So here I am on Monday, flying home from Chicago, and I peek into the Business Class cabin in the Embraer 190 jet I am ensconced within, and I see that of the nine available seats, only one is being used.
Eight gaping holes.
Now the economies of air travel are frightening, and as an outsider I don't know all the reasons why, but here's what I do know:
Air Canada wasted
eight golden opportunities
to improve its image.
Almost two years ago, I ranted about this, and even offered some solutions. But nothing has changed, except perhaps the level of my disappointment.
So let's examine the scenario: the flight was fine, actually arrived early, with one sole passenger in an otherwise empty Business Class section. Chance of anyone saying anything--ANYTHING!--about the experience:
Less Than Zero
But let's say the Captain chirpily announced over the plane's PA system: "Folks, we know flying isn't always fun, but today it is. We have a little Surprise for eight of you. You are movin' on up to Business Class!" and passed out new boarding passes to eight random seat holders. Or six. Or even four.
Chance of these lucky people raving about the flight and the airline:
The Surest of Sure Bets
Chance of the other 70 or so passengers telling everyone they know about the Surprise upgrade:
No Less Than 100%
I'm sure there are 1,000 excuses why this can't be done; not enough meals, not enough coffee, not enough headphones, sets a bad precedent, diminishes the value of the seat, blah blah blah.
But the airlines should be focusing on "why" instead of "why not."
Then maybe there'd be more blog posts that cheer and rave instead of bitch and moan.
And--heaven forbid--maybe even some more happy customers.
