Wel I think that the “fear of flying” problem can only be solved by airlines sorting out (and being seen to be sorting out) the present security problems. The scenes at present, with trigger happy security staff getting het up over shoes and nail clippers, is not helping.

I also think airlines need to look at value added services, for free – eg. sorting out immigration queues. I know they’ll say (“but it isn’t our fault, it’s the authorities….”) but believe it or not the airlines do have clout and they can “sort out” immigration by streamlining it. It could shave a good amount of time off journey times!

Another fan of the great man!

I went to Brunel University in Uxbridge.

Is anyone planning to stay up late to see what happens at 1am?

Yes, I agree.

…but Pan Am didn’t.

UAL’s labour costs are generally held to be excessive and I think one lesson that the US gov’t needs to learn, is to learn (from the Brits!) how Unions should be dealt with.

Incidentally, I predict the collapse of the Star Alliance if UAL goes under.

I think a lot of airlines (esp AA) wil be praying for a UAL collapse for the reasons Pembo gave – massive constriction of capacity and a better chance for the survivors.

Cheaper aircraft and parts in even more of a buyers’ market, too.

I think the choice of airline is only half the problem, and the airport is the other half.

BA are usually quite good in my experience, unless you are transitting at LHR in which case they are hopeless. BMI also suffer the LHR blues, and as they are the no. 1 and no. 2 based airlines there, which must indicate something!

Did anyone add coffee to the list?

I have to admit this seems to be an American specialty.

They also speak English, which I am grateful for, even if there are some unpleasant historic undertones to that.