What is wrong with the airlines...

[Grasshopper27]

Originally posted by: AnyMal
I disagree with your math. The actual flight time will be roughly 30-40 minutes depending on the plane type and weather conditions. For example's sake, we'll say it's 30 minutes. Add 5 minutes at each destination for taxi time, plus at least two hours advance arrival time that is now requierd. You should be able to cover 200 miles in a car in rougly 3 hours at a cost of $10-15 for gas. Bottom line, I'd rather drive not only because it's cheaper, but because it will take appx the same amount of time.

You don't need two hours anymore. You did after 9/11, but not anymore.

I currently get to the airport 45 minutes before departure, haven't had a problem in months doing this. In my case, I'm dropped off and picked up on both ends, so driving and parking are not issues for me.

BTW, the gas might only be $10-$15, but you're not counting wear and tear on the car. That is a real cost that you'll pay sooner or later. Sure you don't write a check now, but it is a real cost.

Hopper

 

[Grasshopper27]

 

[rudder]

Originally posted by: Grasshopper27

Airlines have gone from being luxury transportation to the flying Greyhound Bus service. Someone just forgot to tell the major airlines.

The people who founded Southwest figured this out 30 years ago. Forget first class, fancy meals, in-flight movies, and all that jazz. Just take a bunch of people from Point "A" to Point "B" as quickly, cheaply, and hassle free as possible.

Airlines like American, United, and Delta generally catered to the business traveler. A majority of their profits came from last minute business travelers paying full fare. Since it is for business, they companies just pass along the cost. Flying people on vacation who bought 14 day advance reservations, didn't bring in nearly as much $$$. And since the businesses were paying top dollar, they expected better treatment, better meals, entertainment, etc.

Lo and behold, demand for business travel lessons as companies tightened their bottom line. They must have realized how much jack they were spending and told thier people to either make a conference call or fly southwest. So now all the Uniteds, Americans, and Deltas are scurrying to develop a low cost carrier infrastructure like Southwest.