On 24 Dec 2003 05:03:23 -0800, (Riaz Osmani)
wrote:

"Craig" wrote in message et...
Normally I don't get involved with these types of discussions, but thought
I'd enter a few words on NW's behalf. I've flown them many times
trans-Pacific and a few times domestic, and have never had a complaint about
service. It's always been efficient (although perhaps not as courteous as
it could be), but they have never been rude nor have I witnessed them being
rude to another passenger. Meal service was palatable, with hot towel and
ice cream service also being offered. I also commend them once for holding
our connecting flight for around half an hour when our plane arrived late
due to a mechanical problem. (And on that flight my wife and I were using
non-revenue tickets!) Every airline has a bad flight once in a while, but
NWA is no worse than any other airline. Most of the time they offer
efficient service...that is all I expect and all I demand of them.
Craig


NW may be efficient. But that is because that is the least we could
expect from an airline. How horrible it would be for us and NW itself
if they were inefficient in their service. Holding onwards flights for
delayed connections is standard on many international trips (not so
standard in US domestic). On top of this efficiency (in serving drinks
and meals), flights attendants should excel in being polite and
friendly. On top of that they need to be patient and perceptive when
language barriers arise (neither yelling nor ignoring is an option).
An airline needs to invest in new aircraft and strive to have cutting
edge inflight entertainment systems. Seats should be more comfortable
than rivals. Meal service should be a delight and not a turn off.
Let's see now. Northwest fails on all of these accounts. There are
many airlines (mostly non US) that make an effort to achieve these
goals. They succeed to varying levels. Northwest is indeed worse than
these other airlines.

Riaz

Yeah- but are we really to expect such service in economy class?

I have seen older western FA's get snippy at passenger's who weren't
sure what they were asking.

I think this is more due to our (US) general attitude than anything
else.

When boarding at JFK, they made an announcement over the speaker in
English only that rows xx-xx were boarding and most of the flight was
non western speaking people.

So, confusion started and everyone tries to go to the front...causing
more confusion. All the employees were getting really annoyed and
they repeated the instruction in English only again- with a bit more
volume. shrug

In Narita when it came time to board they held up a big sign with
"Rows 52-61 now Boarding" or whatever it was- and gave instructions in
at least English and Japanese over the speaker *in addition* to
holding up the sign.

It's a sign- not rocket science and made things *so* much more
organized.

I have only flown NWA, Delta, American, United, and Korean airlines on
long trips. At the time I really couldn't tell the difference between
the airlines if they removed the logo's. Economy is just that- you
get what ya pay for...a seat and perhaps edible grub a few times.

I am pretty sure I have enough WorldPerks miles to get an upgrade to
business class at least on my JFK--Tokyo leg round trip. Will be
curious to see if it would be worth the $2k over $700-$800 of a coach
fare not just in terms of seat room (which is obvious just when
looking at the business class area), but in service as well.


Dean C. Harris
http://www.ElegantWebs.com