The flight to bangalore (fm chennai) was almost full. The check in smooth. Walk to the craft quick. No nonsense young lady who doubled up as stewardess/flight attendant etc was standing as we found our seats. (free seating).
Flight took off on time – though one had heard of horror stories of inordinate flight delays not even being informed to customers. The pre flight security drill was not there ! – or did I miss seeing it? . Lady comes with water. The businesslike query follows- Would u like to BUY some food ? Neat landing at bangalore. No good bye/ thank you/ come again/good day . Very very efficeient. Very very businesslike. Very very cool. Very very COLD.
The method is effective. Its efficient. It works . Its appreciated. Who needs the unwatned frills especially u are on your own (not on company expense) account? Aire Deccan (AD) has shown the way HOW, and it works, like WOW!.
But having said that, after having shown us the way, AD is leaving it at that. I mean in certain ways, it left me cold. I dont ask for moon- but, smiles don’t cost. Neither do sweets/ biscuits. I am talking of the economy toffees and the TIGER BISCUITS. And why cant u give ……..ok, sorry SELL coffee or TEA? Simple didp-dip tea bags would be welcome. Probably u don’t want to spend time doling out tea bags for rs . 7 per passenger thru a 35 min flight? Makes sense for you , but not comfort for us . .
Lets face it, all said and done- for some of us at least- flying is an experience, more than mere Commuting.. I agree in todays age it has diminished, but one still associates it with thrill. A little bit of sheen / polishness/warmth would be welcome.
Permit me to give an unrelated example, to drive home apoint. You may find it bit far fetched , but let me elaborate. Ever been to the liquor shops is Chennai/TN? They are called TASMAC shps and are owned/run by the govt. The booze is cheaper, compared to other states, or so they say. Walk in and u are facing a grim looking guy, a govt employee. You wave money , before you order and he gives you what you want. Makes you run away / or give up drinking.
…but wait a minute am I saying air deccan is like the TASMAC shops? No, no…atleast not yet. …and we hope it never becomes so. It would be a shame if it became so. But it needs to buck up fast.
Ensure simple stuff. It doesn’t cause too much to smile. Or be a bit friendly. Just ‘cos u offer a cheaper airlines doesn’t necessarily have to mean that you are a cheapie.
Don’t treat the traveller like you are doing him a favour. After all, we have paid you the fare- let the treatment not be like a govt enterprise (indian airlines etc) just ‘cos the rates are lower.
Wake up, air deccan. And smell the coffee. Else the loss is yours ……..don’t forget GO, KF air, spice, all offer similar fares. and now even Jet, if u book properly. In the long run, fares don’t help in the way you fare.