by R
Way to go Chris;
Since January, the airline industry and numerous carriers have successfully eliminated themselves down to just one for me now. I am going to keep it a secret(ATA)shh(oh no I didn't), I like being able to get a seat when needed. What's that Ms. Counter Attendant, you'll over look the extra pound or two, Oh, and the planes is not full, cool, leg room. Thanks, that's what I call customer service.
Being a PGA professional I do travel. The airlines have now forced us into shipping our golf clubs either by cargo or face paying for the extra weight if the bag is over 50 lbs. Let me see here, golf clubs, bag, shoes, travel cover, balls, and miscellaneous items needed. Grand total weight 53 lbs, cost for overweight baggage $75.00. And that's with a small travel bag. Those of us who play professionally and travel frequently, are getting hit with exhuberant charges for getting our golf clubs to the next destination. I only have one thing to say to them, good bye United, American, Delta and hello UPS or Fedex 2nd day air, grand total $31.76.
Now I could see it if a person brought several bags that ere overweight, but enough is enough. And to add insult to injury, there insurance coverage for broken or worse yet LOST (stolen)clubs only covers up to $600.00, MAX. No I am not a tour player that gets either my clubs for free or endorsement money.
I am just a club pro that works his 50 - 60 hours a week (if I am lucky) to make a living. Oh yeah, and I paid for my clubs out of my own pocket, just like you did.
Oh and by the way, I told all my friends of the new practice / extortionary tactics, they are employing to get golf clubs to the CORRECT DESTINATION ON TIME.
I am assessing the Airline Industry (executives) not only a four shot maximum penalty, but loss of hole (bunch of customers), and a DQ for really foolish thought processes.
I will now (at least for the moment) take my normal group of 40-50 players to a more local destination, we can charter a travel bus to take us up to 500 miles away for approximately $1000 - $1200 (round trip with at least one overnight stay mind you) why with the money we (the group) saved from not paying AIRFARE, we were able to have a really great two day tournament at a great resort. OH and here's the best part.
WE didn't have to wait in any lines, go through either a BODY CAVITY SEARCH, a baggage search or the dreaded UGH BAGGAGE CLAIM. And we were all able to call the Driver by his first name. heh heh. We have booked more subsequent events because of this.
Tell me Mr. Airline Executive, will you let us charter your plane for say twice the charter bus rate, we are only taking a one hour flight, and we won't even ask for your perks of peanuts, airline attendants, drinks. On a plane that is not being used anyways because you couldn't fill it.
NO, too bad, I so love to fly, ok here's your money Mr. Gray Line Tour Operator.
But this is just one persons thoughts on the matter.

by Russ Bird
Chris, You need to really need to get real about the airline industry. Your article on airlines mistreating customers is so far off that it is rediculous. The airline companies have their back against the wall and no relief in sight. Fuel prices are continuing to rise and fares are so low that the airlines may never see a profit. You say "Life's good for the airlines"? You ought to fly in their shoes for one day and I believe the article will change. I have been in aviation for 45 years and the current conditions have never been worse. Please write about something that you are better versed in. Do your homework!

by Dave K
You write as if any "service industry" is the same as it was 15 years ago. Typical shotty journalism - a personal point of view with a few "witless" comments and no solid facts to support your claims. Fares are lower than they were 10 years ago. The airlines have to absorb costs associated with national security and now oil prices stagnate an already snail-paced recovery. Don't get me wrong - I know customer service is not what it used to be but the airline industry does not derserve the continual bashing that it receives.

by F. Pini
It seems to me that you are overreacting. I travel quite frecquently (with golf bags) and as far as treatment is concern it is not any worst than before... sure flight attendants are not whowing their teeth for a smile, but are not bitting either. As far as confort the seats are closere together, there are no food, you have to buy or bring your own headphones, no pillos or blankets, but... remember that the airlines -at least those of the US- are going through tough times due to high gasolline price, etc. Be patient and make sure that everyone get with plenty of time to sort through those loooong security lines.Good golf!

by Jim Shelly
For those of us who fly regularily, you article hit it on the head. It's all about attitude! When you sitting arounf the airport waiting for your delayed flight, you might want to open up your laptop and log onto the Federal DOT's web site at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/problems.htm Here you can log your complaints against the airlines and see which are the worst (Delta & American) and promise yourself to fly on a different airline next time.

by tickman
FYI, while I agree with most of your takes - you obviously have never flown out of Vegas on a crowded day. What's to keep a healthy 40-year-old from getting to the gates in 58 minutes? Try a security line of an hour or so. You leave Vegas on a Sunday, get there at LEAST two hours in advance. Any schmuck knows as much.