Many people have a love-hate and bittersweet relationship with flying. It's quicker than driving, you are not forced to be the one driving, and it connects us to places that would otherwise be almost impossible to get to.
Airlines have over the years made improvements for their customers, however, I have noticed there are a few areas in which need major improvement. Here are some I noticed on my most recent international flight:
1. Flights shouldn't overbook.
It is insane to me that you can pay hundreds to thousands of dollars for a flight, and not be guaranteed a spot on the plane! I don't fly super frequently, however, I have been "booted" off two flights. Once, I was lucky someone else volunteered to not get on so I could, and one other time my step-dad stayed behind so I could get on with my mom and brother because I was still in high school.
Once you are 18 they can kick you off and separate you from your family, even if you're still in high school! You can't even book a hotel room at 18 or rent a car! If the next flight was the next day I would have been screwed.
2. Checked bags should be free.
If checked bags were free more people would check a bag because it is so much easier! This would help airlines expedite the whole process as well because people wouldn't have to waste so much time loading their giant carry-ons onto the plane, fight with flight attendants about the size, or clog up security, and it's just easier on the customer because they don't have to lug their bags all over the airport.
3. Free chargers and WiFi available on every flight.
If airlines want to make their customers happy, which would increase customer satisfaction and increase sales, all they have to do is offer free wifi and charging ports for each seat on every flight. People will zonk out watching shows, listening to music, and leave the poor flight attendants alone.
4. Have more people assisting at customs.
An American citizen who went on vacation to the Caribbean for a week should NOT have to wait in line for 2 hours to have their passport examined after they already scanned it through a kiosk! People also shouldn't be frantic hoping they are not waiting in the wrong extremely long line.
There is no one around to ask if you are in the right place and once you get to the desk if you're in the wrong line you're treated like crap and then have to wait in another insanely long line! Not to mention the fact they never have enough agents available.
5. Get rid of overhead bins and large carry-ons
Nothing is more frustrating than taking a two-hour flight, and loading carry-ons and unloading takes an hour! I've had flights leave late because people take too long to put their stuff away. It makes no sense that we store them above everyone's head as well, I've seen some close calls of people not being able to handle their bag almost whacking a complete stranger.
Unless you have a medical reason why you need a suitcase full of stuff on you at all times, a backpack can hold a sufficient amount of stuff to carry on you, there is no reason you need all of your belongings on you for your flight.
