Attention, passengers (How it sounds from coach)
Attention, passengers. We are now 15 minutes from landing. Please turn off any electronic equipment, make sure your seat belt is buckled, your seat is returned to an upright and locked position, and any carry-on luggage is safely stowed under the seat in front of you.
For our Deluxe Elite passengers, please return your footrests to their stowed position, and turn your stemware in to the attendant who will shortly be coming down the aisle with your choice of mints and Belgian chocolates. Also, turn off and stow your media entertainment console, reduce your back massage to off or low, and make sure your balloon hats are safely secured around your head, as loose headgear can disturb the poodles. If you are seated next to one of the surprise celebrities strewn about the cabin, now would be a good time to exchange telephone numbers, unless you’re seated next to Bono, in which case be advised that he is happy to accept your contribution in the African denomination of your choice. Those of you traveling with small children should have them begin to say goodbye to their clowns, and please don’t forget your pony vouchers. Feel free to keep your travel tiara for your next trip, with our compliments. And now, as we approach our destination, we ask you to please return your attendant to the upright and secured position.
It is, as always, our pleasure to serve you here in the luxurious skies.
Meanwhile, in other news, Air Canada is beginning to charge extra for customer service: $25 - $35 one-way to “receive “speedy” access to “specially-trained” customer service agents who will help rebook flights on Air Canada or other airlines, as well as pay for hotel stays and meals, if necessary.”
I wish we could file this under humour (or even under “humor”). That an airline can no longer provide the service that it used to so it decides to charge extra, is really funny, in an odd way.
Very funny, as expected. But in coach I can’t hear the announcements because my knees are forced up over my ears (and I’m not tall).
Charging extra a problem? Hmmm…isn’t that what ‘customization’ and ‘differentiation’ is all about? Sure we’d expect basics to be included, but what about the vast majority of us who are unwilling to bear the actual ‘cost’ of such basics.
In the end, the economics decide — our personal economics.
I’d say we don’t have too many choices, so we have little voice in the matter. We may be stuck with a particular airline because of schedules, airport location, etc .and not be able to vote with our feet (or seat, in this case).
In terms of the room in regular class, my limited experience (I don’t fly much) tells me they are all the same.
Pony *vouchers*? Massage *chairs*? What kinda cut-rate airline are you flying on?
Singapore Airlines is the best airline ever! I highly recommend it.