NAVIGATE: All Airlines Are Not Created Equal
let me preface this by saying…
there’s a high probability that our values are not the same. I’m concerned with traveling safely on schedule far more than a reclining seat and my carry-on fee. I have non-negotiables when choosing an airline; safety, timeliness and an overall positive customer experience. Truth be told, once I removed cost and comfort from my top criteria, most “widely preferred” airlines failed to meet my expectations.
In no particular ranking order…
Delta
I knew Delta was on the luxurious side of the spectrum when I walked into the McNamara terminal in Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). The trained pianist giving his best Mozart performance on a grand piano seated in the middle of the floor, was the confirmation. If you’ve ever experienced DTW, you know that there is quite a difference between this terminal and North. The polished brand resonates from the moment you begin booking your airfare through deplaning at your final destination, on time. Even their Basic Economy comes with perks that other airlines have a fee for. The flight attendants are always smiling in freshly pressed uniforms with not a hair out of place, even at ungodly hours of the morning. The icing…the video recorded safety presentation, USB charging ports and complimentary beverage/snacks coupled with spacious seating areas so you don’t have to sit with your knees in your chest the duration of the flight. Delta is what others strive to be. However, I am not always willing to pay 1 month’s rent for a 2 hour flight so Delta and I are not monogamous.
United
A flight from Detroit to Chicago should take about roughly 45 minutes right? Not if you are on United. You can expect to layover in Atlanta or Charlotte or a random city nowhere headed in the same direction as your destination. Your seemingly quick trip ends up with an additional 5 hours built in because nonstop flights on United are unicorns. Then they have the audacity to a give a tight 50 minute layover knowing good and well, they will not arrive on time. So now you have to 40 yard dash through the airport because United cares none about a flight schedule. As often as this happens, you would think that the customer service agents would be better equipped for these situations. No...not an ounce, drop or slither of empathy; just an attitude and a “Do You Boo” for your troubles. Long story short, too many times; I’ve found myself in a city that I had no business in, one text message away from telling my mother that it’s time to put my emergency bail fund to use. It’s a hard NO for me.
Southwest
They bait you with “Bags Fly For Free”. They even add sprinkles on top with “No Change Fees”. It sounds very appealing but I’m not playing the Hunger Games for a seat. It’s first come first serve and if you check in not even 5 mins after it opens, congratulations, you are in boarding Group C. This means you are either stuck in a middle seat or in the bowels of the plane. Not to mention, you won’t get too far with these expensive “Wanna Get Away” prices. Southwest is the last resort.
American
You know that significant other that you stay with because you’re complacent even though you know there’s better out there? That’s American. It gives you just enough to keep coming back but not enough to stop you from testing the waters elsewhere. It’s average at best.
Spirit
I’m always amused by social media’s reaction to flying Spirit, especially from sideline travel shamers. If you are expecting a Delta like experience on a Spirit budget, then beloved, it’s time to re-evaluate a few things. It’s not sugar coated nor falsely advertised. In the most literal interpretation, you get exactly what you pay for. Spirit is truly a budget airline but I prefer it over some of your “favs”. Yes, the seats are the equivalent to 1-ply toilet paper; it’s enough to get the job done but you know another layer of padding is needed. I sleep through all of my flights, so the common gripes about the stiff seats, no wifi and a fee for water doesn’t phase me. More importantly, I’ve never had an issue with safety, timeliness or a lost bag and there are rarely layovers. Simple solution: bring a neck pillow, download what you need to your device and buy water at the convenience shop before you board. Aside from the obnoxiously bright hue of yellow, Spirit is alright with me. Know what to expect.
Frontier
If you think Spirit has the bare minimum, allow me to introduce you to Frontier. I am familiar with budget airlines a la carte-ing every part of the flight but this airline takes the cake. After paying for your bags, seats and seatbelts, the advertised $19 fare totals the upside of $300. So now, you are paying the average flight price for the framework of an airplane with prototype seats. Seats created without the addition of cushions and functionality. I don’t mind a scaled down version for a cheaper price if that were actually the case. Frontier is an expert level bamboozler for the uninformed. The moment I knew that this would be my last time flying Frontier (even though it was my first), is when I deplaned in Trenton, New Jersey. While walking what felt like a mile in the rain, from the plane to the building, I watched the baggage handler drag the surplus checked luggages that could not fit on the cart, through the wet lot before catapulting them onto the conveyer belt. Yes, I know other airlines are not gentle with baggage but a broken wheel, soaked exterior and a strap hanging on by a thread is unacceptable. Ultimately, I paid full price to be uncomfortable and my luggage dismantled. Never again.
Everyone’s experience and tolerance level differs. Determine your non-negotiables and govern yourself accordingly.