Airlines take miserable over luxury for $$$ unless you have the $$$. Over the years there have been many changes in the amenities and comfort provided by the airlines to its customers. Leg space in the main cabin has decreased. One the last fight I took to Africa from the USA felt so tight my short legs were still crowded. I felt sorry for anyone with long legs.
First class was almost looking worth the increase in cost. The first class patrons were in seats that laid back with fluffy blankets where they were comfortable for the long flight. They had meals, pillows, and snacks. But I had to remember I had a choice.
In the past ten years airlines started charging for food, scrunching the seats, charging for blankets and pillows, and making you decided if you can wear the same set of clothing for several days to avoid the fee for checking a bag.
If you are flying you would do well to know what your airline options are. A couple of the airlines that I have flown on have TV’s in the seat back in front of you with remote controls. One airline I flew allowed 1 checked in bag with no charge for a domestic flight.
I had a major surprise going to Mexico from the USA. When I booked the tickets I checked that the airline I booked on didn’t charge a fee for a checked bag to Mexico. What I didn’t notice was that one of the 4 legs of the journey, the one coming from Mexico into the USA was a different airline than the others and when we rechecked our bags after customs we were charged a baggage fee for our checked bags. So check all the legs of your flight and all airlines involved.
If you know your options and can prepare ahead of time for snacks, activities, booking an aisle seat or first class, knowing your complete trip costs and taking a sweater or coat with you on your trip it will be must better.
Don’t get knocked sideways and have bad feelings over these changes in airline policies instead be educated and prepared. Remember airlines have had to cut costs anywhere they can to keep flying us where we want to go and they have given us a choice to upgrade for comfort.
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