Airlines are cutting back on costs, and the money saving strategies being implemented by most carriers, are being felt and noticed mostly by the frequent flyer. The frequent flyer is able to recognize the gradual changes taking place at the counter and within the aircraft. The occasional traveler is less likely to notice the changes since these have been gradual and subtle. The advanced design being implemented by airlines is designed to keep the customer believing that all is the same, or at least comparable to what was offered before -- but the differences are great when reflected upon carefully.



As a frequent traveler who travels once a month across the Atlantic Ocean, from Germany to Washington, D.C., I have watched the gradual disappearance of friendly check-in personnel, the number of seats in the gate area, the complimentary magazines, edible meals, and free drinks. Part of the advanced design includes getting rid of extra pillows and blankets, toiletries in the facilities and cushioned headphones for passengers in the economy section. Comfort and quality is now only to be found in Business and First class sections of the aircraft. Even in the gate area, a distinction is made between Economy service and the upper class of service, by setting seats aside for the higher paying Business and First class traveler and providing them a separate entryway onto the aircraft.

Due to the frequency of my travels, I have accumulated enough points to be upgraded to a small section of the plane known as the 'Economy Plus' area. This section does extend the loyal traveler some courtesies such as an extra few inches of legroom and the opportunity to board the aircraft before those unfortunate souls traveling in Economy. However, it is better to pack a lunch and use a vacuum food sealer to keep it fresh and moist, than risk chocking on the dried out meals served on board. Alcoholic drinks in this section, as in Economy, are no longer free. For $5.00, passengers are able to purchase wine, beer and other spirits. This is not the case in Business and First class where customers are entitled to drink for free, as much as they desire without becoming overly inebriated.

In addition to no longer having the extra pillow or blanket once available for the asking, airlines are cutting down on costs by doing away with magazines. Newspapers are still being offered, but the usual assortment of women's, car or sport reading materials are no longer to be found on most carriers. I am happy to report though, that soap is still available in the restrooms, although hand lotion, which was once a standard amenity, is long gone.

The latest trend to be seen within the airline industry is to charge for checking in more than one suitcase. Travelers have always been able to check-in two bags if they were under a certain weight. Now, regardless of weight, some carriers are demanding a fee for the second bag. This fee of $25 might not seem outrageous to the occasional traveler, but to the frequent traveler, already suffering from the cut backs, this is just another move toward even less amenities and less pleasure when flying.