UK airports see record drop in passenger numbers in 2009

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

The UK^▸ (United Kingdom)'s airports handled 7.4% fewer passengers last year than in 2008, the biggest annual decline since records began 65 years ago, figures have shown.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA^» (Civil Aviation Authority - about)) said that with passenger numbers having also fallen in 2008, it was the first time levels have fallen two years in a row.
It said last year's decline was led by a fall in holiday airline traffic, with charter flights down 17%.
A total of 216.8 million passengers flew last year, the fewest since 2004.
UK domestic flight traffic was down 8% and overall scheduled airline traffic fell 6%.
"Today's figures show the biggest fall in passenger numbers since the Second World War, highlighting the enormous impact the recession has had on the aviation industry," said CAA economic regulation director Harry Bush. "Passenger numbers are now back to the level they were six years ago and, although they will certainly rebound, the pace of recovery is uncertain and it could be a number of years before they reach their peak level again."

[inspector_blakey]

 

So why, every time I get on an aircraft, is it packed to the gunwales with rude people who recline their seat in your face/prod you in the back with their knees even though you're sitting bolt-upright/steal your armrest etc etc?

And on a related note, is it just pure cynicism on the part of the airlines that you have to walk through the jewel-encrusted, Utopian visions of Shangri-La that are First and Club World on your way to Pleb World (sorry, "World Traveller") in the back?!

[moonrakerz]

And on a related note, is it just pure cynicism on the part of the airlines that you have to walk through the jewel-encrusted, Utopian visions of Shangri-La that are First and Club World on your way to Pleb World (sorry, "World Traveller") in the back?!

Ah, I see now - that is why first class is always at the London end of the train................ BUT - aren't FGW^▸ (First Great Western) now trying to stop the "plebs" from venturing into this hallowed domain as the train passes Ealing Broadway ? 

[Timmer]

Ah, I see now - that is why first class is always at the London end of the train................ BUT - aren't FGW^▸ (First Great Western) now trying to stop the "plebs" from venturing into this hallowed domain as the train passes Ealing Broadway ? 

Yes by sticking labels in the vestibule areas stating this is part of 1st class. That will really stop people walking through first class to be first off the train.

[John R]

Some people use the vestibules in first as a standing area when trains are full. I have a colleague who does this every day between Chippenham and Swindon regardless of whether there are seats in standard.

This isn't a problem until lots do it and are noisy, with the vestibule door forever sliding open and shut. At that point, it will be useful for the TM^▸ (Train Manager, or Ticket Machine, or Temple Meads (Bristol), depending on context) to point at something that makes it clear that they have to move on. (Though as of yet, I've not seen it enforced.)

[Mookiemoo]

Some people use the vestibules in first as a standing area when trains are full. I have a colleague who does this every day between Chippenham and Swindon regardless of whether there are seats in standard.

This isn't a problem until lots do it and are noisy, with the vestibule door forever sliding open and shut. At that point, it will be useful for the TM^▸ (Train Manager, or Ticket Machine, or Temple Meads (Bristol), depending on context) to point at something that makes it clear that they have to move on. (Though as of yet, I've not seen it enforced.)

Or until the trolley can't get through which requires a ridiculously small of standers to block