They have been to the table before, but it looks like this time they are going to walk away with a deal! Continental Airlines and United Air Lines are expected to announce their proposed merger on Monday,
May 3rd. This merger would most likely create the world's largest carrier, to be known as United Air Lines.
The airline industry has suffered greatly since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, forcing them to lower fares, cut costs, lay off employees, reduce customer service, pay higher fuel costs and all around just struggle on a daily basis. This could be the light at the end of the tunnel that brings the industry back up to the standards that were once expected.
Not sure what I mean? Well, let me ask you...do you remember the days when airline travel was actually a luxury? Once upon a time, only certain people could afford to fly, and when you did, you got your money's worth. Many people are going to be disappointed if this merger causes fares to rise, but I think they need to. Traveling across country by airplane should not be a $99 trip. The employees of the airlines
are actually the ones paying for your trip when you only pay that much. They have taken considerable pay cuts and have lost their pensions and quality of life so that the traveling public can travel on the cheap.
Pilots and Flight Attendants are highly trained individuals that are carrying your life in their hands. Don't you want to know they are well trained, well paid, well rested and happy to be of service to you? Well, you might just have to pay for that luxury!!! I have been affiliated with the travel/airline industry for most of my life and whereby this is only speculation on my part, I think the fares need to rise and the customer service needs to come back to the industry and the employee moral needs a boost as well. This might just be the merger that changes everything...back to the way it was!!!
Be on the look out tomorrow morning as we all eagerly await the details of this giant industry merger. The transition should be a relatively smooth one as the route structure of the two airlines are very complimentary and the new leadership will be most welcome.
This picture and caption was taken from an article written almost 6 years ago in the NY Times.
In the 1960's, air travel was still a relatively exotic
and luxurious mode of travel and those who worked for the industry, like
the American Airlines flight attendant above, were well paid and their
jobs highly prized.
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