Flying Used to Be an Enjoyable, Comfortable, and Aspirational Experience. Today, Most People Hate It

Flying used to be a fascinating experience. I remember my first plane trip vividly: the excitement of getting on the plane, finding my seat, and the rush of joy when I realized it was a window seat. There was a slight tingling sensation as the plane began moving to the runway, followed by the powerful push against the seat as it accelerated.

I felt a mix of wonder and weightlessness as we took off, pressing against the seat as we gained altitude. Finally, the announcement that we could unbuckle our seatbelts confirmed, almost mysteriously, that we were indeed flying.

A wonderful journey. My first plane trip was exciting and nerve-wracking all at once. However, over time, flying transformed from something exceptional into a routine means of transportation.

Arriving at the airport to find a long line at security is disheartening. Then there’s the awkwardness of being over 5’7” and contorting yourself to get into your seat. Not to mention the disappointment when a flight is delayed or an anticipated weekend getaway falls apart due to an unexpected cancellation. Of course, there’s the frustration of arriving at your destination only to find your suitcase has been lost.

A stark reality check. Society has shifted from viewing airplanes as a luxurious and unique mode of transportation to simply hoping for a smooth experience. In the 1950s, airlines proudly boasted about the select group of chefs who prepared each meal, delicately pouring syrup over cakes and arranging trays for passengers.

Back then, there were no long boarding lines and no dividing passengers into groups. There were no issues with suitcases being slightly too large or exorbitant fees for seat selection.

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Frustration. Today, passengers are increasingly frustrated with the practices of airlines. The Financial Times highlights the story of an American who frequently flies with Southwest Airlines. Over five annual trips to the same destination, he experienced multiple delays, cancellations for various reasons, and even lost luggage.

This situation isn’t unique. For the first time in over a decade, negative perceptions of flying have surpassed positive ones. In the U.S., a quarter of flights in 2022 were delayed or canceled. In October alone, the Department of Transportation recorded 3,000 passenger complaints, which is five times more than in 2019.

Two hours. In 2019, 10,800 flights were canceled due to a problem with the Federal Aviation Administration’s software, which forced all flights in the country to be grounded. The issue lasted for two hours and caused significant disruption in a country with the world’s highest air traffic. That same year, an estimated 925.5 million passengers traveled in the U.S.

According to 2022 data, the U.S. has the most airports globally. The vast distances and a lack of commitment to rail transport as an alternative meant that there are 16,890 airports, far surpassing Brazil’s 4,093.

Shortage of pilots. A significant issue highlighted in the Financial Times is the lack of workers. The coronavirus pandemic initially cleared the skies of aircraft, and the rise in remote meetings led many companies to suggest that the days of business travel were over. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Travel has surged again as restrictions have been lifted.

While Airbus and Boeing engage in billions of dollars’ worth of aircraft purchases, there’s a significant shortage of pilots. In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that an additional 8,000 pilots are needed. By 2032, a global shortage of up to 32,000 pilots is expected.

Beyond pilots. The shortage of pilots isn’t the only factor contributing to delays, cancellations, and widespread inconvenience for travelers. In many countries, traveling during vacation periods can be risky. Strikes by ground staff, cabin crew, and pilots have become common during the summer and holiday seasons.

Airline workers often express concerns about excessive pressure at work due to the ongoing staff shortage. The situation has been exacerbated by the severe layoffs that occurred during the most challenging months of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Around 191,000 airport and airline workers are estimated to have been laid off during that period.

Image | Nhi Dam

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