Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
Resolutions.
Everybody's best friend when we get to this time of the year.
But for some resolutions, it takes a village for them to come to fruition. So this is our wish list for airlines and airports in 2017.
MONEY. LOTS OF MONEY. There's only one way airport infrastructure is going to improve, and that's with a commitment of federal money. President-elect Donald Trump said he's willing to spend it, so now let's see if he puts that money where his mouth is.
MAKE LaGUARDIA GREAT AGAIN. One of New York's three major airports, LaGuardia has continually been rated as the worst airport in America. But it wasn't always that way. LaGuardia was once one of the most progressive, forward-thinking facilities in the country, but fell victim to neglect and the simple fact that it was built for about half as many passengers as it processes today. It is in the midst of a $4.5 billion renovation and reconstruction. Let's hope it returns to its former glory.
NO CLASS SYSTEM. They won't admit it, but the airlines are creating a class system in the air with their pricing structures. And United's latest initiative, instituting a basic economy fare at the lowest end of the spectrum that prohibits the purchaser from using the overhead bins, is a perfect example. Creating new revenue streams is certainly important for any business, but this is not the way.
BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE. Listen, there's absolutely no question that flying is a stressful experience - for the crew as well. But passengers are less apt to complain if they feel like they are getting what they pay for, and a little more service goes a long way.
FREE GRUB. See above. Delta Air Lines is experimenting with bringing free meals back to economy service. Let's face it, these aren't much more than a TV dinner and they don't cost a lot. With record profits rolling in, the airlines would go a long way to regaining some goodwill with such a move.
END THE OPEN SKIES DEBATE. It's gone on long enough, almost two years now. It looks like the Obama administration is going to punt the decision to the Trump administration, and we hope there will be a speedy answer so that all parties can move on and adjust accordingly.
PRIVATIZE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL. Delta Air Lines produced a study earlier this year showing that privatization would actually cost air travelers more money, and not produce the significant savings that many think would happen under that scenario. But Delta is in the minority when it comes to their fellow airlines, who hope that privatization happens under the new Trump administration. A not-for-profit, similar to how Canada runs its air traffic controllers, would expedite the move to a more efficient airspace modernization program and take it out of government's hands.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
