COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENT AIRTRAVEL

Taking a flight for travelling is considered to be the most comfortable and convenient mode of transportation. Is it so? Then why have we coined the word 'Jetlag'!! 

Ok, fine, I guess you will be able to defend the term Jetlag as compared to the fatigue felt after a long train or a road journey. Fair enough. However, my this travelogue (virtual), is to discuss the grey aspects which are associated with an air travel - especially if you reside in a metropolitan city of this most populated country.

Lets situate a journey. I reside at Delhi and am required to go to Bangluru. What does it entail? Lets do some backwards calculation. Firstly, plan on reaching the entrance to the terminal building 2 - 3 hours before the Boarding Time. Second, board the cab (car) from my place of residence, atleast an hour before the terminal entrance time. Thirdly, I need an hour to get ready and pack my bags, before the cab reaches my gate. One can keep adding to the time required - if I need to grab a bite at home/ at the airport. Then there is the temptations to visit the shops at the airport etc. So, that's roughly the quantum of hours required by me for a, say, 90 to 120 mins of flying time - almost a day gone by.

Now, I am an abled body person, who doesn't require the support of a wheel chair. You know very well, as to what happens if one is running short of time and requests for a wheel chair - you might have to be rushed to the hospital, like that senior lady. Factor to be considered while time planning.

Another surprise which most of us tend to overlook is, last minute 'Gate' change. Imagine, that the boarding was scheduled from Gate 50 or so. After lot of huffing and puffing you managed to reach the designated gate along your 'cabin luggage'. God smiled to your efforts and you found a seat to catch your breath. But the happiness was short lived. In the most matter of fact morose voice you catch an anounsment 'Due to technical reasons, the flight number XYZ will now depart from Gate 24. Inconvenience caused is regretted '. The first reaction is - did I hear it correctly! Then one checks the boarding pass - hell no, it's my flight. After a quick confirmatory check from the lone airline person at the counter - one grabs the cabin luggage (cursing), and the marathon begins. 

At the other end too, the reception can be equally grand - if you are one of those lucky ones. The walk from the aircraft to the 'luggage belt' will ensure that you complete the days exercise routine. Once you reach 'the belt' - Eureka, the unloading team took fancy to a different 'belt'. Anyways, at that moment, its just a minor hiccup - till you see your bags trugging towards you. If not, then the fun continues. 

You know what prompted me to this blog! It was the objections by the Delhi Airport Operations Team (DAIL) against the Government for opening Hindon Airport for commercial flights. They say it will cause loss (not competition) to Delhi Airport. It is claimed that Delhi Airports have not reached a saturation point and can accommodate much more passengers. This is despite the fact that the airlines have begun to advice (unofficially) the passengers to reach 'the counter' atleast three hours before the boarding time. Probably, after the saturation level, the passengers will be advised to reach the counter 5 - 6 hours before the boarding time.

It seems that every organisation affiliated with the aviation industry is working towards their own comfort only. The passengers, who are forced to pay exorbitant fares and surcharges have no say - in opting for a comfortable travel. They pay to all, to be fooled by all. 

It's high time for the DGCA, AAI etc to take stock of the situation and take remedial steps. Agreed, India is a populace country. Everyone is jostling in multiple direction to find a toehold - more so in the metropolis. This should induce authorities to have a much more proactive attitude in cutting down the queue waiting time. Earning revenue is mandatory for all service providers, but so is it to make the travel comfortable. Travellers should not be walking out of the 'terminal' with a Sunita Williams kind of hair do (sic). 

Another aspect. Hope someone takes notice of the cab/taxi service providers, outside the terminal. These guys are making an' 'indecent' kill - fare, denial, unclean and attitude. Also, the traveller aka customer should not be forced to 'trek' to the cab assembly areas, with their luggage, for a prebooked cab. It's the ultimate 'welcome to mother earth' shake up, which can be avoided, to say the least.