Airline Madness is Gadling’s tournament of airline annoyances. You can catch up on all of the previous tournament action here.
This second round of Airline Madness match-up hits us where it hurts: our wallets. #6 seed Change fees/no free standby received an amazing 74.9% of the votes in its first round contest, proving that it has a real chance to go all the way in this tournament. Similarly, #3 seed Lack of free food/prices for food showed why people spend so much time bemoaning how airline food service has worsened over the years. It breezed into the second round while receiving more than twice the number of votes as its opponent. In this battle of monetary vexations, only one can win. Which one offends you – and your bank account – more? Vote below.#6 Change fees/no free standby
The airline has an earlier flight with available seats. You have a ticket for a later flight and are already there at the gate ready to go. Seems like a match made in heaven. A couple of keystrokes, some small talk with the gate agent and you should be switched over to the earlier flight with time to spare at the bar. This all makes sense up until they ask you for your credit card. If you’re at the airport, ready to travel and they have the empty seats, why shouldn’t you just be able to switch to another flight for free? It was no problem ten years ago!
#3 Lack of free food/prices for food
Look, it’s not that we expect a fine dining experience to be including in the price of our tickets. We’d be happy with a decent meal, a fresh sandwich or even a bag of peanuts that’s larger than a walnut. Sadly, these days, there really is no such thing as a free lunch (or a reasonably priced snack, for that matter). It’s bad enough getting gauged at the airport for a $9 bottle of water; could we at least be offered a deal in-flight when we’re flying through mealtime?
No one wants to part with their money, especially when they feel that the costs are unfair. This battle is about more than nickels and dimes. It’s about what bothers you more. Let us know!
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Second round voting ends at 11:59PM EDT on Friday, March 23.
More Airline Madness:
Second round match-ups:
#1 Annoying Passengers vs. #9 People who get mad at people who recline their seats
#12 Inattentive parents of crying babies vs. #13 Obese people who take up two seats
#7 Rude airline staff vs. #2 Legroom
First round match-ups
#1 Annoying passengers vs. #16 Disgusting bathrooms
#2 Legroom vs. #15 Inefficient boarding procedures
#3 Lack of free food/prices for food vs. #14 Cold cabin/no blankets
#4 Baggage Fees vs. #13 Obese people who take up two seats
#5 Lack of overhead space vs. Inattentive parents of crying babies
#6 Change fees/no free standby vs. #11 Lack of personal entertainment/charging for entertainment
#7 Rude airline staff vs. #10 Having to turn off electronic devices during takeoff & landing
#8 People who recline their seats vs. #9 People who get mad at people who recline their seats
Hotel Madness: Gadling’s tournament of airline annoyances
Catch up on all the Airline Madness here.