25 Biggest Changes in the Way We Book Travel
USA Today turns 25 years old this month and the newspaper is running a series of 25 top changes lists. Of course, I was most eager to see the editorial staff's take on the 25 changes in the way we book travel.
Truth be told, I was equally enamored with the shallow end of the list: 25 biggest public meltdowns and Top 25 notable quotables, but I digress.
Too old to wear slim fit jeans and too young to seek early bird specials, I've come to accept my middle-age vestibule, where I can reminisce about red carbon paper tickets, hot towel service in coach and in-flight meals that dared to include a garnish. (Don't underestimate the power of parsley to impress.)
So here's the list; it's comprehensive and a fine reminder that we've traveled a long way in 25 years.Online booking because I'd rather do it myself. Airline e-tickets because my propensity to lose something (like a paper ticket) is directly proportional to its value. Roll-aboard luggage because it doubles as a hand truck for briefcases, shopping bags, tennis racquets, and laptops. Smoke-free flights because they're smoke-free flights. Self-service ticketing kiosks because, really, I'd rather do it myself. Seat-back entertainment systems because my seatmates usually feign napping within seconds of my introduction. Trip Advisor because I do want to read travelers' big fat, insightful and honest opinions.
Truth be told, I was equally enamored with the shallow end of the list: 25 biggest public meltdowns and Top 25 notable quotables, but I digress.
Too old to wear slim fit jeans and too young to seek early bird specials, I've come to accept my middle-age vestibule, where I can reminisce about red carbon paper tickets, hot towel service in coach and in-flight meals that dared to include a garnish. (Don't underestimate the power of parsley to impress.)
So here's the list; it's comprehensive and a fine reminder that we've traveled a long way in 25 years.
- Online Booking
- TSA Airport Security
- Airline e-tickets
- Roll-aboard luggage
- Smoke-free flights
- Boutique hotel chains
- Airports as malls
- Indian casinos
- GPS car-navigation systems
- Self-service ticketing kiosks
- Airbus A380 Super Jumbo
- Airline code-sharing
- Seat-back entertainment systems
- Yield management
- The Mirage, Las Vegas
- Westin's Heavenly Bed
- Trip Advisor
- Flights without meals
- Sovereign of the Seas
- Ascent of low-cost airlines
- Affinity credit cards
- High-tech roller coasters
- Queen Mary 2
- Flying beds
- End of commercial supersonic travel
I'd have to say my favorites are:
Any travel changes you'd like to add or comment on? Share your thoughts here.
Take a look at the USA Today list with accompanying summaries: 25 changes in the way we book travel
Have a question for Tom?
Tom Conway, who is not pleased with the change in his passport photo over the last 25 years, looks forward to your questions, comments and tips below.
Comments
I love this list, almost as much as I love to travel. There is one travel goodie missing from the Top 25...freebies. I'm talking about free companion tickets, trip mileage, class upgrades, and yes, even a free pass to the front of the ticketing line for MVP/Gold members, etc. What would we do without the freebies? They're like those cosmetic free gifts with purchase. Which by the way should be a Top 25 among make-up changes!
Posted by: Anna | September 14, 2007 9:34 AM
My addition:
The airlines' Mutual Assured Dissatisfaction (MAD) policy of ticket pricing and customer service.
Why it still exists, I don't know. MAD is a survivor, even through waves of bankruptcies.
Posted by: Eric | September 14, 2007 11:20 AM
With travel being so informal, you can travel with flip flops, with one pair of jeans, three shirts, and something dressy (black jeans). Not sure if this is a good thing!
Posted by: pat | September 15, 2007 7:44 AM
No mention of the 787 (although it's still an empty shell that hasn't flown yet)? It promises cleaner, thicker (6,000 ft. vs. 8-10,000 ft pressure) and moister air for travellers...a quiet ride (the airframe moving through the air makes more noise than the engines), and saves lots of fuel (making airlines profitable, OPEC unhappy, and polar bears happy all at the same time!). That's a revolution in flying! Go Boeing.
Posted by: Michael | September 19, 2007 12:02 PM
One big item missing from the list is how Frequent flyer programs have evolved from just airmiles to all encompasing marketing programs, that give you points for everything from shopping to filling out questionaires.
Posted by: Charles DeChristopher | September 20, 2007 8:49 AM