Why Did Airlines Get So Stingy? 

As a flight attendant that works our first class flights…I really appreciate this video. People all the time are like “I miss the golden age” and then I mention all the things that you mentioned in this video. They realize it was a very rose-colored look at that travel when you had to be SUPER wealthy to get those flights. And it’s so much safer to fly now days. Also, flying is now just another part of the transportation system…not a luxury vacation. But I still treat my customers as if they were on one of those flights. They paid good money for first class (and sometimes even coach) so I want to make sure they get the “golden” treatment every time! 💛

I enjoy poor man's first class when once in a blue moon, the seat next to me is empty!

The greatest thing to happen in the airline industry (besides being about a million times safer) was the banning of smoking. Holy crap I can't even imagine spending 8 hours on a plane with recirculated cigarette smoke being pumped in my face. Honestly, I'll take it the way it is today if it means saving a bunch of money and being able to see the world easier than ever before.

it’s simply because flying was the luxury in the past and it’s just normal today

Everybody loves to complain about airlines but when those complainers go to pick their own flights... They CHOOSE the flight that is the cheapest and reinforce the business model they're complaining about. Airlines are giving us exactly what we pay for.

Modern airport shop layouts are so stressful, I love when I've landed at an itty bitty airport and it's just like, "take your bags and get out."

Thanks for addressing the safety issues. People don’t realize how much safer it is to fly today.

I've been seeing more and more airlines serving pretzels and wafer cookies instead of peanuts. I wonder if it's because so many people are allergic to nuts.

I'm happy for cheap flights even if they're uncomfortable. They give me more money to spend at my destination. I'm not interested in giving airlines my money for a pleasant few hours, I'm just looking for them to get me to my destination quickly and safely. And it's not even like a 4 hour drive is that much more comfortable than a 4 hour flight.

People can talk all they want about "golden age" service & seating, but I'll take today's era in a heartbeat. Even without talking about leveraging points or awards, I've been able to fly roundtrip from the west coast to Europe for $250, Asia for $320, and even Australia for around $450. For people who want an affordable way to see the world (51 countries/territories on 6 continents so far), I'd submit that the current travel climate is pretty golden!

Come to the UK, our "cheap" airlines make their main income from the side hustle charges. If certain companies could charge for the toilet, you bet they would...

Not liking airplane rides is a very first world problem. It was the lap of luxury compared to the long-haul bus rides I took as a student in Romania. Unless you sat near a smelly dude while a homeless person prayed over you while trying to scam you, your ride was fine

Even first class these days isn't like flying was 40 years ago.

I remember when they used to have smoking sections on the plane and ash trays in the seats. Crazy thing is the smoke made its way over into the non-smoking section.

Worth remembering this is focused on domestic flights in the US. International flights tend to have better service and less fees with commensurately higher prices

4:10 Statistics request: In the future, when presenting two figures for comparison, could you please use equivalent figures, so it's clearer? You used "per billion" for one figure, and "per 100 million" for the other. It's easy enough to convert it so that they're comparable, but I'd appreciate if you presented them both as, say, "per billion", so that we get a feel for how they actually compare. Thanks in advance, and love your channel!

I think they are cheaper now, that's why they are also stingy. Have to pay high for high class service, but nowadays everyone can afford to travel in aeroplane which I feel it is progressive as they are economical

Flying today is just airborne Greyhound with a lot longer time for pre boarding and post arrival.

Interflug going out of business had nothing to do with Airline deregulation in the US. Interflug was the main airline in East Germany, so the reunification of Germany is "to blame", not an American law passed 13 years prior.

Glad to be watching this. Much love from Kenya! 🇰🇪

I became a flight attendant because I was attracted to the golden age of flying. Unfortunately on normal domestic routes, it’s never that glamorous anymore. But on transcons and international flights, the experience is a little more elevated! Great video!

I am happy to sit in coach for 3 hours and save $100+/hour. First class or even business class is not worth it in my book. I don't enjoy flying, but I'm very happy about the value I get from it.

So airlines where flights are cheap run the risk of going bankrupt, but if you increase the prices too much no one will buy tickets and you risk going bankrupt. Sheesh what a predicament to be in.

Flying is just a bus in the sky. I don't expect something fabulous riding a bus on the ground - not in the sky either. I'm fairly pleased with most of the flying experiences I've had, considering I'm just "taking the bus".

I can fly across Europe for 5€ 😂 Hell yes I arrive happily 2h early and wait in a crowded airport for that deal. The opportunity those low prices give me completely outweigh the inconveniences they bring.

I didn’t know any of this until I went to flight school and the older instructors talked about it. Fascinating. Some planes literally had a piano bar.

Guys your channel is awesome! It's going to help me a lot with my English learning process! Cheers from Italy 😎❤🇮🇹

To put simply, because price is the only thing that is easily seen on third party booking sites. So they cut as many corners as they can to get the base price as low as possible to look better on those sites, and then have you buy back the corners. Honestly, flights aren't any worse than it was if you are willing to spend as much as it used to be and pay for all the corners.

I hate it when people get up in arms over flights being cramped when they paid less than $100 or something to fly to an entirely different country. If you want good service, pay for it... That's how the economy works.

Same reason that CEOs are stingy: They privatize their gains, but publicize ALL the losses so they get away Scot Free

One thing I find a little disturbing is the drop off in quality for First Class now. Seven years ago, flying First Class was a good thing because the seats were larger, the service was better, you got priority luggage arrival, the snacks awesome, you get a sealed blanket and nearly unlimited drinks (which didn't benefit me since I have a bladder the size of a grain of rice 🙄). Then, 2 or 3 years ago when they redesigned, the seats got smaller - though still one inch larger than coach. And now they say due to Covid, they don't have the blankets, there is an excuse as to why you can't get sealed bottles of water, the flight attendant gives you a stinky look if you take more than 2 snacks, and I STILL have to wait for my luggage. It comes out before many others but it's not first (or even 10th). Also (since I'm complaining), the only reason I fly first class and endure racist comments from other passengers (YES, that happens frequently), is because I'm big and need the extra room. If the airlines would stop being so greedy and increase the size of the seats so that everyone can be comfortable, then that would overall be better for them economically.

Kinda sad they left out labor laws. A flight attendant could be fired for getting married, turning 25 or pregnant. And the racism in hiring practices in the past.

My first flight was to the US as a kid, the service was excellent (I even had lunch with the flight attendants in San Francisco), though the flight was delayed. My parents were so worried that they asked my poor cousin call the airline.

Lol I just went to the airplane and was watching this while flying!

Thank you for the episode. I would like to say a good word about your editing team which does a great job!

My first flight I flew across the country on the lowest economy ticket. Nobody in my whole row, window seats, and fresh cookies. Hell ya

When I was a kid in the 90s we were so lucky. My dad worked as a programmer for British Airways and we would always fly Club World (their business class!). When I was older and found out that this was possible partly because of his discount and partly because we always flew standby. What that meant was we had no guaranteed flight, and would wait for the available one. This must've been pretty stressful for my parents, hanging around an airport with 2 kids! Nowadays I fly economy, it's not too bad because I'm short. I still have a crab claw in my memory box from a meal I had as a kid in business class.

when people whine about air travel i cry inside because they clearly do not appreciated what air travel does for humanity in comparison to other forms of travel

whoever did the motion graphics deserves a raise

I feel like a crazy person for not minding all the hassle that comes with flying. I’m okay if my flight gets delayed or cancelled because I always give myself ample time to get to my destination also I’m just not willing to let a minor inconvenience ruin my day.

This is the funniest intro I’ve ever watched on RU-vid. From lobster to peanuts🤣

When I was 5 in the year 2000, I remember getting delicious scrambled eggs in the plane for a flight to my grandmothers house for thanksgiving.

TSA PreCheck is great for anyone who is planning on being at an airport a good amount in the next 5 years.

Best show I have ever had! The editing is excellent

4:09 - yeeeah, i...uhh...think i prefer the flights of today. don't want to remember those awful events back then.

I just saw this uploaded now and liked it even before watching! That's what you get for posting awesome contents that are useful!!! Lots of love!!!

Man if only we would be pampered like before... "And a free wifi!" Eh I'm OK with it then.

I thought a major issue in the Boeing crisis was that the FAA has allowed Boeing to certify it's own planes as safe?

I cannot take WiFi for granted, for it is not free. You still have to pay for it when flying.

Bring your own food, drink, earplugs, headphones, eye covers, entertainment/work device/reading material. The flight is only 1-24 hours, it ends.

My mom told me that back when they used to serve "good" food in airplanes, a lot of people would get stomach troubles (if you know what I mean). She said that it was a very uncomfortable experience, because a lot of people desperately needed to use the bathroom or were throwing up.

At 6'2, I certainly feel the decreased leg room. Flew to California from here in NJ, had bruised knees for a week!

i just got food and i see this ^.^ Perfect lunch!!!!

Didn't know you guys were still around! Finally had another video pop up on my timeline. Keep them coming!

Just found this channel through Reddit!!! Love it!!

My main gripe is the reduction of seat sizes and leg space. If you’re a taller/bigger person you have to pay more for that space that used to be standard and your pressed into the person next to you. It’s like they make the seats for people 5’4 or smaller at least on American and United. Also it used to be more common to have a seat or row next to you empty. These days they really try to fill every seat even on red eye flights. The rest is just minor inconveniences. It makes more sense to pay for what you need, I’ve always found it better to get food at the airport anyway

Most underrated financial channel there is

Probably the best thumbnail of your channel so far. Amazing

6:27 Reducing seat pitch is the worst of all

Speaking of Deregulation Another topic to explain is Trucking. The deregulation in the transportation industry is the reason why we can buy a button-up shirt at Walmart for $7. Just one example. All in all, deregulation has also killed the wages in the transportation industry.

Japanese airlines still offer beer/whisky & snowcrab all included into the price (which is cheaper than most other airlines)

I remember when I was 8yo they used to give out the best mini sandwiches.

Pretty much everyone that yearns for the good old days of trains or airlines or cruise ships or whatever is really saying, "I much prefer when the proles couldn't afford these things. Things were so much nicer when the proles stayed in their tenements like good little workers and left the living to those of us that deserved it." And they are working hard on returning to those days. Just keep that in mind whenever someone claims to be working on behalf of the working class.

Summary: More regulation= Less for the people and less regulation= More for the people (like in most industries).

I flew a lot back in the early 70's between San Diego and LA when I was in the Navy. 14$ round trip, but the best part was the pretty flight attendants in mini-skirts and GO-GO boots.

LMAO American government literally said "let's bankrupt the cheapest/cleanest service of long distance travelling and blast massive funds to the most expensive and contaminating one we as humans could develop!" Great video as usual, love you guys!

This was also the era when you could pay for your semester of college by bussing tables and shining shoes over the summer. Wages have stagnated, and inflation has wiped out a ridiculous amount of wealth for most people. High class service like back then is only available to a much decreased and constantly shrinking group of people.

Too bad Amtrak hasn't expanded their rail service or gotten faster. I certainly would take it more often than just a once in a lifetime trip.

I was like “Stingy”? Who are they stinging?

I wish it was illegal for airlines to decrease the legroom based on the national average.

YOU'RE SITTING IN A CHAIR IN THE SKY! -C.K Louis

Another factor is the population of the USA in 1940 was 130 million and now it’s at 330 million

I do mainly long haul flights so the ticket price includes meals plus snacks. In the Philippines, I use Cebu Air all the time. Those planes are deafening inside compared to the ones coming from the US. NYC to Cebu business class is about $10k last time I flew. I can only afford Economy class since I can get that on a deal for around $1200.

Another excellent video

Really big fan, enjoyed watching your video

Yes but i still prefer the golden years . Not only flights but cars,music and life style.

I really appreciate ya'll uploading this video today, because I'm flying with Jetblue soon, and I learned that they changed their policy around carry-on bags. Now, you can only carry your personal item that fits below the seat in front of you. No more overhead bags unless you pay like $45, or have an exception on their list of exceptions. It's ridiculous, they're making it more expensive to fly. Spirit Airlines Realness.

Love your videos guys! Keep it up :)

@4:11 Why not do the same for healthcare and schooling?

his face at the beginning of the video is priceless. XD

Flying in the 70s: May I please have a water. Flight attendant: Sparkling or non-sparkling Flying in 2021: May I please have a water Flight attendant: Sir there are children on board!

US: "People in the past got lobster? All we get is peanuts". UK: "You get peanuts?"

Ugh. We went from Denver to Boston and paid 1k roundtrip for two 😭. Horrible. And JetBlue whom recently banned carry-ons for economy flights 🙄

These nonsmokers explaining that we "had to deal with passengers smoking" is not relevant to the history of commercial aviation, or why airlines got stingy. Smoking was allowed everywhere-

It used to be fun for the rich. Now it's worst than taking a bus. Honestly if there were high speed rails option for the same route few would choose flying over trains. Checking at the airport itself is wasting time as it is. Getting there early by 2 hours. And if you don't live near the airport, add another new few hours of travel time.

"Take it from us" As they're sitting in cartoon seats

Thank you Nedumaaran Rajangam

Nice work you two!

People take what they have for granted. Amazingly affordable and accessible air travel is a modern marvel and people complain about seats being slightly uncomfortable

Last 5 times I sat in a plane...The attendants requested all phones be switched off. WiFi in planes....what a wonderful world.

Hahaha just in time for my flight today lol

Just as Robert Kiyosaki said, people often wait for the government to solve their problem, not knowing that the government itself is the problem. Their desire to take control of everything brings about high cost and low quality.

How come airlines have thin margins if there are a lot of people flying and flying is really not that cheap? I think CEOs and executives pocketing millions more than they should is the real problem.

Big corporations never loose money, they just dont make as much as they want.

So well made sir mak thank u so much even 10 yrs could get it

its ironic how unstable an airline is. it wouldnt take much consumer pushback to force airlines to abandon some of the practices including reduced pitch, etc and make it less of a pain in the ass. i refuse to fly unless absolutely necessary for that reason (being a taller person). But people just suck it up and allow it to persist.

"Plane tickets are cheap" ha, haha sure, cheap. It was $700 for me to go 400miles last week. Thankfully I didn't have to pay for it. I remember looking at tickets to Australia, shortly before COVID, and an economy seat was $1200. I don't know what you consider cheap, but that ain't it.

Who wants to travel now anyway, what with all of this dangerous stuff going around? It is currently safer to stay at home, unless you have a job that requires loads of traveling.

Wow! I have always pondered over why air travel is so uncomfortable. Got the answer. Thanks 👍

Imagine if they put any significant fraction of what they pay their top executives and shareholders into making the planes more comfortable for everyone!