Subscribe

A New Cranky Talk Is Live: Brett Books a Flight

3 comments on A New Cranky Talk Is Live: Brett Books a Flight
More Reading on This Topic:

Cranky Talk: Brett Books a Flight

I may be on the road, but we recorded a new Cranky Talk before I left. In this one, Dave actually had to book a flight to go up to Seattle, so we walked through the process. There’s a lot more thought that goes into booking a flight these days, and I think you’ll find it interesting.

Download it here or listen below.

I’m pleased to once again thank this week’s sponsor, Turbulence Forecast. Almost every flight you take has turbulence, but wouldn’t you like to know how much there will be and when it will happen?  Check out turbulenceforecast.com for worldwide turbulence maps, interpretations, and a concierge forecast by email service.  You can receive a personalized turbulence forecast before your flight from the founder of the website. 

Get Cranky in Your Inbox!

The airline industry moves fast. Sign up and get every Cranky post in your inbox for free.

Brett Avatar
Brett

3 responses to “A New Cranky Talk Is Live: Brett Books a Flight”

  1. stvr Avatar
    stvr

    I think this is a misuse/abuse of the term “personal reason.”

    Reply
  2. NathanP Avatar
    NathanP

    With the fear of being stuck in a middle seat gone (on Delta and Alaska), basic economy tickets become a much better deal. I don’t mind boarding last (in fact I would like the door to close and the plane to takeoff as soon as I sit down), but the fear of being stuck in the middle has kept me from buying basic economy in the past.
    Since regular economy tickets don’t come with a checked bag anyway, it makes sense to buy the basic option.

    Reply
    1. Kilroy Avatar
      Kilroy

      Not sure how other airlines have changed their boarding procedures due to COVID-19, but Delta is now boarding by rows (as opposed to zones), in an effort to promote social distancing during boarding. After the usual “persons needing extra assistance”, “families with small children”, “active-duty military personnel”, and elites, DL calls up pax ~5-10 rows at a time, starting at the back of the plane, so those sitting in Basic Economy at the tail end are among the first to board.

      Another benefit of leaving middle seats open (and, at least in DL’s case, of leaving aisle seats open on 2+2 RJs) that there is plenty of overhead bin space to go around, and even plenty of legroom (put your purse/briefcase/backpack under the empty seat to the right and side of you, not under the one directly in front of you), which also reduces one of the usual downsides of Basic Economy.

      All in all, if you accept the risk of flying these days, between more space, less waiting in security lines, and more, flying Basic Economy is in many ways a much better experience than it usually is.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Cranky Flier