re: Is there any fixing the airline industry or is all hope gone?

I'm not necessarily against that but raising prices for an increased customer experience would also come with a reduction in flights offered.

They wont just sent up half empty planes even if the guests paid twice as much BUT how awesome would that be.?.?.?

If Southwest offered one flight a day per route with only one fare (Business Select) that might be the only way I fly moving forward. Almost like a semi private experience.

I feel you on this one. Flew international 10 days ago, Lufthansa ticket, United, Lufthansa, Sun express operating carriers. 6 hours delayed at MSY because no United crew available, missed connection to Frankfurt, were rebooked through Munich last minute (literally were wrapping up boarding) and told us to go to gate agent for boarding passes on final flight because they are unable to print them there. they didn’t confirm booking for third leg through Sun express. Got to gate agent in Munich and they have no record of us. Had to spend the night in Munich and get rebooked. Traveling with a 1 year old. Absolute cluster. Everyone pawning responsibility off on other airlines with no remorse. Don’t even get started on the luggage. I am terrified to begin journey home in 3 days. I’m off flying for a bit. We are pretty extensively traveled through Europe, have traveled at least once a year internationally for the last 15 years or so. nothing of this caliber has happened and with such incompetence at every turn. It is not reassuring when you are stuck in Germany and the airline that flew you there asks how you got there.

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I think it more plays a factor if an airline posts a travel waiver due to anticipated bad weather or if you see a snowstorm about to hit Salt Lake but it's not supposed to start until 9am and there's a flight at 6am or 11am.

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I have definitely used this strategy. It works well. Generally, the airlines are happy to rebook you proactively if there is bad weather coming and you want to leave earlier. They also usually are willing to proactively rebook you on the first flight out the next day if there are major delays that evening and you just decide to say, "Screw it! I'll wait till tomorrow!" It's one less person they will have to deal with when everybody is trying to rebook.