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Everyone know that I absolutely adore Virgin America! They are coming to Fort Lauderdale on November 18th with 2 nonstops each way to both San Francisco and Los Angeles. Here are some photos from my last Virgin America flight.
Give them a try and I guarantee they will spoil you for other airlines. Let me know how much you love them.
DEAR SKY STEWARD HAS MOVED....CLICK HERE TO CONNECT TO OUR NEW TERMINAL!
The Sky Steward sounds off about airline loyalty programs. Some friends gently broke the news to him that they were considering leaving the AAdvantage program and moving on to airlines that have provided them with better service.
Did you know that the Sky Steward is still an active Purser for American? Yes, it's true and although he loves the airline, he can't help but understand where his friends are coming from.
Note of warning from the Sky Steward: "Some AA upper management that have not left to Jet Blue or Virgin America may be offended by the content of this video...Please accept my apology for any inconvenience this may cause you" (Have become very used to saying this...it just flows off the tongue)
Watch the video:
Dear Readers,
The Sky Steward, Gailen David, was recently quoted in an MSNBC.COM article regarding the current state of commercial airline service in the US. You may find this article quite interesting.
The Sky Steward continues his campaign to improve travel by promoting Jetiquette. Here is a transcript of a recent address given at Washington Reagan National Airport:
"Hello, I’m Gailen David. In my campaign to promote Jetiquette; I’ve met so many people doing their best to provide exceptional service in spite of many years of challenges in the airline industry. You can’t open up a newspaper without coming across an article chronicling the deterioration of customer service provided by US airlines.
I often ask myself how we’ve gotten to this place and why some airlines in the US do not have the same difficulties satisfying their customers. The most obvious common denominator is the labor management relationship. It seems that the airlines that have more harmonious relationships with their employees, show higher rates of customer satisfaction. Companies with more adversarial environments are seeing higher rates of dissatisfaction among their customers; something that any company cannot afford, at least for very long.
We all know that Southwest Airlines has maintained its position as one of the most well regarded and successful airlines in the world. From the day that Southwest Airlines took flight in 1971, they’ve looked at their people as their most valuable asset. Southwest’s leaders have promoted a spirit of teamwork that serves as its foundation and that in the end results in a customer experience that has made their fun and friendly approach to air travel legendary. You could say it’s because Southwest’s employees are some of the most highly paid in the industry. Although that’s true..I don’t think that’s the whole story. I think it’s all about treating your employees the rights way that prepares them to take care of the customer.
Unfortunately, a much different picture has been painted at many of the nation’s legacy airlines. Despite their extensive route networks, fortress hubs, and vast resources these large airlines possess, they’ve been unable to improve their overall performance and change how their perceived by the general public, as unfriendly, undependable, and even uncaring. In my opinion, the root of the problems at the legacy airlines is the leadership or lack of leadership. These airlines remain plagued by the same problems that existed when many in management first took their positions, some decades ago, but the improvements are negligible. In some cases, as these airlines have laid off workers, grounded planes, and cut routes, these ineffective management teams have continued to take lavish bonuses. I believe that when a corporation furloughs employees or reporting losses, executives should not be permitted to take bonuses for a period of at least 12 months.
For many years, these teams have claimed that bonuses are required to retain talent…well, the truth of the matter is that today’s environment gives access to many talented managers that also have the leadership qualities necessary to keep these companies from suffering the same fate or need of bailout we’ve all witness recently in the banking and auto industries.
Now what does this have to do with you, the airline passenger? Unfortunately, when poor management results in a perpetually antagonistic relationship between labor and management, the customer undoubtedly ends up caught in the crossfire. I spend a lot of time speaking to employees about providing exceptional customer service and the biggest challenge I regularly encounter is a dysfunctional labor/management relationship. It does not have to be this way. The truth is, no one wins in these situations, including the stockholders. It’s a complex problem and the solution starts with having the right people at the top!
I remain optimistic that if everyone stands together and demands swift changes in the management at our nation’s largest carriers, we will all benefit. It’s time to make traveling by air enjoyable again. I’m Gailen David, the Sky Steward. "
Link: Compare executive bonuses at airlines and corporations such as Google
Next time you are frisked when passing through TSA, make it a pleasant experience.
I traveled through DFW's wonderful terminal D and passed through one of the best TSA checkpoints in the US! I love this security checkpoint because it is equipped with a $350,000 "COBRA" X-Ray machine that is similar to a CT Scan machine and allows you to leave your laptop and all other electronics in your bag and it gives TSA agents the ability to take a "virtual tour" of your bag.
While I was waiting for my bags, I thought about how charming all of the personnel were and thought it was about time that I let them know about it. Watch my video!
I want to hear about how you are treated while you are traveling. That is what I live for! As I campaign to be "America's Next Airline CEO" I want to take on all the things that we all find ridiculous about travel and bring more of all the things that we love!
I am compiling a list of items that have to go:
1. Long lines to check bags (We need agents that come to us! and more automation)
2. Bright florescent lights on the plane (Every airline needs lighting like Virgin America has)
3. Airports, Hotels, and Planes with mandatory WiFi (Enough testing, ROLL it OUT)
4. Airports without enough power outlets! BOS and MIA are two, but there are many more! Recharge stations are uncomfortable and crowded, plus just crumbs thrown at serious business travelers.
Add to my list! Twitter me: skysteward
Hi, I'm Gailen...Fly Me! and Watch My Campaign Video on YouTube Join me as I launch my campaign to be America's Next Airline CEO! Here is a link to the official press release. Rather than be disappointed with what is being done at airlines around the United States to create a civilized travel experience, I decided to do something about it! I am embarking on a journey towards a leadership position in the airline industry. Anything is possible! As an airline employee for many years, I know the significant difference one employee can make on just one flight. That is the message I want to deliver to each and every fellow airline employee; that they can make an amazing difference by making one customer's trip just a little bit more enjoyable. Watch my YouTube video as I ask for your vote to become America's Next Airline CEO!
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