Once upon a time, it was a privilege to be able to utilize the air travel system. There actually was a day and age when the "elite" public were the only witnesses that bear opinion and experience of what air travel actually entailed. People dressed in their Sunday best, smiled and felt honored to be able to relinquish tales of travel in speeds documented in knots, to see architecture from every angle instead of one. Seating was limited to "some", instead of "all",......and those that went were in awe...those that were left standing to watch...were in awe as well.
And then the Earth turned,....the calendar flipped,.....the ball fell for the 100th exhibit in time square, and everyone complained, just one more time for today. In this day and age, as crude oil has climbed to $100.00 per barrel, and we await the rude awakening of gas prices at our local gas station....more people are not driving their automobiles this weekend. But that doesn't mean people are staying home. The airlines are a business, and as all business's know, they utilize the weakness of the American people in order to prosper to put more dollars in the CEO's pocket.
In this case, corporate airlines have learned the secrets of prospering in a world of overpriced crude oil, sky high fuel costs, and even reprimanded the market to fill empty aircraft. How would one ask? The answer is quite simple. Supply and demand I answer. The days of large, roomy aircraft, are over.....welcome my friends, to the days of no pillows, blankets, food, or smiles, flights of express, filled to the maximum plus over-booked days. These are the days of booking a flight, three months ahead of time, to be told at the gate....."We're so sorry, this flight is over sold, we need 3 volunteers to give up their seats for a free round trip ticket". Corporate airlines have learned to cut flights down to a minimum, cut fuel costs down to a minimum by flying CL-65 Express jet's, and cut their flight crews down to a minimum, while extending their hours on duty. But as history will foretell my dear friends, as well repeat, the less that is available...the more the people will demand a product.
The corporate airlines have learned the secrets of business 101 long before they stuffed fifty souls aboard a stretch Citation, meant to be a freight jet initially. They know the best way to save the airlines from bankruptcy, is to make the people think they are getting a bargain, and tell the public to take it or leave it , because another warm body will take their place. Corporate America has learned nothing from Martha Stewart, but to assure your legal jurisdiction a bit more scrupulously.
Finally, as of December 2007, the legislature has passed a law in protection of and in accordance for the good people involved in air travel, passing through the New York airspace. For many years dispatch has taken complete advantage of basically everyone passing through east coast airspace jurisdiction, imprisoning passengers on aircraft for eight or more hours against their will. This includes major airports from JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia, trickling down to Washington. As for New York, ground holds will now be limited to three hours before the airlines will be responsible for water, food and accessibility to lavatory facilities,...... as for the people passing through, this is a light at the end of a long dark uncomfortable tunnel. Pun unintended.