MilesBuzz! - Delta's Mullins speaks to "hassle factor"

But I wonder if he totally has overlooked the "hassle factor" the airlines are themselves contributing as they dump on their own flying customer base in their quest for pennies saved ? I can't in good conscious believe these penny-pinching moves recently announced by the majors outweighs the incredible ill-will they just created against themselves collectively.

Yes, the "hassle factor" of dealing with the security is a downer...but I sincerely believe the nickel and diming of airline customers....FAR OUTWEIGHS the security issues. Delta CEO clearly "doesn't get it", and I am not surprised to see all major airlines at the trough of government handouts once more. These elitist CEOs seem very good at blaming all external forces...and can't take much if any personal or corporate blame. What's wrong with this picture ?

I have a trip to take in 3 weeks...and darned if I don't find myself basing my entire airline decision on which airline is left standing that *seems* to care about their customer. Reluctantly AA is about to earn my money, and its far from perfect, and I am proactively canceling 2x fc seats on USAir out of protest for the hassles they just dumped into my life.

What a way to run a business. PO your core customer group, blame the security "hassles", and head out to Washington, DC, to feed at the trough of the taxpayer.

http://biz.yahoo.com/rb/020924/airlines_congress_12.html

Also a story in USA Today, I believe, about the prospects for relief. No direct bailouts are likely, but the insurance thing might get some backing. Am not sure what they could do about jet fuel (except maybe suspend taxes). The "security fee" would need lots of letters from ordinary flyers to sway Congress, IMO. It'll be a challenge just to hold it where it is, let alone reduce it. They need to hear from people (especially families) who are unhappy with taxes turning $200 round-trips into $240 or $250 ones.

I'll move this to "TravelBuzz" for additional comments (as it is really not pure "mileage" related).

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Craig6z
Buzz & United Moderator
moderator2@flyertalk.com

[This message has been edited by Moderator2 (edited 09-25-2002).]