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.
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3 comments on “A New Cranky Talk Is Live: Brett Books a Flight”
I think this is a misuse/abuse of the term “personal reason.”
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.
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.