We hear all kinds of stories about how airlines continue to change. Most of the time, consumers tend to share some of the things that they don’t like about them: seats, service, new fees and everything else under the sun. People can be vocal and airlines tend to bear the brunt of criticism.
But, what about the other side of the equation? What about what people “like” about airlines?
Many travelers talk about the perks of frequent flier programs. There are some really great ones out there. Yes, they are changing as the economic climate changes, but many programs still afford travelers tremendous flexibility and opportunity ranging from lower-mileage tickets to seat upgrades. And, if you travel quite a bit, it makes perfect sense to try to focus your attention on one airline. I travel on American Airlines quite a bit and always try to keep my focus on AA so that I can enjoy the benefits of this loyalty.
People also talk about how much they appreciate airline lounges and clubs. For anyone who has flown out of Heathrow in London and visited the British Airways Terraces Club, you know how exceptional the experience can be. Domestically, many airlines offer up great lounge experiences, especially at hubs.
And, even though there is plenty of ink about bad service, there are plenty more stories of happy customers that don’t see the light of day. JetBlue is legendary for amping up customer service using social media. Virgin America has almost revolutionized the flying experience for people in the US. Alaska Airlines always comes up with high marks for customer satisfaction. Frontier has a loyal following. Those stories don’t often get told, but they are there constantly and every day.
Airlines have tough jobs but do everything they can to get you to your destination safely and comfortably. Sure, there will be some things that go wrong — but there is quite a bit to like about airlines and the service they provide.
If you have questions about any airline, drop me a line. I can give you an overview of what airlines do well for their customers.
