Forget about the impacts of 9/11 and the recession, I still feel like airlines are sticking it to the customer. Cramped seating so they can make a few extra bucks, no free food (except junk), low grade beverages, negative attitudes, baggage fees, lost bags, delayed bags, supply/demand price gouging...I could go on. But what's a passenger to do about it? Simple--TALK ABOUT IT.
Share your experience not only with the offending airline, but warn other passengers too. If you aren't already sharing your stories about flying experiences on social media, now is the time to start. We've all seen the news coverage of the larger issues, like people with reserved seats being dragged off planes, disgruntled passengers that airlines dismiss because they are frequent flyers, etc. But the more we all just 'sit and take it' in terms of the lesser, but still negative, aspects of customer service, the more airlines get away with it.
Remember, the airlines are competing with each other! When you have a grievance with X airline, tweet to them and (if appl) mention how you didn't have the same issue with Y airline (include their handle too). Most airlines are pretty good at making things right--with the exception of an issue with Southwest per my very first post on this blog. I wouldn't bother with Yelp in these situations, because it's not likely they will see the review, let alone respond to it. All (smart) airlines have staff checking and responding to their social accounts. Hopefully too, they've empowered these people enough to not just say 'we're sorry for the inconvenience,' but rather, 'Send me a direct message so I can research this and help you.' (airlines, take note--this is the way to do it)
Keep them honest! We're spending a lot of our hard-earned money on flights, so get what you deserve--a comfortable, hassle-free, pleasant flight. Happy travels!
Sassy travel and life advice from a coffeeholic.
