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If you've taken a commercial airline flight lately you've probably
noticed that things are getting a little cramped. I'm not talking
about narrow seats and no legroom, though these are still a problem
on many airlines. I'm talking about full flights. There was a time
when, if you didn't like your seat, you could ask to move after the
flight was airborne. You could even trade up to first class by paying
a few extra bucks. Those days are rare now. After taking it on their
financial chins for many months after 9/11 the airlines are pushing
to regain lost ground, which means cramming as many people as
possible aboard smaller aircraft. Where once an airline may have used
a 727 for certain routes, today you may find yourself in a 30 or 50-
seat regional jet flying the same route. It's cheaper for the airline
and all the seats are filled which is exactly what the airlines
want.
So what does it matter to the traveler who just wants to get from San
Antonio to Cleveland? Well, it means you may find yourself on the
red eye because there's no room on earlier flights to wherever it is
you want to go. It means frequent flyers can no longer request an
empty middle seat. Well you can request it but don't expect to get
it! It means you may be flying on a smaller, noisier commuter plane.
It also means short tempers among the passengers and the cabin crew
as well who are fewer in number and thus have more work to do. Sort
of makes the interstate look good, doesn't it?
You can go a long way toward avoiding the airline squeeze by booking
early. That helps assure you'll get the seat you want. Try booking an
early morning or early evening flight. You might also want to avoid
hub airports if you can. Instead, try flying into a smaller airport
near your ultimate destination. It also helps to pay attention to the
equipment being used on your route. Check with your travel agent, the
airline or its web site to find out what kind of airplane you'll be
flying on.
So, if things feel a little cramped on your next flight, it's not
your imagination. Sit back and enjoy the movie and try not to fight
over the armrest!
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