Although cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages continue to be available, the flying experience has changed dramatically since the World Trade Center terrorist attack.
The following are the largest changes airline passengers have faced since 9/11:
Ever increasing fees for everything from checking bags to selecting seats have transformed flying. Mounting fees have effectively increased airfare in a less than transparent manner. Consumer Reports found last year that add on fees are passengers top complaint.
Shrinking number of airlines has completely reshaped the U.S. airline industry, leaving the country with just four legacy airlines: American, Delta, United, and US Airways. There have been 14 large airline mergers and acquisitions since 2001. Major brands such as America West, Continental, Northwest, and TWA have disappeared. Airline consolidation has ultimately resulted in higher ticket prices in many markets.
Falling number of airline personnel has led to more inexperienced airline personnel interacting with the public. Often these new employees do not have the same level of training and expertise as their predecessors. Tens of thousands of full time airline employees have been laid off since 9/11. Outsourced aircraft maintenance work is being performed at some facilities overseas by unlicensed mechanics without the federal oversight.
Increasing congestion is seen as planes fly fuller than at any time since World War II. There has been a significant increase in mainline airlines using regional carriers, resulting in crowding the skies with smaller planes. Overcrowding sometimes results in delays and cancellations.
Continual changes in airport security screening have increased the time travelers have to spend in airports, sometimes leading to greater passenger frustration.
Yet with all of these changes, airline travel remains popular because of the time saved by flying and the fact that it is often the most cost effective way to travel. www.cheapfares.com