Flying is Absolutely Terrible - It's So Broken & About To GET WORSE

[@h3agler]

I used to love travel more than anything but it’s not worth it anymore. The stress of dealing with airports and airlines and rude passengers has ruined it for me.

[@partnerwithjee5114]

YUP, BOOTY JURY AKA SCOOTER MAN HINES SAID THE SAME THING

[@robertbarnier45]

So agree

[@tomhawk8240]

ABSOLUTELY AGREE I FLEW 800,000 MILES!!! LOVED IT!!!! NOT ANYMORE!!! ITS BEEN RUINED!! TERRIBLE AIRLINES!!!!!! HELPED BY OUR GOVERNMENT WHO COMPLETELY RUINED IT FOR ALL OF US!! TSA MAKES ME NO SAFER BELIEVE IT!!! THE AIRLINES FOUND OUT DURING COVID THAY CAN MAKE BILLIONS MORE BY IGNORING SERVICE AT 35,000 FEET!! SERVICE IS ALMOST NONEXISTENT!!! AND THE COST HAS SKYROCKETED!!!!

[@firepilot4870]

Airline pilot here. I fly for one of the major airlines in the US. I agree wholeheartedly with almost everything in this video. Believe me when I tell you that most airline pilots feel the same way about what our industry has turned into. We feel like glorified greyhound drivers (no offense to bus drivers!) because of how ridiculous the entire air travel experience has become. Most of us are pilots because we love to fly and we enjoy getting our passengers to their destinations safely. Unfortunately there is very little we can control outside of physically operating the aircraft. Nowadays we are told where to go, when to go, and pretty much how to get there. I would like to add some perspective to a couple of points you touched on towards the end of your video about how airplanes seem to fly slower and take longer routes. Regarding the routing, airline dispatchers will file a route that is mostly direct from outside the departure airspace up until the arrival airspace at our destination. The route gets approved (or amended) by ATC once the pilots make contact with the tower 30 minutes prior to departure during our preflight procedure. Sometimes, especially during the summer, the route we get could be a few hundred miles out of the way due to adverse weather. Also keep in mind all the other airplanes that need to go around the same weather. Another factor that can exacerbate longer routes and delays is the fact that Air traffic control is severely understaffed and has been for a long time. So for instance when there is a relatively small storm in someone’s airspace over Florida, due to ATC staffing and traffic volume, that can have a ripple effect for a flight waiting to get out of LAX where the weather may be beautiful. One other thing regarding what you said about airplanes seem to be flying slower - not really. We pretty much fly as fast as the airplane can safely fly, taking into account engine limits and weight, etc. Sometimes ATC will request we slow down due to volume. We may also slow down if we see bad weather up ahead so that we can “buy some time” to avoid getting stuck in a holding pattern and come up with a better strategy. Also we may slow down when we expect to land significantly early and operations won’t have a gate available for us. In that case it makes more sense to slow down (and burn less gas) rather than to fly fast, waste fuel, and then sit in a holding pad on the ground for an hour with engines shutdown because they don’t have an open gate for us. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that passengers are not aware of. I like to say being an airline pilot is similar to being on stage in a theatre. There is a lot that goes on behind the curtain (flight-deck door) that the audience doesn’t see. Hope I was able to clear up some stuff. And again, myself and many of my colleagues feel the same way you do about the industry we worked so hard to become a part of. God bless.

[@NobilityProduced]

Flight Attendant here. I know flying has changed over the decades and we are far from the golden age of flying when it was a glamour experience. With that, the cost of getting to your destination has dramatically decreased and safety remains unmatched from other modes of transformation As far as only getting 1 or no pre departure beverage the majority of FAs don't get paid during boarding and staff members can get in trouble or some late departures. With all of that it is challenging to always deliver the best ground service when boarding is the most chaotic part of the journey and the line to fill the plane never stops. Stopping the boarding line to deliver 9-32 beverages on a small tray takes precious minutes from boarding. Of course we want to follow the service standards but situationally it is a challenge to do so. We want flying to be better and we are glad we safely get passengers to their destination on the regulator currently

[@jennhow3095]

Flying now days is like riding the city bus. It’s a horrible experience now

[@robertd..17]

So true!

[@NicksDynasty]

There are some great city buses out there. Clean and they can get you to your destination fast. Others are not so nice of course.

[@JeffryJoaquín1]

......

[@IPANoah]

James isn't only describing the airline industry, but most of corporate America. Look at the banks or the auto industry. I just turned 40 this month, those industries have been bailed out multiple times in my lifetime. The rot simply isn't sustainable.

[@dinxstr1986]

Just took a 4.5 hour flight from Charlotte to San Diego. Drinks were served once and everyone got one Bischoff cookie. They had other items to purchase but one cookie for a 4 hour flight is absurd!

[@Mr_C5627]

charlotte airport is the fucking worst, i will never fly into there again

[@transikk]

Try Ryanair at least once

[@TeresaCarroll-cl6di]

Amazing insight and so spot on. I'm from Canada and we really have only 2 choices. The airline industry is more broken here and it makes us not want to fly at all. Your video was exactly how I've been feeling for a long time. We are at their mercy.

[@Theescapist_87]

I'm from Canada as well and feel the same way. The last time we were able to fly out of the country for under $1k as a couple was pre COVID. Now the prices are crazy high and it makes me not want to travel at all. We are supposed to go to Jamaica next year and I just want to cancel because all the flights I found that were still reasonably priced had 23+ hours of travel time for one way flights from the West coast.

[@johngriffith7315]

Air Canada royally sucks and the Toronto airport blows.

[@ParissaKhoury]

I've been to Canada twice and I've been to Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, All three airports are worse than those in third world countries. Canada has completely garbage infrastructure in totality. The customer service is virtually nonexistent and everyone acts like as if they're doing you a favor even though you're paying for the service.

[@tymgames8307]

You should take a look at Germany which is even more broken. There is only one big airline that remains for business travel with prices like 400€ fpr flying a 50 Minutes flight in the cheapest fare where you are only allowed to take a small bag with you. You don't even get a complementary snack anymore, even on longer routes over 2 hours and only a small bottle of water. If you fly business class, you get a better soft product on the ground at least, but in the air you have the same seat like in economy class with a little bit more legroom and a blocked seat next to you. The food is also not the best, but in the majority of time only cold dishes are served and more drink options. But the service on such flights used to be on economy class on short-haul flight when I was younger. Its not worth to pay 600 or 700 Euros just for that. I wanted to turn my back to lcc since I preferred having a better experience on board but since the service is identical nowadays with only difference being the high prices of legacy carriers, I'm turning back to low cost

[@caracre]

@@johngriffith7315 it's better than the alternative. toronto airport is horrible yes

[@klb374money]

I used to take my kids on vacation every year. We are from Michigan. We'd go to Florida or Vegas. I have'nt been able to afford a vacation since before lockdown!

[@Jiggy609]

The flight prices are an absolute joke. Flying from Philly to Chicago should not be over $400. Just ridiculous.

[@Denussy]

just checked and saw Philly to Chicago flights on frontier for $19 all next month.

[@kovy689]

@@DenussyYea right…

[@ksang0013]

@@kovy689 I saw it for $38, but instead of being a jack ass like you I just looked up to verify myself.

[@Detdoncarter]

@@kovy689look it up idiot

[@Detdoncarter]

@@kovy689look it up

[@ryancooke4028]

Thank you for doing a wonderful job of articulating and validating all the negative feelings I’ve had from airline travel since 2020!

[@andrewsnyder9262]

Same here. I have flown a handful of times since covid and most of my 1100 mile trips have been by car to avoid that roach nest.

[@marksanders8095]

I totally agree with this video. I remember flying in the 60’s and everyone on the plane either had a suit on or their best clothes. A meal was served on every flight over 3 hours. The airline industry today is broken. I refuse to fly American, Southwest, Spirit and Alaska airlines. Delta will soon be on the chopping block. The customer service is horrible. Rude, unfriendly workers, long customer service phone wait times, etc. I recently flew Delta from New Orleans to Minneapolis. Flight left an hour late with completely clear skies at both airports, unfriendly employees from the ticketing, gate agents and flight crew and my bag arrived the day after my arrival. This kind of service after paying over $700 for a coach ticket. The airline industry is the worst and the most entitled industry in the world.

[@SanBrunoBeacon]

The first commercial plane that I flew on, as a young boy in 1960, was a Western Airlines propeller plane. You had to walk out to the plane and walk up the stairs to the plane. I have flown on commercial airlines almost every year since 1960. The service on commercial airlines has deteriorated to the point that I now avoid flying and drive anywhere within about 1000 miles so that I do not have to deal with all of the hassles associated with flying.

[@Sotweetie]

What you are discussing about the price-fixing on Vegas hotels is exactly what the property management industry does with rent prices. They upload their pricing to a product called Rainmaker (or something similar) and there is a representative for that company that issues new rent prices every day based on all of the comps in the area. They work for the competitors too. It can't or shouldn't be legal.

[@lonwestover]

I worked for Boeing for 37 years. The nightmare began in about 1997, I was 37 years old. I am now 64. The ranks of "customers" within manufacturing, QA, Engineering, Shop, and other other ancillary support groups don't work together any more. They point fingers at one another and have increase bureaucracy to the point that they can barely get anything done on time, let alone quality and safety. When I started WE WORKED TOGETHER! It is A truly sad state.

[@rockpadstudios]

Things really have gone downhill. The US is closing businesses because other countries are getting the real work done.

[@edkiely2712]

The airlines are simply a microcosm of the country as a whole. The problem starts with the group that has controlled our currency, our media, our government, and Hollywood for decades now. Until we get the courage to name this group- nothing is going to change!

[@drewspitzer]

In March my family of 5 got canceled two days in a row by American Airlines in Cancun. Spent over 20 hours in the airport for “delays” all for a broken plane and lack of pilot…or any other excuse. No refund. No credit. No apologies. I’ll never step foot on another AA flight.

[@dbased1915]

traveling with a huge family or group seems stressful for this reason. The one benefit of being a solo traveler.

[@jamiedavis567]

They’re all the same.

[@drewshubeck3000]

It can happen on any airline. Total crapshoot.

[@westernsuper]

Could not agree with this more! I have been saying since Covid that Airlines now had the perfect excuse to pretty much do what they want with pricing and service etc. I use the term - "Get Less, Pay More" since then. All airlines should have this as their ad slogan. Sadly, I think you are right, nothing will change/get better.

[@1bluensx]

I was a United 1k for 11 years. Total of 1.4 million miles flown. They kept “raising the bar” on how much you have to spend with them in tickets. I think it’s now 22 or 25 thousand spent on tickets. (PQP’s). I’m lifetime gold now. I will never ever chase 1 k status again. It used to be based on mikes flown, now it’s money spent, and they keep devaluing miles. Award tickets in business class are either …..unavailable, ….available with the worst possible connections,…..or 450k miles each way. I went years and years unable to use my system wide upgrades which all expired. Every time I tried to use them, I would get “waitlisted”….only to find out that I didn’t get upgraded on the day of the flight. The final straw was when they were still selling business class seats when I checked in (1 hour before the flight), but I hadn’t gotten my upgrade that I used a certificate for

[@alyonapetrova694]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ 💯 % correct! The same with Delta!

[@garyprocopio8540]

Retired several years ago after 30 years with a major airline,. this is the most accurate analysis, with humor, I have heard of the industry. Deregulation, air traffic controller strike, 2 union strikes, and 2 bankruptcies, cut the pension in half, cut vacation time, while the CEO brought in from an oil company to declare bankruptcy, walked away with millions. Comedian tells a good story of having an overweight bag, agent says put in carry-on, it 's still going on the plane, and what about the guy behind me that weighs 400 pounds! But, in spite of their failings, you have to admire their safey record.

[@phyliciaramsey9296]

He’s so right, flying now is terrible.

[@In_con_ceivable]

No disrespect, but this is one of your best videos. Everything that’s happened and continues to happen over the last decade, is to reduce travel for the plebs.

[@stephaniet9264]

Exactly. It's all part of the plan.

[@brendachilders4879]

What is a plebs?

[@andrewsnyder9262]

Why wouldn’t they want to suck revenue out of every income group? I don’t think they intended to knock out a certain class unless they are certain they cannot make money from them in which case that consumer would simply be priced out of market due to market conditions. Our economy is a vast network and will always be the product of what our government allows.

[@jackharle1251]

May want to lay off the tweezing and eyebrow shaping.

[@KathleenMcCormickLCSWMPH]

The plan is to make it undesirable to fly so we won’t.

[@davidvoth7218]

It is insane how expensive flying has become. When you go onto Expedia to bundle a vacation to Cancun it has become like pricing out a car, you never get the base price. Once you get to selecting your flight it seems to almost always be a connecting flight as the default. If you want a non-stop flight you are paying an additional $150 per person each way. What happened to all the non-stop flights they used to have from Chicago to Cancun? There used to be a ton of them for dirt cheap.

[@TimmyNigfartish]

Because they aren't profitable enough to operate Chicago to Cancun directly as the demand is less.

[@Denussy]

I see numerous nonstop flights from Chicago to Cancun for around $120 one-way.

[@devroombagchus7460]

That’s called the free market. Everybody in Chicago wants to go to Cancun in winter, and seldom for business.

[@tomhawk8240]

I am not defending the thieves at the airlines but the vacation destinations like Cancun and Vegas used to sponsor these flights and the airlines were paid for every filled seat in the plane! Handsomely I might add. That allowed airlines sell discounted fares to attract full flights. Basically the vacation destinations funded the airlines! Today it doesn’t happen because people by the millions are traveling so no need to subsidize anymore!! Airlines have also reduced their fleets to make sure All seats are sold!! THIS ALSO DRIVES SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR PRICE GOUGING at EVERY LEVEL!! COVID DESTROYED EVERYTHING!! THAT WAS ALSO THE INTENT!!!

[@citticat2]

Heck, I am just happy when the plane lands safely.

[@pavelsluka9180]

The best video, you have ever made in my opinion. Flying is so bad lately…. When i go to Vegas from Denver… I rather drive 11 hrs , while listening to the Blues. No STRESS ….😊❤

[@Labdad1999]

The airlines version of a Resort Fee. Thanks James!! You're the best travel vlogger on KZbin. Heading to Coral Level Iberostar Cancun in a couple of weeks because of your great review!

[@Reighn234]

Hey, I went there off of his review also. The food was amazing! Unfortunately, the layout sucks. All of the restaurants are on the family side except for the coral level buffet. Coral level pool is 24hrs, but during the day the sun is intense with no shaded areas. The beach was clean and nice, but could not use the umbrellas due to the wind. The coral level is a real snooze fest. The rooms are clean but dated compared to other resorts. The family side is more lively. Hands down the best resort food I've ever had! For fun, be prepared to go off the resort. Everything closes early even the lobby bars on both sides.

[@RutgersKnox]

This could be your new "review" style! Great and relaxing video! Approaching a million on Delta too and have seen the same changes.

[@carolmartin4413]

I have no issue with your tough commentary on airline customer service...but...in today's world I wouldn't want to have a job serving travelers today. There are crazies out there making innocent passengers" lives miserable and guess who has to clean up the mess...the airline employee. I don't give a damn about overpaid ceo's..they are privileged pia's. But everyday workers need respect for what they have to put up with. Just sayin. 🖐 from Cedarburg...😊

[@numberLuan]

Airline should train for this but they don’t their hiring standards have decreased significantly.

[@macawyndy]

I appreciate this video, but this has happened in almost every industry in this country. Look at cellphone providers. Merged and got rid of competition. Though consumers also are to blame by allowing alot of the lack of choice we have. We're willing to make monthly payments on a new cell phone... all providers force everyone to now make monthly payments or pay a premium for paying in full. Door dash and uber eats charge fees for delivery and now all the free delivery options we used to have vanished. People willingly pay for baggage and seat assignments, we used to get those included, we've allowed fees to overtake all areas of our lives. Sad and crazy our kids will think this is normal.

[@kibo21h]

I absolutely agree with you. I'm 35 and remember flying as a young kid and getting the replica wings and it made my day. Just flew to vegas June 2024 and did not receive drink service at all in economy on a 2.5 hr flight. It's crazy how things have changed

[@alexbiro262]

Hell ya James, great video. Just got back from Cabo and was discussing most of these points with my dad and you're bang on. Travelling is straight up awful in these times.

[@sandrathomas6161]

Facts!! I thoroughly enjoyed this insightful video!! Thank you

[@ldeanjr2]

Definitely miss the good old days. Started flying in the early 2000s. It was so nice. Cheap direct flights to pretty much anywhere, plenty of empty seats to not be so crammed. More drinks and snacks. Everything has gone down hill over the years. Always enjoy your videos james.

[@Pierre-wm3xs]

If you treat your employees like sh!t the quality of service trickles down to the customers.

[@tonynicoletti8161]

I wanted to be a marine biologist, and i wanted to be financially stable/secure. Im neither of those things.

[@jackcampbell4465]

I really like these perspectives about the travel industry from you. Good stuff.

[@DukiWeezi]

2021 was the last year of amazing travel. Masks werent fun but everything else was incredible. Cheap, 5 star resorts all to yourself and no crowds n lines. I wish i traveled every day that years cause those times are over!

[@njt002]

I have noticed an increase in "uneducated" people working on the service side. They probably cannot find good people to staff the airlines anymore. Makes me concerned about the operations side of the airlines now (mechanics/pilots).

[@dreams2reality410]

This was your best video yet. Profit before people. I fly frequently for business and pleasure. I'm 6'3" and am in good shape with wide shoulders. I have to fly first class unless I want to have my knees in my chest the entire flight. Not to mention inconvenience my neighbor. Recently, I took a vacation with my wife to Vegas in late April for 7 days. Our round trip tickets from Orlando were $1200 a piece. Understand there is not an airline that flies first class direct to Vegas. So, for 2 people with a 1.5 hr layover both ways, it was just over $2500 after tax. We were not served 1 meal on any of the 4 legs. This was on Delta. The service was so bad I don't think we will be back in Vegas for a longtime even though we love to travel there.

[@alyonapetrova694]

I can’t get Delta to VEGAS for under $2k per person for Business Class!

[@dbased1915]

No meals wtf? I've done first around 5 times but not business, and delta is supposed to give meals if the flight is longer than 2 hours. The layover might be what screwed it. When i go to Vegas my layover is usually ORD, and don't do higher than comfort+ because prices to Vegas like you said there is never any good deals.

[@shameer685]

Totally agree, its almost like you have to be a special kind of a****** to work in the Airline Industry. A strong majority from high to low level employees believe they are untouchable and treat the paying customer like garbage without being held accountable.

[@NomadlifewithRae-ou5sc]

I certainly hope you aren't talking about frontline employees, we are treated just as poorly by the airlines as the customers are, and then the customer turns on us because they don't know this creating a ripple effect. We ( the passenger and the employee) are in this together. Please don't think that airlines actually like their employees. It's quite the opposite.

[@Pattayaman999]

Flying for 30 years. My biggest complaint is the endless delays and cancellations. Trying to make the connecting flight is a hassle.

[@syerkes]

Refreshing to hear someone else saying the same thing. The product / service is bare minimum but the price is high and they point you to the back of the queue. Not asking for 60s madmen style, but you can sure keep this hunger games model.

[@anncook1436]

Also born and raised in a small Wisconsin town. Now the closest town is 400 people. The job I have, User Experience Designer, didn’t even exist when I was growing up. Also, working from home and making a great wage wasn’t even a thought. I did experience the glory years of travel and miss them. Flights are not great now overall. The lack of space is ridiculous. I’m only 5 feet tall and in good shape. I can’t even get in and out of the seats easily anymore because they are so close together. Not to mention my poor hubby who is 6’ 4” unless we sit in an exit row.

[@leannschulze1340]

This is why I like sun country, cheaper flights. With the visa rewards card I earn $ credits to use to pay for future travel and 1/2 off bags and seats. I can fly round trip in the equivalent to delta comfort for ~$200 less, plus I get to fly out of our smaller terminal with first class tsa line and boarding group 1. I flew to Jacksonville for work it was $100 TOTAL one way…. Flight home on delta was over $300 WITH A LAYOVER, no first class tsa and no boarding first.

[@ItsTheStateVsYou]

There's a monopoly on everything, and it's degusting.

[@soniabayer578]

Add greed, stupidity plus!!

[@andrewsnyder9262]

Yes this. A handful of companies own all of the companies. We have some serious anti trust issues in this company that no one will address because the law makers are paid for.

[@Cynthia-s1b]

I really like your videos, before we book a vacation the first thing my husband and I do is watch your videos. We book our vacation in base of your reviews and recommendations. Your style is very unique and organic. You are the best!!!!!!

[@berniemacgaming]

Coolist Airlines launching when?

[@divinediva71]

Last year when we went to Las Vegas, I pre-paid for 3 bags....coming back to Ohio, I had to pay an EXTRA $100.00 on Frontier because a bag was 10 pounds overweight...and an EXTRA $75.00 for my carry-on because it did not fit in that "bag holder tray"😡I have not yet had an issue with Delta..I also have an AMEX Delta Card...but hopefully I won't have any issues when I go back to Las Vegas in a few weeks! I refuse to fly with Frontier again....they were so rude and I left them a bad review...the President had the nerve to reach out to me...offer me tickets....I just want my dang money back💯This time...only my purse for a "carry on"...These Airlines has gotten completely out of hand! Great Video..as ALWAYS!!

[@VegasYouTuberSteve]

Try Southwest. First 2 checked bags fly free. Carry on is no charge too

[@divinediva71]

@@VegasKZbinrSteve WOW!! I'll try them on my next trip🥰THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH 😘

[@ashleys4652]

Frontier clearly states the overage fee. So if your bag is 10 lbs overweight you have to pay it, you knew that was their policy when you bought what was probably a fairly inexpensive ticket. They also clearly show the bag dimensions of a carry on that is allowed. So maybe invest in a measuring tape and a bag scale? 😉

[@divinediva71]

​​@@ashleys4652First of all, I've had THE SAME BAG on Frontier 4 times...never an issue....Why did I mention that I "pre-paid" for 3 bags...so before you comment as if you KNOW ME...why don't you invest in minding your business...🤨

[@michaelmancini683]

Really appreciate these types of your videos! Thank you

[@MichaelGibala]

In the early days of my career, I frequently flew Continental Airlines between Pittsburgh and Houston. In coach class, they served a small meal such as a burger, a small side, and a drink on those flights. The service at Continental went down the drain after the United acquisition.

[@thefreckledafrikan]

Ohhhhh baby!!!! This was a grrreat video! I was glued to my screen

[@igloozoo3771]

Southwest deciding to be more like everyone else by prebooking seats is a sign of bad things to come. I assume they will charging bags too.

[@IPANoah]

I know I was bummed about the Southwest changes too

[@andrewsnyder9262]

Southwest is broke . Expect them to charge.

[@GdayAmerica]

Fabulous summation. Glad to know I’m not alone with these experiences. I was 30 year road warrior until 2020 (pandemic)- it would take a lot to get me on a plane these days. (Former 15 year United Platinum member).

[@nikkib6604]

I don't miss the cigarette smoking on the planes in the 80s and early 90s.

[@NurseViv]

Sounds exactly like healthcare…Profits over people…Every shift I really question what am I doing being a nurse…and I love being a nurse! 😢 Oh and I thought you were gonna say a Max 8 plane..✈️

[@justm88]

737 Max 8 is the full name

[@Getawayk]

Flying on American based airlines is horrible. I really didn’t notice until I had other flights in other countries. It was a fraction of the price and still with good service, free meals and drinks included. I’ve had a meal on a 50 minute flight before abroad. You can fly 5 or 6 hours and barely get water here. 😂

[@Maryjane-zq5gi]

This was a really good video. You look rested and renewed. 😎

[@ghostednobrand116]

I just flew across the pond and back. I paid extra for the best seats that the website would allow, which was still economy. I had to check my carryon bag on my Europe flights, instead of putting them in the overhead, no warning. I didn't get an amenity kit, either direction, on any flight. (Even in basic economy, I've always gotten one) And, on the flight back, they charged for wine. I've never seen that on a long haul flight. They used to want you to have a drink and go to sleep. So no wine, no eye mask. I have never had an airplane meal worthy of complaint. Every meal was horrible and cheap. Worth mentioning, after boarding my first flight to go home, buckled in and ready to go, the pilot said he found a leak during the walkaround. While on the plane, the flight is cancelled. I'm glad he found it but, that late in the game? 2 hours to get bags, 3 hours in line to get a voucher for a hotel room. 8 hours total at the airport and went nowhere.

[@Steve-bc2cl]

Cool can you talk about your business and how you afford to just travel all the time? Would love a video of you speaking about finances and sharing some insight

[@andrewsnyder9262]

It’s a very simple formula. Keep a decent spread between your income and expenses. Follow a budget. Do things to increase your income while investing a steady flow into assets. Reduce expenses where necessary. The rest is up to you.

[@SomeOne-mp6ym]

It's not a Golden Ticket. It used to be that aviation people were the CEOs. Now it's accountants who cater to stockholders. The Boards of these publicly held companies hire these accountants who have no love for aviation. If the CEO can make sure they hit the goals, they make obscene amounts of $.Now there is no joy or honor in running an aviation company. That attitude hurts everyone in the business and the pax.

[@yb8080]

I avoid all US based airlines. . Im the last month I flew a total of 44 hours on Air France, KLM and Emirates..... Their service is always excellent, usually on time and no unruly passengers.

[@annadaae26]

JetBlue has gone way down in quality. It was the last decent American airline and they have made it into Spirit. Everything you say is 100% true. Disney has also gone down in quality in many areas, but the prices have skyrocketed.

[@LutherBuilds]

I agree. I'll never visit a Disney Park again. We went in 2019, the last good year for visiting the parks. Now they nickel and dime you to death while delivering less. But, still people are willing to pay for it. Unless you have a memory of how things used to be, you just can't understand.

[@freddyreyes1783]

Ive had some terrible experiences with American Airlines customer service. They hung up on me abrubtly when I called to complain about how they told me that I can use my airline credit "anytime" but they ended up expiring before I could use them.

[@hockeyplayersnetwork3307]

Sir my father was in the airline industry from 1968 through 2005. I was in the airline industry from 1886 through 2005. I've been traveling for work for 20 years, so I have seen the incredible decline of the industry.

[@alwaysright3718]

Flying only sucks in the USA and Europe, the rest of the world still does it well...

[@chernihivka]

Nah, no. believe me, I spent 25+ in the airline business, not in C suite, but close - being an airline executive is a pain in the *ss.

[@charlest8153]

I saw a video a few months ago that said there will be no low cost carriers in the future and all airlines will have to go back to charging high prices for tickets like old days when they can no longer be subsidised by these credit cards. The current airline financial model is not sustainable.

[@charliem3284]

Really appreciated your excellent points. The airport lounge, lack of experience, must have been very disappointing. Move weight from bag 1 to bag 2 to solve the problem must have been extra frustrating. Your insights are great, look forward to the next one!

[@Boli4161]

I have been flying since the late 80s. I have always loved people dressing for the occasion. If you were flying, you had to wear your best clothes, specifically overseas. Now you see women half dressed, people wearing pajamas, wearing sandals, as if they were at the pool. Tanktops??? And some stink as if they came straight from the gym. The whole experience has changed drastically.

[@foundscott9852]

I've been a follower of your page for a long time. My wife and I have been frequent flyers to the Caribbean and Mexico with Delta for over 15 years, often making multiple trips a year. We fondly recall the days when we could catch a direct flight from Detroit (DTW) to the islands, bypassing any layovers. Now, it seems like every trip involves a mandatory stop in Atlanta, which can be quite inconvenient and unnecessary. The removal of complimentary blankets on flights is also disappointing, and everyone should still be handed a wet wipe to clean their area - indirectly helping the airline maintain the cleanliness of their plane. However, my biggest frustration is the lack of priority baggage handling for first-class and Delta priority passengers. It seems illogical that even with premium fares, our bags are not among the first to arrive at baggage claim. A simple solution like a dedicated section in the cargo hold could easily resolve this issue.

[@ParissaKhoury]

You should fly with Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airways, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines , if you want to experience a real customer focused flying experience.

[@chriscrossinthrulife6415]

Spot on. I try to do my best with limited resources. At 62, I still give a smile, engage, and yes, give those plastic wings when they are available. But the industry is toxic and the ONLY thing fueling that continual fight for the customer by MANY of us is knowing in 5 years I (we) can either walk away or fly as little as possible and draw full social security, And when the BS becomes too much, can simply walk away.

[@beckyjackson7755]

I get frustrated with the continual change of checked bags. First, it was two, then one, then if you want a checked bag, pay for it at varying rates. The airlane/flying industry is out of control!! Well done video, James!!

[@desrtflower33]

10 hour flight to Brazil on United. they started “breakfast” service 45 minutes before landing time. basically threw the coffee and a cold muffin on your lap. that was both going and coming back to US. worst service ever both ways after being stuck for 10 hours. i HATE flying. i had to go because my mom passed away.

[@cirquemagic]

Frontier and Spirit are competition because that’s how far the other major airlines have fallen! At this point, I prep myself mentally for war every single time I step foot into an airport!

[@jjburns8762]

WOW ! I just got called away, but just wanted to say quickly this is YOUR BEST VIDEO EVER !!! 😲😲 No offense but I know you are a millionaire that can afford $2k for 4 day stays, 7 times a month in Mexico or the Caribbean. I do enjoy your charisma.👍👍 I think I have commented & dissed your comments in a few of your video's. I am a senior Canuck🍁🍁that loved to travel before Covid. 🤗🤗Now all inclusive travel to your video destinations have gone up 100% + even after 2 1/2 yrs of shut down is unatainable. 😭😭I personally have shared your view in this video for the last 5 years to my personal folks to no avail.😓😓 But to hear it from you, a big time well seasoned traveller is very satisfing.😳😳 Good job.👍👍

[@alwaysred]

I remember flying to St. Lucia in my 20s on Caribbean Airlines and getting a delicious breakfast with an omlett and fresh fruit. Not first class. Last time that ever happened.

[@lindavista1776]

You are totally spot on and I so agree with you, this is why the last time my Hubby and I flew was in 2018, when it was still ok to fly. Nowadays, it’s really disgusting and very inconsiderate, how entitled people act in airports and in planes. Unfortunately, wherever we go, Customer service is nowhere like it was before!

[@debinatore]

You're bang on... welcome to Canada, we're the same with airlines

[@toddryan0108]

It’s great hearing from you Jim, I agree with you 💯

[@stacky512a]

Plus or minus, there are a couple of thousand 737s in the air at any time. While the headlines get the notice, the reality is that it is we are extraordinarily safe flying.

[@jeffzwinge]

Hello James 👋 I just had a terrible experience with my airline. I purchased my seats but now they claim that they have changed the aircraft and my seats are not available. Ummmm...I bought them in May. No refund. Not even a discount to purchase an upgrade to Premium Economy. Great video and the irony of watching an Air Canada commercial was hilarious!! 🤣 Thank you for taking the time to create such great work. I always look forward to all of your videos. 😎👍

[@jimrohrich2625]

We need to give these a-holes competition. High speed rail is a start.

[@denny5564]

I went to high school with David Calhoun. He was a really good all around kid. He played basketball, tennis, golf and was a really good student. No one could have thought he would arrive at the top of the biggest industry in the U.S. He entered the Boeing CEO spot at one of Boeing's lowest times in the history of the company, after two 737 max crashes. So I think we should give Mr. Calhoun a little bit of a break.

[@9wishes720]

If I can't fly first I don't fly. It's just part of the cost of vacation, like tips. I try not to worry about things I can't control.

[@MurielleInVirginia]

It would be interesting to make a video about the relative value of low cost airlines vs regular ones. Not all low costs are equal but I have to say flying to Europe with Play Airlines has radically changed my perspective on paying full fare on a regular airline. It is just not worth it. Will never pay full fare unless absolutely necessary.

[@LoveLightVibration]

👍👍👍 This content deserved more than just one thumbs up from me. It's especially important for the younger generations to know how the flying experience once was. Kinda like Vegas. And Disneyland. And, and... I guess I could go on. Then again, the only way they can make future comps a big is deal is by taking them away now. Btw, been subscribed to your channel back when you only had less than 6k. Nice to see you nearing 100k. When's the Vegas meet up!? 🙂🥳

[@jocelynharris-fx8ho]

I miss the days when air travel was fun, exciting and even glamorous. You dressed up for your trip, you were on your best behavior, pilots and flight attendants were professionals and there was a sense of awe and admiration as they walked through an airport in their stylish uniforms. The service onboard, was like a 5 star restaurant and some airlines even had an inflight bar and entertainment. On a Delta L1011 flight to Atlanta in 1978 with my mother, one of the flight attendants put on a magic show for the passengers. Looking back, flight attendants and pilots had more interaction with the passengers and it was perfectly acceptable. Remember when you would be invited to the cockpit to meet the pilots ? I understand that after 9-11, that is no longer possible but there are ways to still make the flight enjoyable and I wish that the airlines would go back to competing on service and not just on fares.

[@lisawicks8205]

Same could be said for Wall Street and the baking industry. Look what happened with the housing market and look what’s happening now, and they got bailed out and they’ll get bailed out again cause I government allows it.

[@Denussy]

He's mostly describing airlines version of SHRINKFLATION which is occurring in almost every industry. The milk has gone bad in society at large. Governments ruined the money supply and almost everything is downstream of that. The other obvious downfall in flying is all the regulations that were put in from 9/11. Numerous unnecessary taxes and regulations. I flew international and cross-country in the late 90's and there was a big change for the worst after 9/11 and it's a slow death.

[@rustycolon9368]

Governments are just made up of people. The problem is that people got addicted to cheap loans and debt. Ask the average person how much personal debt they have, and how much cash they actually have in their savings. Debt and loans pull money out of the future and make it available to you right now - this is inflationary.

[@JackKingFisher]

I thought I could stand it until...I had a stop at Newark Airport....

[@MikeMorgan132]

This is crazy. So mad I can’t get my head around how these companies keep trading.

[@debicarol463]

I hate flying now and just drive.

[@mrgreenelander4952]

I started traveling solo back in mid 1981. I was nineteen and found myself in the Canadian Military. My leave came up, and after my two buddies bailed, I decided to back pack solo through Europe for a month. This was way way way way back in the day old school. Every country had its own currency, you had to exchange Canadian Dollars into US Dollars American Express Travelers Checks, and then into German Marks, Danish Kroner, I lost a small fortune. There was no internet, just old and outdated Europe On 5 Dollars A Day kind of info. Hostels, budget Hotels, and I met a few personalities straight out of a James Bond Movie. I remember looking out my window drinking a beer, watching the East German Border roll by. Miles and miles, watching the Electrified Fence with land mines on the Communist side, being told that if I entered East Germany? I was $ literally $. That was how traveling was back then. And now, eleven countries later, I am still learning. But I am so proud of that young guy who at nineteen, planed that trip on his own without any help. James is an amazing guy, and that nineteen year old I once was, who hungered for that travel, the experience, the adventure, still believes it to be true

[@ryangal855]

Watching this as my flight from Calgary to Toronto was just cancelled lol good old KZbin algorithm knows what I want to watch. Now my flight rebooked connecting through Edmonton and 8 hour layover to get home. Fun times

[@Theescapist_87]

8 hours in Edmonton to get back to Calgary?!?!? You may as well rent a car and just drive back.

[@1486230]

As someone who currently lives in Edmonton…..I’m sorry to hear you got stuck here. I’ve been stuck here for over a decade. 😢

[@michelletogher4058]

I remember when we used to fly on vacation we could check a bag each And we checked a smaller bag”bathroom bag” with all of our full size toiletries.

[@consciousanxiety]

I feel like many people have felt this recently, stretched out beyond different industries. Im in hospitality, and when i go to restaurants/lounges these days to compare service id say 1/8 times ill get "good service." I could probably make a similar video just on my observations alone. But what is the conclusion....corporate greed, corruption, morally and ethically we have declined. People in hospitality just "dont care" as much to deliver a service anyone. It used to be something really special..once upon a time...now its just a J.O.B. The list goes on! I think it will all get worse before it gets better...but i really do hope that it does eventually get better.

[@CJK-bt4ll]

The power of lobbying. High Speed rail (Dalles to LA; Phoenix to LA, etc) would bring competition and a viable alternative to endless waiting at the airport.

[@johnlittle8267]

I swear Charlotte to Raleigh used to be a 20 minute flight, now it's 40 minutes, It's only 200 miles, so it should be around 25 minutes you would think, they are clearly not even getting up to speed on this flight. I totally agree on the lounges, there have been times I have left the Centurion after getting 1 drink and going to a less crowded restaurant or even fast food to get more space and better food.

[@davidhenry4032]

Same with Asheville to CLT. It’s an hour flight gate to gate but 20 minutes in the air.

[@rebeccavukovich1837]

Thanks for saying what needs to be said. Your awesome!

[@ShadowSiren88]

I will take the leisure to drive 3-5 hours over the purgatory of going to the airport for a 45min flight. I will spend the outrageous amount for international flights just to receive the service I expect and I will still feel they went beyond my expectations.

[@michaelmoore9739]

You could do radio voice my friend, great content btw!