Air Travel: Where Has All the Glamour Gone?

June 1, 2007— -- Seen the new Maroon 5 video for "Makes Me Wonder"? It makes airline travel look sexy and cool. Just like in those 1960s movies when stewardesses, as flight attendants were called then, were something girls dreamed of becoming and boys dreamed of dating.

Those were the days when the pilot had an air about him that said: "I'm the most reliable and capable man in the world," and a jet was a marvel -- like a spaceship that the privileged few got to ride to exotic locales.

So when did flying in a 757 become akin to riding in the back of a Greyhound bus? Flying used to be a treat: an adventure to plan, save up for and look forward to. Slowly but surely, the mystique of flying has become a myth, or worse, a complete misnomer.

Some people, like Ashley Curiel, a behavioral consultant, believe that flying isn't worth the risk. "Unless you have a DUI or a revoked license, you should never ride on a plane. I would try hitchhiking first. It's safer," said Curiel.

With the rising cost of fuel, and many airlines being on the brink of bankruptcy, airline travel is going through some big changes.

For years, airlines have stopped serving meals in the main cabin (I like to refer to it as steerage class) and offering snacks in their place that are, quite frankly, subpar.

One frequent flier, Amy Scribner, lamented: "Flying coach is like the cheap tix on the Titanic.You feel lucky to have gotten a ticket, and you aren't allowed to speak to anyone in business or first class."

Scribner added: "On a recent flight of mine, in first class, mind you, the steward announced that we would have a choice of snacks that evening: sun chips, peanuts, a granola bar or raisins. What is this? Preschool? No more meals in coach, unless you pay for a fabulous snack box. And forget about free drinks if your flight is delayed.

Curiel agreed: "Riding in coach is like riding in a chicken coop except that chickens have better amenities."

But some are happier with the new options. Says Joel Stein of the Los Angeles Times, "I love that they've stopped giving me frozen dinners. microwaved pasta is the worst. I can bring my own food and no one wakes me."