My Perfect Airline: Affordable, comfortable, transparent and friendly

I mentioned last week that I think there is a big opportunity for airlines to get good service at an affordable price down right.  I think what I'd like to do is take my favorite things from certain airlines and make up my own company... and take the things I can't stand and make them GO AWAAY.

My Perfect Airline: Affordable, comfortable, transparent and friendly - where are you?

1. affordability
This is key.  I want an airline that does everyday low pricing.  There are a couple of grocery stores that have done this very well - no sales, no gimmicks, just transparent pricing.  Some car dealerships have done this too.  Its time for the airlines to do consistent pricing that customers can count on day in and day out.  From what I can tell, AirTran does the best at this - they show what you pay online if you buy sooner, what you pay if you buy a little later and so on.  First come, gets the better price, but its totally transparent.  Unlike JetBlue which changes their pricing as you get closer or pick a holiday or tickets run out and you don't get a sense of the value you get by buying sooner.

A note on upgrades - Delta makes you upgrade to an upgradeable coach fare before upgrading to first class.  How stupid is that?  Again, AirTran does this right, so does Continental - if there are upgrades available, they are up for grabs for a low and reasonable cost

2. comfort
Especially being pregnant of course I'm really paying attention to such things.  Decent padding, leg room, recline - all important.  Even better - be consistent like JetBlue - all the planes have basic comfort standards - love that.

3.  food
I'm okay if there's no food on short flights, what I'm not okay with is crap food.  If you're going to do food, make it good.  Best ones here - JetBlue snacks are quite good, and I love that you get a choice.  Even better - tell me what I can expect for food when I book my ticket so I can plan accordingly

4.  service and smiles
I'm a total sucker for the flight attendants and pilots who are happy, and have a great sense of humor.  Lets face it, traveling is not fun, thanks to those who try to add a little happy to an otherwise tense experience.  The rest of you - lighten up!

Musings from a week away

I've been away on vacation this week. Every march we visit my grandparents in Florida. Lots of time to think and reflect - I'll share a few thoughts and quickly and elaborate more in the next few days. As I write this I'm on my iPhone so apologies in advance for any bad typos!

1. There is a big opportunity for airlines to get good service at an affordable price down as a business model. And no, I don't think jetBlue or southwest have got it

2. If you are pregnant and feeling depressed about your growing self (as I was earlier this week) try getting yourself photographed by a pro- suddenly I felt beautiful and proud

3. One of the distinct advantages of living in upstate NY in the winter is when you go to Florida and it's in the upper 60s it feels fabulous! And the complaining floridians sound so ridiculous in their winter coats!

4. A vacation can still be a vacation even if you do have to work a little (caveat: this probably only applies if you like your job)

5. Competent colleagues with whom you have mutual trust and can laugh with are worth more than gold (see 4.)

6. Yoga is a lifesaver for post travel prenatal aches

7. I miss wine. A lot.

That's all for now!