Saturday, April 12, 2008

Don't feed me on board!

Flying is costing more, to the airlines, than a few years ago. To be more precise, it is costing more since September 11th 2001. Ticket prices have actually gone down with the years, but it has become more challenging for airlines to maintain their services and operating expenses, with the oil crisis that is cutting heads left and right, what is there to save more?
You buy a ticket over the internet or in the usual travel agency, you will probably fly an average of three hours, and one or two meals will be served on board. It has always been a nice thing the airlines incorporated in their service, but since the cost of living has gone up, people are trying to save a buck here and there wherever they can, especially when dealing with travel.
A lunch or dinner on an aircraft cost the air carrier a significant amount of money, it is an outer catering business that craft every meal for every passenger, with the usual choice of meat or fish, add to that alcoholic beverages like scotch, whiskey, beer, wine, and the usual juices, pop, and water. Food consumption on planes happens, so the frequent the aircraft travels, the more refreshment must be restocked .
One of the north American airlines that started to chance its food policy is Air Canada, for short routes the passengers are able to pay for their munchies and drink if they are hungry. Sandwiches and other snacks are available for a not so convenient price; but it is a smart way to generate cash in such desperate times.
It would be far more convenient if you could have the choice to buy your meal on your ticket, and to bring along a sandwich or two. Since you are forbidden to carry liquids, airlines can focus on providing beverages as an option.
We got used to expect a meal every time we fly, but recent security restrictions got us to believe that we are not allowed to carry anything with us other than the courtesy newspaper offered by the friendly hostesses.
Aircarriers shouldn't keep avoiding the passengers needs, they are essential and necessary to make an airline successful, rather than just fuel efficient.

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