We fly coast to coast often. Can be 4.5- 5 hrs. Just snacks are offered in coach and comfort plus. Meals are only in first class.
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This is a huge problem in all aspects of public life lately. It does become magnified by the recent stresses caused by cramped seats and inadequate storage for carry ons. It’s like a perfect storm. The roads are similarly filled with people who think only they matter, but I much prefer driving to flying when feasible.
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I believe certain violations related to jeopardizing airline safety fall under federal laws, do they not? Gate agents, pilots and flight attendants make the call to remove misbehaving and non-compliant passengers.
Unfortunately, they have to deal with these issues on a regular basis (plenty of phone video evidence out there). Again, it’s rather sad (IMO) that the government has to get involved to the extent of issuing reminders to grown adults on how they should behave when flying. This thread highlights the dress code aspect of the “civility campaign” but the Secretary is also addressing changes in other behaviors that could possibly have a positive impact on the overall flight experience.
I agree - airlines have contributed to making it an unenjoyable experience in almost all aspects but the end of the day, we can choose with our wallets to fly or not.
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Lack of civility on airplanes is probably a symptom of declining civility generally in US society. Since much of that is related to economic and political factors, further discussion on this angle would probably best be suited for a thread in the politics section. But because political factors are part of it, a political appointee government spokesperson may not be the best messenger for this message.
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I travel frequently, and my go-to flight outfit is a pair of black joggers—usually Vuori or Athleta—paired with a comfortable top. I always bring a cashmere scarf or wrap and a lightweight, packable puffer jacket. I’ve never used the complimentary pajamas airlines provide; I’d rather not have my clothes touch any surfaces in the airplane bathroom.
This year, I’ve flown business class on United, ANA, China Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, and none of them offered pajamas. The last time I received a pair was on Singapore Airlines years ago, and I’m not sure whether they still provide them.
Emirates provides beautiful pajamas, and a bathroom large enough to change comfortably (if you are in business/first class).
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I am always freezing on airplanes. Dress in layers.
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We frequently fly between HI to NYC or DC. It’s a very long time, even when nonstop (which we prefer), even without taking into account the time before you get on the plane and the time before you leave the airport upon arrival. Originally, airlines fed all people on the plane. Then they cut back. Now they’re starting to feed people, especially on these longer flights again. It can be confusing to know whether or not you’ll be fed or not and whether the food will be “edible.” There have been times when I ate before getting on the plane, only to be offered a meal on the plane as well and other times when I didn’t eat before getting on the plane and as not offered more than a drink at the beginning and end of the flight, plus a choice of one tiny snack item–pretzel, chocolate or fruit roll up.
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I do too. But…. pretty sure it’s mostly the already-civil people paying attention to the message. Still it can’t hurt.
It used to be that after landing, there would sometimes be an announcement to let folks with tight connections deboard first. I can’t recall hearing that recently. Too bad. Have wondered if maybe others were taking advantage of the opportunity to scoot out quickly.
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They still make those announcements if the flight is delayed. If people booked tight connections and the flight is on time, that’s just bad planning and not the airline’s problem (or the other passengers).
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We had the misfortune of missing a connection in Amsterdam due to a mechanical issue on the first flight. We were booked through Iceland on Iceland Air to get us home. There were things to purchase on the 9 hour flight, but nothing provided besides water, tea, coffee, and cups of pop. Only water, tea, and coffee were free on the flight to Iceland, so we were aware and knew to buy food to take on the flight home at the airport.
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Of course, sometimes airlines offer unrealistic connections, such as international to domestic with a 1 hour connection during which one has to do immigration and customs (collecting and rechecking checked bags, if any) and security screening during the connection.
I booked such a flight once (to Canada) and barely made it walking quickly with no checked bags and getting lucky that there was not a big queue at Canada immigration and customs. I only chanced it because there were numerous other flights shortly afterward to get rebooked on if I missed it.
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Agree that it’s the airlines that will set up the connecting flights typically, at least in my case. I am often uncomfortable with the tight connection, but they claim it’s doable or the computers wouldn’t let them schedule it
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I was on a flight from LaGuardia a few weeks ago that landed about 3 hours late. No announcement was made. When I stood up to exit, a woman appeared to be trying to get through from further back. She explained the delay caused a very tight connection and she and her family needed to get off our flight as quickly as possible and then run to another gate. I sat back down and let others know she and her party needed to get through.
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Is it bad planning when it’s a “standard choice” for the airline? We have to fly from the east coast of US to the west coast of Canada next summer, and the “best” choice for us has only a 35 minute layover, at an airport that’s not normally “bad.” I think it sounds a little crazy, but we are seriously considering that choice, bc it’s the best choice for us, IF it all works out OK.
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My daughter is flying LAS to DEN. The flight was 7 something tonight but delayed 3 and now 4 hours. I went on to see if the earlier flight was sold out. It wasn’t. She could standby but I wanted to see the price difference. They posted a note offering a free change. Now she’s leaving 4:15 and just a few mins late.
She’s in sweats and a gap sweatshirt. We are 4:45 - bought the 2nd fare on sw. Last night changed from the cheaper one stop to a non stop. I’m in gym shorts, a tee and fleece. Wife in baggy comfy pants and two layers. We are C boarding but board after As due to A list.
To stay on topic.
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Is it an international to domestic connection where you need to go through immigration and customs during the connection?
Are there subsequent flights not too much later that the airline would rebook you on if you miss the connection?
Will you have checked bags that could miss a tight connection?
Will you have any conditions (e.g. slow walkers, very encumbering carry on baggage) that could make moving from one gate to another slower than the airline assumes?
I’m in row 15 on a Max8. Person in front has Jersey Mikes. It reeks.
Far more annoying than improper dress, whatever that is.
All fine questions. We will have checked bags. It’s an international flight, but from US to Canada. We are vey fit, and can run to connection if we have to. It will be tough if we miss the connection. (Probably would require 2 additional stops). Additionally, it will be at a time where there shouldn’t be weather delays from where we live. We could use points to take these flights, and if all works, the timing would be great. BUT if it doesn’t, it will be a very miserable day.
Will you have to do Canada immigration and customs during the connection? If so, then 35 minute connection time is unrealistic, especially with checked bags.