Airlines People Complain Travel Flights Airport Announcements Problems

Many people in the United States like to travel by airplane because it is much faster than traveling by car, bus, or train. But these people often complain about the "inconveniences" (things that cause problems or difficulties) of flying. Some of these inconveniences include delays due to "inclement weather" (bad weather) and poor scheduling. They also complain about overbooked flights and getting bumped from flights. In addition, many people complain about bad service and uncomfortable seats.

Airlines are trying to find ways to "remedy" (fix) these problems and "compensate" passengers, or pay them for their troubles. As discussed in this podcast, airlines sometimes issue travel vouchers for a few hundred dollars, giving people credit to use for future trips when they get bumped from an overbooked flight. When flights are rescheduled for the next day, airlines sometimes pay for passengers' hotel rooms, dinner, and breakfast if they have to stay in the city for an extra night. When passengers complain about these inconveniences, sometimes the airline gives them free "upgrades," letting them sit in a more expensive class of seats for the same price, where they will have larger and more comfortable seats.

Airlines are also trying to improve their service. They are teaching their flight crews to provide better "customer service" (how customers are treated by employees). They now let passengers do "online check-in" so that they can register for their flights using the Internet and not have to stand in line for such a long time when they arrive at the airport. Some airlines are trying to make seats bigger, provide better food, and offer "on-flight entertainment" such as movies, music, and video games.