I am in a frustrating relationship with an airline I usually fly. Everything is work related. Given the schedule, most of the flights arrive or leave late at night. Given the relatively short duration, corporate policy is to fly coach. I agree with the approach. It should be possible and reasonable.
After more than ten round trips in the past few months, while it is possible to do this trip often, the airlines we use makes it as difficult as possible. The worst leg is coming back to Singapore. A third of the time it is late. Departing around midnight, the crew is insistent that everyone is served a meal. This usually arrives around 2 am. My goal on the flight is to catch a nap that is as long as the three and half hour flight will allow. Being woken up, even after I have notified the crew otherwise has come to be normal.
If it was only one thing, I suspect that I would have found a way to accept the level of service. The list of seemingly careless gaps is large and growing! In attention to details, like service something to drink when the food arrives is one. Dirty seats, poorly stocked toilets, and ignoring the needs of mothers with babies are on the list. It is one where the expectations have sunk to a point that I do not think I have any left.
I imagine the airlines as it used to be. It was first rate! Even as you realized you needed something, the crew had anticipated the need and was already in action. The plane, even older ones still in service, were spotless. Expectations were one thing; reality was much better.
At times I let my God expectations change like I have with this airline. I find myself reflecting on a God in action while I was focused on my agenda. Others testify with one comment lingering; “He wanted a good life; you [God] gave it to him, and then made it a long life as a bonus.” (Psalm 21.4)
