Come Fly Our Crowded, Overpriced Skies

Gate B-25
Denver International Airport

Okay, okay, I admit it: the sole purpose of this post is to demonstrate to all 2 of the people that read this thing that I can indeed make entries from cool locations...in this case, Denver International. Since, however, I took the trouble to snake my way onto the airport's Wi-Fi, I suppose I have to actually find a topic to discuss.

HOLY SHIT, is airfare expensive. I mean, Jesus. I know the skyrocketing gas prices have caused the airlines to boost fares in order to not get demolished. The problem is that along with these massive price hikes have come service that, even compared to a couple years ago, is terrible. Planes are late more often now than at any other time in history (something that I can relate to: the plane that I am waiting to board is currently a half-hour late) and passengers increasingly find themselves bumped off flights, waiting in a terminal for hours at a time, and dealing with lost or damaged luggage. The problem is that there is not a whole lot that the airlines can do. They have had to scale back their operations and lay off staff in order to avoid raising their fares even higher. They have had to resort to charging passengers for just about anything, including American's $25 fee for a SINGLE checked bag, and United's $30 "service fee" if a reservation is made over the phone as opposed to online.

Now, the good news. I'm in an aisle seat, I'm riding a (relatively) new Airbus A320, and I'm going home for a week of relaxation. I'll take it.