Media Matters

Charlie,

I tried to send you a message about this, but apparently we have to be "friends" first. I'm done with all these cyber rules.

Here's my question for US lawmakers - and airline executives - how can you charge a premium for the emergency row seats? I understand that's it's much sought after territory on a plane. But just as the industry likes to tell us that flight attendants are really there for our safety, who sits in the emergency row shouldn't be held hostage to those who will part with an additional $15-$25-$40. You need to be able and willing to open the door (or not if conditions aren't favourable) in an emergency. You need to be able to understand the working language of the flight crew. Simply being willing to pay a few extra bucks doesn't match those qualifications.

Are the airlines not in violation of some sort of federal safety rules or regulations? Are the airlines not contradicting decades of policy/PR which says our safety is their first priority?

I think charging extra for these seats is obscene.

Comments

Allan Lynch September 19, 2010 at 6:22pm

Charlie,

I tried to send you a message about this, but apparently we have to be "friends" first. I'm done with all these cyber rules.

Here's my question for US lawmakers - and airline executives - how can you charge a premium for the emergency row seats? I understand that's it's much sought after territory on a plane. But just as the industry likes to tell us that flight attendants are really there for our safety, who sits in the emergency row shouldn't be held hostage to those who will part with an additional $15-$25-$40. You need to be able and willing to open the door (or not if conditions aren't favourable) in an emergency. You need to be able to understand the working language of the flight crew. Simply being willing to pay a few extra bucks doesn't match those qualifications.

Are the airlines not in violation of some sort of federal safety rules or regulations? Are the airlines not contradicting decades of policy/PR which says our safety is their first priority?

I think charging extra for these seats is obscene.
Sam Scribe September 19, 2010 at 5:41pm

Nepal and Tibet have just undertaken a campaign to attract 1,000,000 visitors. I don't view this as a good development. Do you?
Charlie Leocha September 18, 2010 at 7:46pm

Tell me the story of your flight from hell. I am addressing all of the PR directors of all of the airlines at the ATA conference on Thursday. Who knows where stories I have will come into play. Actually, I am planning on asking them how we can work together on projects like air traffic control and easing the crazy visa problems and CBP entry problems we are having here in the US. I need to develop a good relationship with them.

Yesterday, had a meeting with the director of privacy for Homeland Security. Very interesting.
Northeast News September 18, 2010 at 6:21pm

Members of my family just had a flight from hell two weeks ago. Thanks for the links, Charlie.
Charlie Leocha September 18, 2010 at 4:17pm

This week coming up is the last week to let the DOT know what you think about changes to airline regulations. You can go to regulationroom.org to register regarding all aspects of the new regulations. Go also to www.madashellabouthiddenfees.com, sign the petition for transparent airline fees and tell your stories about dealing with hidden airline fees.

Welcome to RegulationRoom | RegulationRoom
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