American Airlines Taking the Cheap Route
Jan 27, 2017 15:39:22 #
Yup, airplane mode is a must, so that it is not sending or receiving cell signals ... just does a link with the local WiFi. I have only used on WestJet, and they have a free app you install ahead of time (ideally) and it takes care of the connection.
I have watched a 90 minute movie on my phone (my ancient original iPad can't connect on WestJet's system, as I need an operating system upgrade to use their app and the old iPad won't run the new iOS
) and it was nto too bad. Power wise, I carry one of those little "USB power banks" (correct name?) and could easily get by without plugging into the seat back for multiple hours of viewing stuff.
I have watched a 90 minute movie on my phone (my ancient original iPad can't connect on WestJet's system, as I need an operating system upgrade to use their app and the old iPad won't run the new iOS
) and it was nto too bad. Power wise, I carry one of those little "USB power banks" (correct name?) and could easily get by without plugging into the seat back for multiple hours of viewing stuff.Jan 27, 2017 16:23:54 #
jerryc41 wrote:
They could run special Nude Flights. No security check-in, less weight to fly, potential for charging higher prices. Of course, cleaning the seats after each flight would add to the expense. :)
That would be good for a few Titters jerry.
Jan 27, 2017 16:52:49 #
One of the best (only) things about being retired is that I no longer have to fly unless I want to go to Europe - anywhere else within 1000 miles, I'll drive or take the train. They have, step-by-step, made air travel a truly painful experience, even for the experienced flyer with TSA precheck and other strategies. Carry-on luggage and overhead bin storage is a real PITA, but the alternative is lost, damaged luggage. Everyone I knew who traveled for business used carry-ons - just couldn't afford to arrive for a business meeting and find out your luggage and clothes were in an airport 1000 miles away or lost. Last time I flew out of Florida, I watched as a bag fell off the baggage cart in the middle of the taxiway and stayed there in the rain, as other baggage handlers rode past, for almost 2 hours while we sat on hold on the taxiway (which is another painful experience).
Jan 28, 2017 05:54:52 #
dzn1 wrote:
They should reduce the size of the allowable overhead storage. People pack their entire wardrobe and personal belongings into a heavy overstuffed bag and expect to find an overhead space to stuff it. Use check in !!!
The only thing I put in an overhead bin is my back pack camera bag. I'm not going to check that.
Jan 28, 2017 05:57:35 #
Depending on the length of the flight, I usually read or take a nap on a flight. Don't care if they have something to watch or not. I know others want something to watch and that's OK.
Jan 28, 2017 06:03:42 #
jerryc41 wrote:
They could run special Nude Flights. No security check-in, less weight to fly, potential for charging higher prices. Of course, cleaning the seats after each flight would add to the expense. :)
Bring your own towel to sit on, or be charged a clean fee
Jan 28, 2017 06:33:16 #
AnnaZ
Loc: SW Wis.
We flew United to Puerta Vallarta in December.........when I asked about the plugs on the seat backs (or wherever the SamHill they were supposed to be) I was told "oh, that's only in First Class". Pffftttt...............
Jan 28, 2017 08:34:29 #
Billbobboy42 wrote:
I thought I read somewhere that airlines were considering charging for overhead storage. Not sure about underseat, though. This is just one more example of what I call the "cheapening of America". Will it ever end? The reduction in food product sizes (and quality) seem to continue unabated. I expect two holdouts, milk and eggs, to be reduced one of these days.
My husband and I have not flown economy for all the reasons stated. It is my firm belief that all airlines should eliminate carry on. It will speed up getting on and off the plane.
Jan 28, 2017 10:07:25 #
Will continue because people only complain on a keyboard. Change takes real action like quit paying all corporations know they can get away with it. When was the last time the American people had enough of anything, that was unfair, and boycotted it ? I cant remember. Minorities stand together and wow they get results. People haven't a clue how much change and power they have but cant seem unite on anything they just complain and pay whatever the price. Sad Really.
Jan 28, 2017 11:00:46 #
jerryc41 wrote:
American Airlines is ordering planes without the seatback LCD screen. If you want entertainment, bring your own, and pay for Wi-Fi, of course. AA is also introducing a lower economy class without storage bin "priviledges."
http://mashable.com/2017/01/26/american-airlines-no-seat-screens.amp
http://mashable.com/2017/01/26/american-airlines-no-seat-screens.amp
I suppose the younger generation could not imagine flying and not being connected. I spent a lot of my life on airplanes from 1976 - 2002. Sometimes I was on 4 flights a week. I remembering getting along just fine without seat back screens and cell phones. As a matter of fact you had to turn your cell phone off. I can't recall missing anything. I was on a Southwest flight from Nashville to Detroit on 9/11 when the twin towers were hit and didn't know anything about it until I was in the Detroit airport.
Jan 28, 2017 11:53:04 #
Jan 28, 2017 12:05:05 #
I have always enjoyed traveling afar, but the airlines have made it so much more unpleasant that I now think twice about the discomfort when deciding what to do. I agree about the overhead being overstuffed by people who don't follow the size limits causing problems.
Jan 28, 2017 13:03:31 #
TriX wrote:
One of the best (only) things about being retired ... (show quote)
Been there, done that many times. I could not have said it better!
Jan 28, 2017 13:33:36 #
I never watched the movies or used the seat screens, nor did I handle the reading material provided. Always brought my own book and read for most of the flights I've taken.
As far as take-on bags, I had a small suitcase that carried toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, extra underwear and 2 changes of clothes, just in case they lost the big piece of luggage that got checked in. I've seen those people who could care less about other people when their take-on luggage is big enough and heavy enough that it would leave a trail of hernias behind it. I've had to store mine under my seat because there was no room left because of the self-centered ones would even stuff guitars in the overheads. I learned NOT to touch anything that I could possibly avoid and to carry my own disinfectant wipes, and once I did that, I never contracted another cold on a plane flight. Those colds ruined many a vacation. I can't see the airlines charging for a carry-on, though, that is just really pushing it. I can see them being particular about the dimensions as everyone should have enough space over their seat area to store their carry-on.
As far as take-on bags, I had a small suitcase that carried toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, extra underwear and 2 changes of clothes, just in case they lost the big piece of luggage that got checked in. I've seen those people who could care less about other people when their take-on luggage is big enough and heavy enough that it would leave a trail of hernias behind it. I've had to store mine under my seat because there was no room left because of the self-centered ones would even stuff guitars in the overheads. I learned NOT to touch anything that I could possibly avoid and to carry my own disinfectant wipes, and once I did that, I never contracted another cold on a plane flight. Those colds ruined many a vacation. I can't see the airlines charging for a carry-on, though, that is just really pushing it. I can see them being particular about the dimensions as everyone should have enough space over their seat area to store their carry-on.
Jan 28, 2017 14:10:31 #
Jerry G wrote:
The airlines keep reducing leg room and making the seats narrower. They take away the amenities that were associated with air travel and crowd more people on each plane. Planes are becoming more and more like cattle cars, they wonder why there are more unruly passengers. I do not fly unless I have to, I prefer to drive when I can.
In retirement I have adopted this travel mode: I drive. I will not fly in an airborne cattle car. Besides, it is very hard to get the pilot to fly low and make several passes as something I see that interests me. I have time, a high mileage car, and I don't have to rent a car when I reach my destination. It is a draw on total costs, but I don't feel angry when the trip is over.
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