I find it rather odd how all of the North American Airlines charge for food and alcohol on domestic flights, and charge money for a second checked bag and a pair of skis, yet claim to be offering customers good “value for their money” as a result of having the most competitive flight prices around… Once you add on the cost of all of those “add-ons” that most people need from time to time (leg room, anyone?), you may find that you are paying as much if not more than you could be paying for a full service airline that not only gets you from point A to point B, but tries their best to ensure that you are comfortable on the way.
Welcome aboard Thai Airways, Al Nippon (ANA), and Porter to name a few. Where the service comes with a smile and snacks, meals and free-flowing booze are included in the ticket price. Not to mention that the seats have more legroom (surprising since Asians are reputedly shorter than North Americans). I had forgotten what it felt like to “fly in comfort” when I was cheerfully reminded as I stepped onto a Thai Airways plane en route from Tokyo to Bangkok and breathed a breath of fresh air when offered hot towels, a blanket and a pillow *free of charge*, not to mention the opportunity to eat Thai Curry en route, as welcome alternative to some stale overcooked rendition of what is supposed to be chicken cordon bleu.
Although I realize that the North American way is very value-centric, I feel that perhaps it is time to step away from the bare-bones business aesthetic and start pampering every customer. After a single flight I am seriously reconsidering my available domestic flight options. Move over Air Canada, Westjet, and United. The old school is coming back, when it comes to flying in style. And I wanna!