Erosion of Dignity in Air Travel
Why are we so supportive of air travel? Crammed in a plane isn’t the best way to travel. The same forces pressing farmed pigs and chickens into the tiniest cages are the ones taking away your leg space. Airlines get away with so much at people’s expense. Travelers are subjected to a noise-polluted environment with minimal refreshment. The crew will insist you have an enjoyable flight while airlines do everything in their power to make it hard.
Do you recall your last boarding procedure? It’s a stressful situation. It only takes boarding a full flight to Dallas to realize just what we’re doing. Over a hundred people, boarding a giant flying vehicle through only one door? In the twenty-first century, the gate-keeping power of capital is embodied in form of a plane and its boarding process. Boarding groups follow a logic of profit, not of efficiency, just ask people in group 8.
So much complexity, no peace of mind. Beat the lines! Get to the airport ahead of time. Is your bag too heavy? Too big? Surprise, it’s not even included with your fare. Want to sit next to your spouse or family? Pay extra because the market ought to allocate resources efficiently (hello, United Airlines). Run to the opposite terminal to make your connecting flight! Bad weather? Too bad, not our fault, even if we insisted bringing you to Dallas in the first place, now go find a hotel. Stranded. We put our seniors through all of this. No wonder they will think it twice before hopping on a plane.
✎ Connection to
Key / The Prevention of Misery and Tragedy