A tribute to the man who made last weekend possible

[kaysho]

Last weekend, I was partying with friends from all around the world at a hotel in downtown San Jose, California.  We had gathered for the opportunity to join with like minds and share our mutual love for all things furry, from the art to the costumes to the OMG-I-drank-how-much.  Even with the online world always readily available, the convention

Comments

[something_srice]

Certainly an interesting thought, but I suppose you could go further back.

Civilian passenger airlines that survived longer than a year or two were a rarity in the early 20th century. The government initially imposed all of the restrictions and specified routes to help subsidize air travel so that it could get started. US mail shipments were contracted out (as they still are today) so that there was always some revenue coming in for the flights, and incentive to invest in the new, expensive, and often times dangerous technology of the early era of aeronautics. Limiting competition and assigning specific fares and routes arguably helped cultivate the new industry. Although it was expensive

When you didn't have to compete with prices (the major routes actually had several carriers that were forced to charge the same fares) you had to compete with service. In the 60's, the scantily-clad barely-legal women in bright outfits offered complimentary drinks to their primarily male clientele (as it was mostly men in the workforce still) became an icon of the era. Decent food, free drinks, comfortable seats, pretty stewardesses- these were all gimmicks to keep you loyal to the airline.

When it reached that point, the airlines were obviously no longer struggling to get started or to survive. There was much debate when they decided to lessen the restrictions, but clearly now it is known that it was for the best. Prices dropped, some companies dissolved and others flourished, and flying was available to a much larger group of people. Of course, this is why we complain about lousy service and the lack of on-board meals now :P

So, yes, I am thankful the regulations are gone, but, despite typically being adverse to government regulations, I suppose I am thankful there were regulations to begin with so the industry could move past its infancy. I am also more thankful that era was about ten years before I was born :P

Still, FC rocks. I would have taken the train if I couldn't afford the airfare :P