After all the vitriol I shouldn't admit that for all it's faults. air travel itself is still an amazing bargain.

I do the same thing as everyone when I shop airlines, get the lowest price as close to the time I can accept. But you know, I would have no problem payin a little more, I'm saying an extra 75$ on a $250 ticket, if I knew the experience could be something to enjoy rather than survive.

We don't bat an eye at 75$'s for a friday night dinner that lasts maybe two hours, why when we're taveling should we not be willing to pay for a little comfort and service.

The airlines think all they can do is this stripped down GreyHound of the skies act.

I'm not that old,but I remember when flying was actually fun. The stewardess's joked around, the drinks were reasonable, the seats were comfortable....the gate staff were glad to see you.

But the main thing, if you had a problem with a flight, they took care of it pronto. I was transferred many times to another carrier if I was in danger of missing a connection.It was not a question.

Now, they hem and haw and make you jump through hoops. They never explain delays, or problems, like its a national secret. It's a damn airlplane fer cripes sake!

My point is, because I've traveled a good bit of third world, I see the same sort of manana attitudes seeping into our transportation system, the same kind of breakdowns. If we continue on this trajectory, in ten years, well....

z