Why Did Airlines Get So Stingy?

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The Golden Age of Aviation meant gourmet meals, big seats and lots of legroom... but was it really all that swell? Why did airlines start treating passengers less like royalty and more like cattle?
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Two Cents is hosted by Philip Olson, CFP® and Julia Lorenz-Olson, AFC®
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Written by: Jon Fortenbury
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Produced by: Katie Graham
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Music by: APM

[@FinancialShinanigan]

I enjoy poor man's first class when once in a blue moon, the seat next to me is empty!

[@DieButaSD]

Or poor man’s leg room where you take a couple blood thinners before a long-haul flight to not get deep vein thrombosis

[@rajastylez]

Next best is the exit door seating. Ah I can stretch my legs out!

[@Kurzxclan]

@@DieButaSD Genius.

[@adamiotime]

Think of the per capita carbon miles!! 😅

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

One of the greatest things ever is Southwest airlines. If you're a big person, they will give you an extra seat for free OR if you purchase an extra seat, they'll reimburse you after your flight. Obviously, there has to be seat availability, but I never had a problem. In fact, the only thing that sucks is that they stopped having direct flights to certain places I needed to travel. And when you have disability issues, taking two flights with a 4 hour layover isn't an option (even with an extra seat). 🤗

[@Danicalip8]

As a flight attendant that works our first class flights…I really appreciate this video. People all the time are like “I miss the golden age” and then I mention all the things that you mentioned in this video. They realize it was a very rose-colored look at that travel when you had to be SUPER wealthy to get those flights. And it’s so much safer to fly now days. Also, flying is now just another part of the transportation system…not a luxury vacation. But I still treat my customers as if they were on one of those flights. They paid good money for first class (and sometimes even coach) so I want to make sure they get the “golden” treatment every time! 💛

[@dv9239]

No offense but this is my first time seeing a flight attendant talk like a normal person I feel so weird IDK why

[@elhimmelstein1913]

Thank you Danielle! A regular coach passenger here.

[@chrysiarose]

I wish you could elaborate on why there is still racism and sexism against passengers - my friend was ordered not to breastfeed on the flight, even covered, but babies have to eat. Asking why we weren't informed of this rule beforehand (we would have taken a train or something) only got us met by security when we landed (and other passengers said we were not rude or belligerent, just bewildered. All airlines should attach a book of rules to each sale, with bookmarks and tabs for every possible female or POC offense, real or perceived.

[@garlicgirl3149]

Thank you. I always felt Flight attendants were fabulous and should be respected. I was appalled at the disrespect as of late.

[@mechamicro]

I think if we can use better jet engine with completely new technology. Nuclear engine, it will drive the cost down even more than that.

[@sbeve6559]

The greatest thing to happen in the airline industry (besides being about a million times safer) was the banning of smoking. Holy crap I can't even imagine spending 8 hours on a plane with recirculated cigarette smoke being pumped in my face. Honestly, I'll take it the way it is today if it means saving a bunch of money and being able to see the world easier than ever before.

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

Amen to that!!! As a severe asthmatic who had to be rushed to the hospital from an airplane when I was young, I agree. There is, nor has there ever been, anything such thing as a "non-smoking section." Smoke has never been floating across a plane or restaurant and then stopped at a curtain because "it's not allowed in there." 🙄

[@CopShowGuy]

I can't believe it was only completely banned in 2000. Feels like it was a bit sooner than that. But I hate the smell so much I'm glad that planes and restaurants don't allow it at all now.

[@naturallynour]

Ha, don’t fly on Egypt air. It just smells like smoke

[@iiiivvvv9986]

I think I saw somewhere that when smoking wasn't banned, airplanes will constantly circulate fresh air, while now that smoking is not an issue, the air in planes are more stale to save costs

[@velianlodestone1249]

People don't seem to realise that re-circulation also means filtration and sterilization. Basically the air even when smoking will likely be better than your average 1990's pub.

[@lakhan911]

it’s simply because flying was the luxury in the past and it’s just normal today

[@mjdorads]

Thank you. I no longer have to watch it.

[@asadb1990]

its only in the west. in most of the world flying is still a luxury for the rich.

[@rinciel4999]

@@asadb1990 this.

[@JamilKhan-hk1wl]

@@asadb1990 theyre rich because the poor is poor

[@pigpjs]

Yep, airplanes are pretty much sky busses that give you pretzels and a soda.

[@lizzylucyn7133]

Modern airport shop layouts are so stressful, I love when I've landed at an itty bitty airport and it's just like, "take your bags and get out."

[@ntmn8444]

Thanks for addressing the safety issues. People don’t realize how much safer it is to fly today.

[@manujohn99]

So that we can suffer longer..............what a dumphead issue to solve

[@DamianSzajnowski]

@@manujohn99 wut

[@manujohn99]

@@DamianSzajnowski yaa we need more plane crashes for fun

[@DamianSzajnowski]

@@manujohn99 I mean, I don't fly recently, so I'd be missing out on the bulk of the fun there :/

[@raynitaylor1912]

Yea, its still ingrained in my head that at any moment I'm miles high and can drop that far. Same reason why I don't like tall buildings or rollercoasters.

[@Austden]

Everybody loves to complain about airlines but when those complainers go to pick their own flights... They CHOOSE the flight that is the cheapest and reinforce the business model they're complaining about. Airlines are giving us exactly what we pay for.

[@doctorpanigrahi9975]

Very thin profit margin mate.

[@charliedallachie3539]

It’s nicer in a sense that you pay for what you need. If you’re doing a quick 1-2 hour flight sometimes you just need a carry on and a seat. Nothing else.

[@TwoCentsPBS]

This is pretty on the nose!

[@Manbarrican]

not everyone who flies does so for the sake of taking a vacation, most people don't even have the funds to escape this problem. You can't simply blame customers for these problems.

[@QuitRuiningMyRecommendations]

nah. Lots of people actively avoid Spirit Airlines because of how awful they are. Sure, there will always be people who use it out of desperation because they need to get somewhere fast for cheap. But just as many exclude that airline whenever they are searching for tickets.

[@kitkatbar37]

I've been seeing more and more airlines serving pretzels and wafer cookies instead of peanuts. I wonder if it's because so many people are allergic to nuts.

[@borkbork4124]

Hmmm probably. I have also gotten pretzels, cookies, and even a snack mix like what Chex Mix does.

[@Swagmonkeyfan1306]

Yeah peanuts are almost unheard of nowadays in my experience

[@haute03]

Yes that is one of the main reason why they don't serve them anymore.

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

In first class, they seem to only serve gluten free crap now. It sucks. And almost all of it is from Whole Foods, which makes me wonder if they have an exclusivity deal with them.

[@mytube6538]

@@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460 like what kind of food? I think it would be nice to have healthier options to balance out the rum.

[@tylerpeterson4726]

I'm happy for cheap flights even if they're uncomfortable. They give me more money to spend at my destination. I'm not interested in giving airlines my money for a pleasant few hours, I'm just looking for them to get me to my destination quickly and safely. And it's not even like a 4 hour drive is that much more comfortable than a 4 hour flight.

[@tylerpeterson4726]

@Erik I'm not saying flights should be free or even subsidized, I'm happy to pay for the resources I consume. In fact, if there are clearly disclosed fees that are directly tied to greater expenses to provide service (e.g. baggage fees that pay for baggage handling and the extra jet fuel) then I'm actually fine with that. But a lot of people seem to think airlines are infringing on some sort of right we have to significant leg room and no baggage charges while keeping the rates we have today.

[@starcherry6814]

I have to fly internationally to see my family. Sitting in those itty bitty chairs for +12hrs with no pillow or blanket and can't recline your seat back is torture. And the flight is not cheap. On average it costs me $1,500 from Detroit, Michigan to Amman, Jordan.

[@agravery223]

I don't know the kind of car you drive but driving always trumps airplanes [in America]. If you are tall then it totally sucks to be in coach and I think that's unfair for tall people who can't 'lose height' to fit into a plane seat. They pack you in like sardines increasing your chances of getting a blood clot in your lower extremities. And people dress and act like inconsiderate slobs on planes nowadays so I'll take my car for a long drive any day over a crappy airplane.

[@lizk555]

Same, A Gravery. My husband is 6’4” tall, and one of my kids has ADHD and needs frequent “wiggle breaks.” It takes longer, but driving works better for our family. With a full car, it’s also much greener.

[@TwoCentsPBS]

Amen! I feel the same.

[@sirrebral]

People can talk all they want about "golden age" service & seating, but I'll take today's era in a heartbeat. Even without talking about leveraging points or awards, I've been able to fly roundtrip from the west coast to Europe for $250, Asia for $320, and even Australia for around $450. For people who want an affordable way to see the world (51 countries/territories on 6 continents so far), I'd submit that the current travel climate is pretty golden!

[@danae7241]

What app or website are you using I need it lol I’m going to the Bahamas soon

[@sirrebral]

@@danae7241 There's no app or website per se, it's less about "where" to look, and all about "how" to look. I travel where and when the sales lead, and use the fine print in the fare rules to their full potential (e.g. using "combinable" fares to create open-jaw itineraries, and/or using free stopover policies to add additional cities/countries, etc.) It's much easier to do in Europe/North Africa and Asia--where there is a lot of airline competition and fare wars--than in an isolated, "you're either going to fly here or you're not" place like the Bahamas.

[@Globalscanningeyes]

@@danae7241 you could try sky scanner app but i dont know other apps so good luck

[@Volzotran]

Our planete climate will have to disagree with that, but people nowadays are egoistical apparently

[@seanpeters3690]

@@sirrebral that's so awesome. I've been to all 50 states and D.C., and I'm hoping to knock off all 7 continents. I've never been to another continent, but I'm hoping to soon. Antarctica is the hard one, because you have to take a cruise out of Argentina across the Drake Passage and it's really expensive.

[@davidtraynor8075]

Come to the UK, our "cheap" airlines make their main income from the side hustle charges. If certain companies could charge for the toilet, you bet they would...

[@ntmn8444]

Those are ultra low cost carriers. They have their place in the market.

[@davidtraynor8075]

@@ntmn8444 They do but only if they make their pricing crystal clear. Don't fool people with a flight cost in massive writing then every single other charge a mishmash of hidden and ominous named costs.

[@eowendyl]

@@davidtraynor8075 I have been flying the likes of Wizzair, Ryanair and Easyjet for years and years and I don't think it's nearly as bad as you say. Then again, I'm quite flexible and haven't needed to buy anything extra even from them. As such, I'm very glad they exist :)

[@sigismondotancredi7492]

from what I remember, most of the extra pay was for extra food or fines in case of luggage heavier than allowed. If someone comes prepared to that, it does remain cheap to fly with those companies.

[@eowendyl]

@@sigismondotancredi7492 Aye. The flights within Europe are like three hours tops so it's easy to fill up on food prior to the flight, especially if you have lounge access. As for the packing, they're pretty strict about the dimensions and weight for sure as that is their bread and butter so better not wing that one. As long as one is good, one is good. It's not at all an unfair service, in my opinion, but I guess most people can't fly without half their wardrobe for some reason :)

[@DemocracyDiesInDarkness]

Even first class these days isn't like flying was 40 years ago.

[@WhereWeRoll]

Emirates?

[@DemocracyDiesInDarkness]

I was referring to domestic US carriers since that was the topic of the video. But yes Emirates and a couple other non-US carriers still offer excellent accomodations.

[@realreviews4102]

Yeah lol I don’t get why people pay 500 for that. So not worth it unless you are a millionaire. I assume most people are military or their company pays for it cuz these days you basically get more leg room, a complementary glass of wine and some shitty ass meal in which Any restaurant at the airport even is better. RIP OFF

[@briandyck8828]

Still worth it on international travel. My flight to Australia including beef fillet and lobster 🤷‍♂️ I wasn’t paying for it though… so I’m sure there’s a cost.

[@realreviews4102]

@@briandyck8828 ya if your not paying for it by all means it feels much better, but as a vegetarian a lobster and beef fillet is not impressive.

[@kenpearce3269]

I remember when they used to have smoking sections on the plane and ash trays in the seats. Crazy thing is the smoke made its way over into the non-smoking section.

[@neekondrums]

I think it was Steve Martin who had a bit about non-smoking sections in planes being like having a no-peeing section in a pool.

[@issecret1]

Not liking airplane rides is a very first world problem. It was the lap of luxury compared to the long-haul bus rides I took as a student in Romania. Unless you sat near a smelly dude while a homeless person prayed over you while trying to scam you, your ride was fine

[@gabrielbarrantes6946]

Yeah

[@Lam-ba-Lam]

@@gabrielbarrantes6946 I've noticed people who live in the first world often (though not always) don't have real problems, only 'psuedo' problems. Or maybe it's just an American phenomenon?

[@gabrielbarrantes6946]

@@Lam-ba-Lam yeah you are right, is not only America, I am from Central America so I don't experience those problems lol

[@Lam-ba-Lam]

@@gabrielbarrantes6946 ohhh gotcha. I'm glad to hear it isn't just a US thing. I'm American, but I've lived in several developing countries and I'm really ashamed by my peers. If most Americans and westerners knew how good they have it they'd probably shut up real quick 🙄

[@glennshoemake4200]

As an American I took a bus ride from Prague to Karlovy Vary and I had a Gerard Depardieu look alike shove his seat all the way back and when I complained he acted like he didn't understand what I was saying. A very uncomfortable ride it was. It may have been the real Gerard Depardieu.

[@lukedornon960]

Worth remembering this is focused on domestic flights in the US. International flights tend to have better service and less fees with commensurately higher prices

[@mychannel-rt2gn]

International flights are horrible

[@Jafyaa]

Glad to be watching this. Much love from Kenya! 🇰🇪

[@lightninghoodie9408]

Kenya is a beautiful nation

[@33Jenesis]

Flying today is just airborne Greyhound with a lot longer time for pre boarding and post arrival.

[@miriamrosemary9110]

4:10 Statistics request: In the future, when presenting two figures for comparison, could you please use equivalent figures, so it's clearer? You used "per billion" for one figure, and "per 100 million" for the other. It's easy enough to convert it so that they're comparable, but I'd appreciate if you presented them both as, say, "per billion", so that we get a feel for how they actually compare. Thanks in advance, and love your channel!

[@guimauve522]

that's not all. One is "per 100 million aircraft miles" while the other is "per billion passenger miles" making them totally different figures that cannot be compared at all!

[@guimauve522]

"In 1960, at the dawn of the jet age, U.S.-certificated air carriers had 7.9 accidents per 100 million aircraft miles flown, and a fatality rate of 44.159 per 100 million aircraft miles in. Those rates had dropped all the way to 0.732 accidents and 0.119 fatalities per 100 million aircraft miles in 1997. The only year since 200- that has seen the fatal rate rise above 1/100 million was 2001, and only because of the four big jets brought down in the 9-11 Terrorist Attacks that year." From forbes article In A Dangerous World, U.S. Commercial Aviation Is On A Remarkable Safety Streak. For anyone who's interested

[@alisson_duron]

I was looking for this comment.

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

@@alisson_duron Watch those rates go up over the 21st century as United pledged to get more pilots based on race and gender alone.

[@JacksonWelch]

whoever did the motion graphics deserves a raise

[@Mr8BitHero1]

I became a flight attendant because I was attracted to the golden age of flying. Unfortunately on normal domestic routes, it’s never that glamorous anymore. But on transcons and international flights, the experience is a little more elevated! Great video!

[@alihorda]

im curious what experiences you can get as a flight attendant. can you walk around at the destination before the next flight?

[@JohnRome-xn7hx]

Guys your channel is awesome! It's going to help me a lot with my English learning process! Cheers from Italy 😎❤🇮🇹

[@Iffy50]

I am happy to sit in coach for 3 hours and save $100+/hour. First class or even business class is not worth it in my book. I don't enjoy flying, but I'm very happy about the value I get from it.

[@LG123ABC]

So, you're cheap?

[@everythingisfine9988]

Take an edible before you get on board. It makes it so much more enjoyable while being crammed in like a sardine 🐟

[@Iffy50]

@@LG123ABC Yes, I'm cheap, and I have a lot more money than you.

[@Iffy50]

@@everythingisfine9988 Good idea! I'm going to yell "BOMB" too!

[@alghoul5317]

@@Iffy50 In India being called cheap is a compliment

[@justdont2019]

I didn’t know any of this until I went to flight school and the older instructors talked about it. Fascinating. Some planes literally had a piano bar.

[@SimGunther]

Same reason that CEOs are stingy: They privatize their gains, but publicize ALL the losses so they get away Scot Free

[@nolin132]

CEOs earn a salary brother

[@SimGunther]

@@nolin132 That's not what I meant. They can have a similar salary to their mid level employees, but most of their money comes from multi million dollar bonuses and stock holdings (which they can borrow against to live their lavish hyper consumer life). You would think the bonuses would go to the employees, but at the end of the day, it's the CEOs that get bailed out with large subsidies when the company is "too big to fail" and the employees get stuck with a pink slip with nothing to show for it.

[@vicgamesvt9682]

Socialism for the rich rugged individualism for the poor

[@ahmed98hashim]

@@vicgamesvt9682 you can try

[@samanthafox3124]

So go be a CEO and stop being resentful

[@hishark7082]

I think they are cheaper now, that's why they are also stingy. Have to pay high for high class service, but nowadays everyone can afford to travel in aeroplane which I feel it is progressive as they are economical

[@numerologicatarot3333]

Bull!..

[@numerologicatarot3333]

Capitalism is the reason…

[@BioBioLove]

@Luís Andrade Well everyone having access to a service and not only the elite, is considered progress for many people. If its not for you, sad cause thats how the world works 😉

[@BioBioLove]

@Luís Andrade wow your level of arrogance and elitism is beyond reason. I know many people who think like me, as usual living in Europe is a huge advantage! Well my advice to you and your father is get your private plane or stay in your home. Enjoy!

[@agme8045]

@Luís Andrade i don’t understand what’s your problem with affordable plane tickets, if you don’t like to travel with all those people you can simply book a first class ticket and problem solved. Did you even see the video? Plane tickets before were extremely expensive in comparison to nowadays tickets, so if you’d like to go back to that time, then you just need to pay more money and get a better seat/class. If airlines rose up the prices for everyone, then it would be the same as getting a business class flight or something like that.

[@foxhound34]

So airlines where flights are cheap run the risk of going bankrupt, but if you increase the prices too much no one will buy tickets and you risk going bankrupt. Sheesh what a predicament to be in.

[@EddieStyle]

Thank you for the episode. I would like to say a good word about your editing team which does a great job!

[@TwoCentsPBS]

Thank you! They sure do!

[@jacobh.4719]

Interflug going out of business had nothing to do with Airline deregulation in the US. Interflug was the main airline in East Germany, so the reunification of Germany is "to blame", not an American law passed 13 years prior.

[@theObscure3rd]

when people whine about air travel i cry inside because they clearly do not appreciated what air travel does for humanity in comparison to other forms of travel

[@ntmn8444]

Exactly.

[@theObscure3rd]

@Luís Andrade Do you have any data to backup that statement or ae you just speaking from your ass?

[@paddaboi_]

@@theObscure3rd ofc course air travel pollutes the environment because of their emissions, you don't need data to know that. I'm not saying that we should abandon air travel as it is the most effective way of travel over long distance but there's no denying it isn't generally good for the environment

[@paddaboi_]

@moimoi moi you can't drive over the ocean tho

[@theObscure3rd]

@moimoi moi You are generalizing based on your own experience in your own geography or country. Air travel is a global phenomena and the experience of it is different in every region and is situation dependent. Maybe in your city, country or wherever you have been flying your experience is like that. Mine is a 10 minute drive, 30 minute wait after check-in and flying wherever, why? because i live less than 10 minutes away from an airport but i would not say air travel is perfect just from my experience, however it is the best we have done so far. Try use a donkey, horse, oxen, train, bus, car and you will see

[@Fabian04_]

I can fly across Europe for 5€ 😂 Hell yes I arrive happily 2h early and wait in a crowded airport for that deal. The opportunity those low prices give me completely outweigh the inconveniences they bring.

[@ntmn8444]

We have that here in the US too. People just like to complain.

[@Fabian04_]

@Luís Andrade bruh, I saw Cologne - Mallorca flights by Ryanair (2,5h flight time) for 0,50€ 😂😂 Everything extra (bags, priority boarding etc.) costs a fortune but if you stay firm and only book the flight, you can travel for less than a Hamburger.

[@davidperry4013]

That’s definitely Ryanair. You get aviointerior sky rider standing seats which makes those lawn chair seats in frontier and spirit airlines look like first class. 😂 rather pay 80€ more and fly Norwegian airlines and get comfy seats.

[@oliviersavard8676]

Meanwhile if I can get a flight across the province for under 200 dollars it's a miracle in itself, even the train and bus cost about as much. Everyone here travels by car, and for a reason. It would cost me less in gas to drive across the country than to take a plane ticket (although I could be on the other side of the country in half a day by plane while it would realistically take me a couple days by car).

[@IanBuell]

Flying is just a bus in the sky. I don't expect something fabulous riding a bus on the ground - not in the sky either. I'm fairly pleased with most of the flying experiences I've had, considering I'm just "taking the bus".

[@seanpeters3690]

I agree. There's actually a plane company called Airbus, and I've flown on a few.

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

Buses are more spacious though and you get to use electronics.

[@iseytheteethsnake6290]

Lol I just went to the airplane and was watching this while flying!

[@TwoCentsPBS]

LOL! NIIIICE.

[@justanoman6497]

To put simply, because price is the only thing that is easily seen on third party booking sites. So they cut as many corners as they can to get the base price as low as possible to look better on those sites, and then have you buy back the corners. Honestly, flights aren't any worse than it was if you are willing to spend as much as it used to be and pay for all the corners.

[@choreomaniac]

Yes. The first part they explained well, which is deregulation. But it was still very difficult to compare fares unless you went to a travel agent. And agents had incentives and deals with airlines so didn’t go strictly by lowest cost. It wasn’t until the mid 2000s that people really started to purchase fares online with aggregator sites. And here the only thing is low price. So every perk was removed or added as a fee.

[@abd2re]

@@choreomaniac aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaao

[@aolson1111]

It would make no difference if booking sites explained the details of your flight. Spirit's reputation is widely known, yet they continue to be a popular and profitable airline.

[@michaelmcgoldrick9126]

My first flight I flew across the country on the lowest economy ticket. Nobody in my whole row, window seats, and fresh cookies. Hell ya

[@davidperry4013]

When I was 5 in the year 2000, I remember getting delicious scrambled eggs in the plane for a flight to my grandmothers house for thanksgiving.

[@ashholiday123]

I hate it when people get up in arms over flights being cramped when they paid less than $100 or something to fly to an entirely different country. If you want good service, pay for it... That's how the economy works.

[@annetteleggett9854]

Fly to a different country for less than $100? What airline?

[@mohsinhassanlive]

Best show I have ever had! The editing is excellent

[@stitchsander]

My first flight was to the US as a kid, the service was excellent (I even had lunch with the flight attendants in San Francisco), though the flight was delayed. My parents were so worried that they asked my poor cousin call the airline.

[@rageguy311]

Kinda sad they left out labor laws. A flight attendant could be fired for getting married, turning 25 or pregnant. And the racism in hiring practices in the past.

[@TomikaKelly]

Wait, what?? You had to retire at 25? Why couldnt you marry? I can understand pregnancy due to safety.

[@rageguy311]

@@TomikaKelly This was half a century ago. An airlines compete on routes, fares, punctuality, but also on image too. Thus, the staff had to the pressure to "represent" the brand. This was code for "we only hire pretty single ladies" for flight attendants/stewardess so we can gain more business men attention (fantasy) so they fly with us. If you read the job descriptions/requirements for a flight attendant today versus the 1950s, you would see the sexism. Example: Weekly weigh-ins (1950s) and be fired for going over 5 lbs vs. a professional appearance with minimum make-up requirements to wear lipstick and mascara (for women) and cover tattoos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX2kc5KuhtGLp8U Racism such as pay inequality and representation in upper management is thing. There is also the absurd loyalty program these days.

[@AmtrakandAWVRFan]

@@TomikaKellyBecause back then when air travel was targeted towards the wealthy, it is often to single men looking for love.

[@lamarreerickson3502]

This is the funniest intro I’ve ever watched on KZbin. From lobster to peanuts🤣

[@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460]

One thing I find a little disturbing is the drop off in quality for First Class now. Seven years ago, flying First Class was a good thing because the seats were larger, the service was better, you got priority luggage arrival, the snacks awesome, you get a sealed blanket and nearly unlimited drinks (which didn't benefit me since I have a bladder the size of a grain of rice 🙄). Then, 2 or 3 years ago when they redesigned, the seats got smaller - though still one inch larger than coach. And now they say due to Covid, they don't have the blankets, there is an excuse as to why you can't get sealed bottles of water, the flight attendant gives you a stinky look if you take more than 2 snacks, and I STILL have to wait for my luggage. It comes out before many others but it's not first (or even 10th). Also (since I'm complaining), the only reason I fly first class and endure racist comments from other passengers (YES, that happens frequently), is because I'm big and need the extra room. If the airlines would stop being so greedy and increase the size of the seats so that everyone can be comfortable, then that would overall be better for them economically.

[@Rumade]

When I was a kid in the 90s we were so lucky. My dad worked as a programmer for British Airways and we would always fly Club World (their business class!). When I was older and found out that this was possible partly because of his discount and partly because we always flew standby. What that meant was we had no guaranteed flight, and would wait for the available one. This must've been pretty stressful for my parents, hanging around an airport with 2 kids! Nowadays I fly economy, it's not too bad because I'm short. I still have a crab claw in my memory box from a meal I had as a kid in business class.

[@NuSpirit_]

Man if only we would be pampered like before... "And a free wifi!" Eh I'm OK with it then.

[@BrandonMinguez]

TSA PreCheck is great for anyone who is planning on being at an airport a good amount in the next 5 years.

[@annies6566]

I feel like a crazy person for not minding all the hassle that comes with flying. I’m okay if my flight gets delayed or cancelled because I always give myself ample time to get to my destination also I’m just not willing to let a minor inconvenience ruin my day.

[@joelo542]

I just saw this uploaded now and liked it even before watching! That's what you get for posting awesome contents that are useful!!! Lots of love!!!

[@create_smarter]

Most underrated financial channel there is

[@zacklynch584]

Didn't know you guys were still around! Finally had another video pop up on my timeline. Keep them coming!

[@factsforlife7840]

Just found this channel through Reddit!!! Love it!!

[@josephjennings3146]

4:09 - yeeeah, i...uhh...think i prefer the flights of today. don't want to remember those awful events back then.

[@CoffeeKawaii]

Probably the best thumbnail of your channel so far. Amazing

[@TomMcMorrow]

At 6'2, I certainly feel the decreased leg room. Flew to California from here in NJ, had bruised knees for a week!

[@rondas7772]

Pay more money and sit in the exit row

[@anon0268]

My mom told me that back when they used to serve "good" food in airplanes, a lot of people would get stomach troubles (if you know what I mean). She said that it was a very uncomfortable experience, because a lot of people desperately needed to use the bathroom or were throwing up.

[@gusasiu]

I cannot take WiFi for granted, for it is not free. You still have to pay for it when flying.

[@JacobAnawalt]

Depends on the airline/ticket. Of course TANSTAAFL, or WiFi.

[@CathrynDianne]

This isn’t true for all airlines. Air New Zealand wifi, for example, is free.

[@gusasiu]

@@CathrynDianne American airlines suck ass when compared to the rest of the world. It is the only industry where they compete to offer the worst experience at the highest price.

[@Mobik_]

Having some phone companies give you sometime for free

[@thekirbycrafter7229]

@@gusasiu that's a complete lie. One round trip from Washington to South Dakota at cheapest is ~$400. That's literally two weeks paycheck for me. Its the cheapest so its obv not the best, but that's amazing considering I get a nice flight home. I don't need anything else besides a seat so I'm all good. Get off your high horse.

[@uriargaman7241]

Bring your own food, drink, earplugs, headphones, eye covers, entertainment/work device/reading material. The flight is only 1-24 hours, it ends.

[@Dog_gone_it]

"Take it from us" As they're sitting in cartoon seats

[@milesfann33]

YOU'RE SITTING IN A CHAIR IN THE SKY! -C.K Louis

[@redbunnyclassic]

Last 5 times I sat in a plane...The attendants requested all phones be switched off. WiFi in planes....what a wonderful world.

[@marcspyder6721]

Flying in the 70s: May I please have a water. Flight attendant: Sparkling or non-sparkling Flying in 2021: May I please have a water Flight attendant: Sir there are children on board!

[@Its__Good]

US: "People in the past got lobster? All we get is peanuts". UK: "You get peanuts?"

[@Famousflow61]

i just got food and i see this ^.^ Perfect lunch!!!!

[@kevinpineda3081]

LMAO American government literally said "let's bankrupt the cheapest/cleanest service of long distance travelling and blast massive funds to the most expensive and contaminating one we as humans could develop!" Great video as usual, love you guys!

[@mychannel-rt2gn]

And all the other governments of the world followed them like sheep

[@NinjaKuma]

Japanese airlines still offer beer/whisky & snowcrab all included into the price (which is cheaper than most other airlines)

[@topochicooooo]

People take what they have for granted. Amazingly affordable and accessible air travel is a modern marvel and people complain about seats being slightly uncomfortable

[@sisyphusvasilias3943]

I thought a major issue in the Boeing crisis was that the FAA has allowed Boeing to certify it's own planes as safe?

[@traveleraadit6069]

Really big fan, enjoyed watching your video

[@cyclone5354]

Im 6’ 2” and I don’t fit in economy. I have to put my legs at an angle. That ain’t right

[@edwardbarocela3064]

One point they didn’t touch on: flying is only cheaper for private passengers. Business travelers still pay pretty hefty prices, but still get the same crappy service.

[@charliedallachie3539]

My main gripe is the reduction of seat sizes and leg space. If you’re a taller/bigger person you have to pay more for that space that used to be standard and your pressed into the person next to you. It’s like they make the seats for people 5’4 or smaller at least on American and United. Also it used to be more common to have a seat or row next to you empty. These days they really try to fill every seat even on red eye flights. The rest is just minor inconveniences. It makes more sense to pay for what you need, I’ve always found it better to get food at the airport anyway

[@RyuuTenno]

his face at the beginning of the video is priceless. XD

[@DevylsAdvocut]

Nice work you two!

[@Luther_Luffeigh]

6:27 Reducing seat pitch is the worst of all

[@thenewone4812]

Thank you Nedumaaran Rajangam

[@mrj-charles6383]

I do mainly long haul flights so the ticket price includes meals plus snacks. In the Philippines, I use Cebu Air all the time. Those planes are deafening inside compared to the ones coming from the US. NYC to Cebu business class is about $10k last time I flew. I can only afford Economy class since I can get that on a deal for around $1200.

[@mgnomnom]

damn is that a one way trip? LA to PH is like 1500 for the flight to and back.

[@banksterkid5930]

IF RYAN GOSLING HAD MUSTACHE......

[@AqaMursalov]

Love your videos guys! Keep it up :)

[@Mzbbxhfbfnsx]

Another factor is the population of the USA in 1940 was 130 million and now it’s at 330 million

[@Manbarrican]

I wish it was illegal for airlines to decrease the legroom based on the national average.

[@mrj-charles6383]

Speaking of Deregulation Another topic to explain is Trucking. The deregulation in the transportation industry is the reason why we can buy a button-up shirt at Walmart for $7. Just one example. All in all, deregulation has also killed the wages in the transportation industry.

[@EJK2099]

Is there a link between this and the increasing violence/unruliness in American flights right now?

[@22trevorc]

Being 6'5 I can assure you the lack of legroom makes me feel homicidal

[@AlejandroGonzalez-mo2wy]

Haha really good intro, you guys are becoming actors.

[@TwoCentsPBS]

Lol. Maybe those theater degrees helped.

[@KristensClassroom]

Steps to free flights: 1.) Charge your normal purchases on a credit card with reward points 2.) Save up points 3.) Use rewards to pay off or discount your travel

[@celebrim1]

Pretty much everyone that yearns for the good old days of trains or airlines or cruise ships or whatever is really saying, "I much prefer when the proles couldn't afford these things. Things were so much nicer when the proles stayed in their tenements like good little workers and left the living to those of us that deserved it." And they are working hard on returning to those days. Just keep that in mind whenever someone claims to be working on behalf of the working class.

[@toastnjam7384]

I flew a lot back in the early 70's between San Diego and LA when I was in the Navy. 14$ round trip, but the best part was the pretty flight attendants in mini-skirts and GO-GO boots.

[@RaffyAloFukit]

I really appreciate ya'll uploading this video today, because I'm flying with Jetblue soon, and I learned that they changed their policy around carry-on bags. Now, you can only carry your personal item that fits below the seat in front of you. No more overhead bags unless you pay like $45, or have an exception on their list of exceptions. It's ridiculous, they're making it more expensive to fly. Spirit Airlines Realness.

[@eowendyl]

I think it's great the there's the option to do this. If you don't need the overhead bag, your ticket costs less. The regular airline fares pack in a lot of stuff one might be able to do without, so in order to get full value you need to bag heavy, etc, to at least make use of the increased ticket price with the perks.

[@callmeviper7723]

I was like “Stingy”? Who are they stinging?

[@nonyabeeznuss304]

This was also the era when you could pay for your semester of college by bussing tables and shining shoes over the summer. Wages have stagnated, and inflation has wiped out a ridiculous amount of wealth for most people. High class service like back then is only available to a much decreased and constantly shrinking group of people.

[@Emmanmag]

They used so many puns here 😂

[@gildardorodriguez4356]

Big corporations never loose money, they just dont make as much as they want.

[@MalluStyleMultiMedia]

Another excellent video

[@dco8886]

Ugh. We went from Denver to Boston and paid 1k roundtrip for two 😭. Horrible. And JetBlue whom recently banned carry-ons for economy flights 🙄

[@trinahorton8839]

Hahaha just in time for my flight today lol

[@NP-zt6hy]

At least the Airlines' female flight attendant today don't have age range, physique, and maximum education (as in not college educated) requirements and can marry.

[@Micg51]

They still have those requirements in the middle east

[@sammyjohn.production4783]

So well made sir mak thank u so much even 10 yrs could get it

[@captainkaveh1]

Yes but i still prefer the golden years . Not only flights but cars,music and life style.

[@cyzcyt]

It used to be fun for the rich. Now it's worst than taking a bus. Honestly if there were high speed rails option for the same route few would choose flying over trains. Checking at the airport itself is wasting time as it is. Getting there early by 2 hours. And if you don't live near the airport, add another new few hours of travel time.

[@PointNemo9]

I doubt that, how much longer would high speed rail take to cross the country? 5 times longer?

[@TheNotverysocial]

Who wants to travel now anyway, what with all of this dangerous stuff going around? It is currently safer to stay at home, unless you have a job that requires loads of traveling.

[@PetarStamenkovic]

@4:11 Why not do the same for healthcare and schooling?

[@papovka]

Healthcare is already mostly privatized, I couldn't imagine the prices if it was completely regulation-free

[@PetarStamenkovic]

​@@papovka I'm confused. What other private run business can hide cost of their services and expect you to pay, only after having elected to use their services? To me that, and many other things are the very result of government regulations and meddling. Without prices there are no signals to and from the market- what is good and what is not. Without prices there can be no competition, and that looks like it is by design of the government regulation.

[@chrisdelzell8467]

@@papovka Healthcare is super duper regulated at the state level, and each state is locked down by local lobbyists. If the Federal Government went in and created a streamlined set of 'maximum regulations' that states were limited to under the commerce clause, the insurance cartels would evaporate almost overnight. It's actually one of the few area where the Fed has a good reason to get involved in commerce. They haven't for the same reason they tend to get involved in so many things that aren't their business. Crooked lobbying by would-be monopolies.

[@erich930]

Another contributor to lower flying costs is the introduction of new, more efficient engines. Fuel makes up the vast majority of your ticket's price, so when planes don't need to use as much it saves money for you. It's also good for the environment! The General Electric GE-NX on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner family and the CFM LEAP on the 737MAX and A320NEO are excellent examples of engineering at its finest today.

[@micperez819]

I think one thing they leave out is rich people don't take commercial flights anymore. They all fly private