The recent failed (thankfully) terrorist action on the overseas flight from Amsterdam has made everyone aware again, that flying commercially today is not what it used to be. But, lets forget the terrorist-related security aspects of all this, and just look at the way the airline industry has changed over the years. Fewer carriers, fewer flights (especially at smaller airports), greater cost to the ticket buyer, missed flights and lost baggage more common than ever, and an air traffic control network that is taxed to its limit.
I'm definitely not (thankfully) a frequent flyer. But, over the past several years when I did fly long distances (four times to Alaska and once to Arizona), I encountered problems. Missed connections due to airline mismanagement (insufficient crew to fly), changes made to online reservations without notification, incorrect e-ticket confirmation codes issued, and delayed baggage arrival (three times). On top of that, the obvious (and necessary) security requirements and threat level do not make the journey a pleasant one. So, for me and millions of other Americans, the question today is, "Do I fly or not?"
