Coffee, Tea or Rage?

As a frequent air traveler, I have to respond to “Flight Attendants Cruise Beyond Bad Old Days of ‘Coffee, Tea or Me?’ ” (Her World, Dec. 13).

While I agree that “air rage” has seemed to increase, we must also look at the fact that the airlines’ handling of passengers has degraded. Passengers used to feel welcome on flights, but now some of us feel as if we are a big inconvenience to the cabin crew. From uncomfortable seats in coach class to the often surly treatment by cabin staff, all contribute to passenger frustration.

Other factors that add to this are the limited air circulation in newer airliners and the “one piece of carry-on” limitation that is being adopted by most airlines.

While I wholeheartedly agree with dealing with problem passengers as aggressively as possible, the airlines have to look at the big picture before attributing “surly passengers” and “air rage” solely to societal ills.

MARK OPPENHEIM

Lake Arrowhead