Downgraded: Airborne
I’ve always found the boxes of Airborne nutritional supplements to be silly (a healthcare product that proudly proclaims it’s “created by a schoolteacher!”). But now, they’ve been forced to change their packaging. Gone are the germs, the sick people, and the claim to prevent inflight illness.
Downgraded: Airline maintenance
A frightening report on outsourced aircraft maintenance companies, where some staff can’t read the instructions. Shudder… (via Consumerist)
Downgraded: First class on Qantas
Like everyone else, Australia’s Qantas is feeling the pinch. First class has been removed from flights to San Francisco, Buenos Aires and Melbourne-Hong Kong-London routes. Not much of a loss, really, since business class is where the action is.
Upgraded: the environment
A positive side effect of the economic slowdown: Fewer flights means less pollution.
Upgraded: US Airways luggage delivery
The passengers whose flight landed in the Hudson River have gotten their luggage and belongings back, including things left behind on the seats. Nice! I just hope that getting your stuff doesn’t always require such dramatic landings…
Upgraded: Momondo
Danish airfare aggregator (reviewed here previously) just got an upgrade, by including Ryanair fares in its searches. That’s a big change for the ultra-discounter, which has kept its fares exclusively on its own website until now.
Downgraded: Exit rows on Qantas
Qantas will start charging an extra fee for the exit rows. They’re not the first, but still, annoying. (Thanks, Rob!)
Downgraded: Business sense
If a business model failed miserably for Skybus, I’m sure it’ll work just fine a year later, in a significantly worse financial climate, right? Right? JetAmerica, a new startup, is trying out the Skybus model themselves, with 9 seats for $9 on every flight. Minneapolis and Newark are the biggest destinations, but the operations are run through Toledo. Cranky has the rundown. Who wants to start the bankruptcy countdown pool?
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May 30th, 2009 at 1:56 am
I’m always thrilled to see airlines charge for emergency exit rows. Being 6′6″, I’m miserable in a regular seat. I have to arrive at the airport early and hope that all the priority pax haven’t booked the coveted seats before they open up to the rest of the pax.
As a profit center, I can reserve these seats (I assume) ahead of even priority pax – if there are people who value the legroom the seats offer, why not charge extra? I’m happy to pay! $180 on 15 hour flight? I get similar legroom to business class, and save several $1000s!
I hope every airline does this!
Eric
May 31st, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I flew with Skybus and felt bad for the crew who were laid off. The high fuel prices were especially hard against them, I wish them better luck this time
June 1st, 2009 at 4:41 am
I will have to say this is perhaps one of the most unique blogs in a long time we’ve seen. Funny thing is I just took some Airborne right before discovering this post. Perhaps it will work perhaps it won’t but I sure hope I can give you an “upgrade” report on this product!
June 1st, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Firstly, “Get A Trip”, there is no such thing as “most unique”. It’s like saying “the most three” or “the most perfect”.
Secondly, addressed to all, Airborne is crap. It’s a complete scam. Speaking as a strong proponent of natural health, I can say that the things found in Airborne, in order to work, must be part of one’s daily intake, not taken as soon as one starts sneezing. The only exception is echinacea which is best taken only for short periods (ditto goldenseal). You’re better off going to the natural foods store, picking out a good vitamin brand (NewChapter, Vitamin Code), fish oil (Nordic Naturals, Carlson), and a few herbal extracts that address any specific health deficiencies you may have.
If you DO feel yourself getting sick, forget Airborne (What’s up with that name anyway? Isn’t that like calling a condom brand “STD”?). Drink tons of water, white tea, and stop eating solid food, consuming any dairy, and be sure to sleep at least 10 hours. Avoid all forms of stress.
Enjoy.