus a wonderful one from HI to Korea after they overbooked business class) I never asked for or an extra drink. I used to think, "how screwed up is this that they will pick one of the herd, who just keeps following the trail, for a special pat on the head".
Consistency is the key.....and you got your work cut out for you.
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