The apprehension of boarding a plane today is well founded. Virtually everyone associates the fear of flying with the feeling that the plane is going to crash. They may have a valid point; because now, most commercial airlines have eliminated two engines on their planes. This, in the interest of reducing fuel costs, has jeopardized the safety of passengers. One prime example occurred in January 2009 when a commercial airliner with only two engines shut down during climb, forcing that plane to make a miraculous landing in the Hudson River. If there had been four motors mounted, the decibel level would have been high enough to scare birds and other filth further away so that whatever caused those motors to fail would not have happened. Only through the skill and knowledge of the pilot and crew was a tragedy averted.
This is just one excellent example of how the commercial airline industry has reduced costs rather than public safety. Today, with the ever-increasing demand to keep profit margins stable and the continuing threat of terrorism, commercial airlines and the government have instituted protocols, procedures, rules, regulations and mandates that the general public now finds very intimidating and discouraging. when it’s time to book, board and fly. Adding to this dilemma facing the airline industry is the growing number of people who are so obese that normal-size airline passenger seats are too small to accommodate those passengers. This is because airlines have continually upgraded commercial aircraft to include more seats for passengers. Another tactic to increase revenue while decreasing passenger safety and comfort. Recently, some airlines have started replacing their obsolete aircraft, which was long overdue. Most airlines still use aircraft that are over 20 years old. This has to be a major security concern.
Gone are the days when airlines treated all their passengers like guests on a luxury ocean liner; where the friendship and service of the crew was exemplary. Many of the friendships, such as food and drinks, were included, as well as your luggage, in the purchase price of your ticket. What has happened in the last 30 years is a complete elimination of the kinds of services that made air travel a pleasure. Replaced with a basic service one would expect when riding a crowded subway car at rush hour. Some airlines are going even further by dashing any hope that air travel will bring pleasure back to passenger service. They are now implementing upright seating {a new terminology} where passengers now book standing room only airfare. This means that certain airlines are now putting profits to even greater heights ahead of the safety and well-being of passengers. Imagine a subway car as packed with people tied up like sardines in a can. The mother’s thought of traveling in this way is overwhelming. Unfortunately, this is a reality offered on some commercial airlines today.
Every time an industry blatantly puts financial gain before safety, that industry incurs further financial loss and respect from the general public. Does BP and the Gulf oil disaster sound familiar? What the commercial airline industry has inadvertently done with all those additional fees, continued use of aging aircraft, lack of friendships, and continued rising cost of tickets is making the commercial aviation industry unable to contribute. importantly to the economic expansion that is so crucial. for the economic recovery of the United States.
To understand the fear of flying in today’s world, one must realize that with the constant threat of terrorism [a real eminent threat to any one who travels regardless of the particular mode of transport] the new rules, procedures and regulations instituted exist to help us be safer. They also help deter those who are bent on causing devastation and harm to the public. Many still see these new protocols as intrusive and infringing on our social freedoms. A very sad commentary on the world we live in today.
What the commercial aviation industry needs to do is streamline all these new boarding regulations and bring back the attitude of putting passenger comfort and safety before profit. That old saying in business “Give the public what they want at a price they can afford, repeat business is assured.” This same philosophy has to be applied to the commercial airline industry. Even with the safety measures that are in place now, the fear of flying could be reduced and more people will experience a renewed sense of pleasure and safety when traveling by plane.
