The New York Times has on its website some reader comments to their November 25th article, Class Conflict. Some interesting comments, but in my opinion, a lot of over-reaction as well. If flying coach from Sydney to LAX is going to induce a “14 hour panic-attack” then I think there are other issues.
I said it then and I’ll say it again… I don’t think coach is the end of the world. I’d much rather spend the $ on another aspect of my trip, but that’s just me. A me who has survived the following in coach:
- EWR-DTW-KIX in August 01 (much saner flying time)
- KIX-SIN-BNE and return (although SQ coach is a dream!)
- KIX-DTW-LGA
- LAX-NAD
- MEL-SIN-KIX
- KIX-YVR-JFK (and return)
- KIX-ICN-LAX
- HPN-ORD-LAX-AKL-MEL (OK, I’ll admit to being worn out at the end of that one. 33 hours travel time, ~21 flying)
I agree that there are issues with the US airlines that need to be addressed — namely horrendous customer service and delays, but I don’t think coach is the end of the world.
On another note, I’m currently reading Nuts! and thoroughly enjoying it, even though I’ve never had the chance to fly Southwest. I seem to be on a business strategy/airline kick lately.
