If you Like Flying Coach Class, Raise Your Hands

Why are there so few takers? Could it be because when you deplane you feel as if you’ve been wrapped up as if you’re a pretzel?  But this is the time Bonjour Paris readers will be able to snag substantially less expensive fares. Travel is down, the economy is in the doldrums and people are sitting on the edges of their chairs waiting for the next shoe to drop.  Let’s be optimistic that the Obama administration will make Americans’ lives better. If it doesn’t, perhaps we should all hide under the covers and take short vacations before there’re additional financial and economic crises.   Surfing the Internet this morning unearthed round-trip airfares to Paris (from the East Coast) for approximately $600. If you stay in one of the site’s selected hotels, you can score a package deal that will get you out of the cold that’s pervasive in so much of the U.S. And for not very much more money.   Not that it isn’t cold in Paris but it’s a ‘dry” cold. If you bring enough layers of clothes, a pair of wool lined boots plus a wool hat and gloves, you’ll be prepared for France’s currently frigid temperatures.   January and February are ideal times to travel if you’re bargain hunting. Although based on the quick web search I conducted, there are numerous reasonably priced fares (it’s all relative) to be had if you’re willing to buy now and travel later in the season.   But coach is coach and will always be such. Even business travelers are being subjected to being stuck in the rear of the plane. Sure, it arrives at the same time as the front. But most people don’t feel the same upon deplaning unless they’re 5’2” and weigh 106 pounds. Even then, they might be seated next to someone who’s not as trim and fit and has a cold.  There are ways of making coach more palatable. For example:  More seating room. More knee room, shin room, better lumbar support and toe room without making the seat-bottom shorter. When sitting for long periods of time, comfort is determined by being able to stretch your legs forward and distribute some of your weight on to the back of your thighs. If the seat-bottom is shorter so that the airline can market “more legroom,” that doesn’t count.   Put an end to reclining seats. There’s not enough space and who needs someone pushing his or her seat all the way back and taking up your personal space.   Increase the width of the seats. Two inches makes a big difference. Travelers have voiced wanting a small footrest for comfort’s sake.  There are a couple of companies working on staggered seat designs for economy/coach. These seats allow airlines to keep the same number of seats, but since the rows are angled, they offer more room to individual passengers. Those polled are unanimous they’d like to see airlines move to this sort of seating configuration.  Scrub cabin air. The air should not simply be re-circulated. It needs to be effectively filtered to combat germs spreading throughout the rear part of the plane.  Don’t promise service when there is none. Most people would rather pack their food than having to buy an expensive ‘meal’ that’s been sitting forever. That would free up the flight attendants to do their jobs –- which is making sure passengers are safe in case there’s an emergency.  How about a power plug? Coach passengers want to be able to connect a laptop, MP3-player or other electronics.  Quieter cabins, better reading lights and improved personal climate control.  Family seating. Some people wish there were designated seating for people traveling with young children with a soundproof barrier between the sections.  Cleaner planes and lavatories. What about locating WCs in other places than simply in the rear of the plane? Clean the cabins more often.  More efficient boarding and deplaning process. One idea: Make checked baggage more reliable, safe and free (for at least the first bag) so passengers aren’t encouraged to board with incredible amounts of carry-on luggage.  A small “lounge” (space next to the galley) on long haul flights would allow passengers to get out of the seat, stretch, communicate and have a drink.  OK — this is a start. What suggestions would you like to convey to airlines executives in the position to effect change? You may be singing to deaf ears but what the hell?   © Paris New Media, LLC [email protected]          ————-  Auto Europe is the savvy visitors’ best bet for planning atrip to Paris. Whether you’re look for the best deals in car rentals or air travel, hotels or GPS rentals, just go to Auto Europe and you’re on your way..