You end with "Thirty years ago, the airlines were regulated too much. Now, too little." From what I understand, though, many people don't enjoy their flights today precisely because of regulation -- the regulations that require them to check in hours before takeoff and submit to invasive security checks.
Ariella, That may be right but how about the high cost of flying? If you don't have direct flight, you'll pay a bundle and still spend hours on the road. We can't blame everything on the regulators especially once you are on the flight. Regulators didn't tell airlines to cut food or reduce snacks or eliminate movies on medium range flights (4-6 hours). Please spread the blame.
Ariella, your irony is well-taken. In fact I'm on a Lunatic Watch List in most airports after one too many incidents of throwing things at the impassive but intrusive minions of the TSA (Thousands Standing Around). Benjamin
@Bolaji That's true. Those are the choices the airlines make in the attempt to cut costs and maximize profits. It's not necessarily mean-spirited, though it may come across as such. The rising cost of fuel really does take a bite out of the airlines' bottom line, and so many have felt they have no choice but to add on fees for baggage, etc. Regulations do require that all such fees be disclosed -- even government fees: Regulations are now going to even call for airlines to include government fees in fares. http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/story/2012-01-10/Government-forcing-full-disclosure-on-airfares/52486078/1
I bought an international ticket once and was happy I would only be paying just under $1,000 for a trip of almost 14 hours. When I proceeded to "checkout" online, the fuel surchaged slapped on it took the total to more than $1750. Had to cancel! Is somebody really going to bring "Beam me up" to real life?
@Bolaji That is a most unpleasant form of sticker shock! Hiding those types of fees is what got Spirit Airlines fined last year as "DOT rules require any advertising that includes a price for air transportation to state the full price to be paid by the consumer, including all carrier-imposed surcharges. " I very rarely fly myself but notice other puzzline inconsistencies in the industry. For example, it ususally costs far less to fly to Florida from NY than it does to fly to Canada despite the fact that Canada is much closer. But I'm glad not to have to fly anywhere now because the last time I was on a plane, the turbulence even made the captain nervous.
I very rarely fly myself but notice other puzzline inconsistencies in the industry. For example, it ususally costs far less to fly to Florida from NY than it does to fly to Canada despite the fact that Canada is much closer.
@Ariella, I guess the price depends on the number of people flying between that route and on the number of flights between the routes. I guess more number of flights between the busy route brings down the cost of the travel because of competition.
When I proceeded to "checkout" online, the fuel surchaged slapped on it took the total to more than $1750.
@Bolaji, 75% percentage variation in the displayed priced and the actual price is unacceptable. Did you approach any higher authorities to flag this malpractice by the airline?
"and got a dirty look when I asked for a glass of water." AlmostalltheAirlinecompaniesaroundtheworldhavemadecutoffsintheirservicing.Itissadtogiveanormalamountofmoneybuyingairplaneticket,andyoudon'teventakeasmallsnack.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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