A couple of points as I start today's column: Progressives love to point to Europe as shining example of how government should be run; I have long thought we are too wasteful. Of course, progressives talk about the 'free healthcare,' months of mandatory vacation, and other benefits of living in Europe. They ignore the loss of freedom, high taxes, dependency upon government for retirement and other significant negative aspects of the European way of life. When I say we are wasteful, I talk about things like K cups for coffee, all the plastic bottles, individual wrapping packages and so on.
My column was late in arriving because my daughter and I were traveling to Vienna, Austria yesterday. We flew on something called Condor Airlines. Marissa told me it was because it was less expensive. I appreciated that but was dreading it also as images of Ryan Air popped into my mind. A no-frills airline with uncomfortable seats, no leg room, and a constant barrage of sales pitches by the sky waitresses. If you've flown Ryan Air, you know. If you haven't, it makes Southwest, one of my favorites, look like a luxury brand.
What a surprise I was in for. The seats were as comfortable as could be, with lots of leg room. On the 10-hour flight, we were served 2 meals. And both were actual meals! Ravioli with a quinoa salad, cheese, a roll, and cake. More than I could eat, and it didn't taste like a Great Value frozen meal. It was good. Breakfast was a croissant sandwich with fresh fruit, Greek yogurt and coffee cake. Service was excellent. Our connecting flight on Vienna Air, about an hour and a half, served a similar snack.
When they came around with the drink cart, I was shocked. I asked for a vodka tonic. They pulled out an actual bottle of vodka! Not a single use mini bottle an actual bottle. Then she poured tonic from a large bottle as well. But get this, when my daughter asked for water, she poured it from a 2-liter bottle. Can you imagine doing that on domestic U.S. airline?! When announcing the food and beverage service, they requested we reuse our plastic cups throughout the flight so as to save on waste. What a concept. In America we insist on giving you a new one each time.
It was a shock that was more than welcome. It is still Europe, so don't get me wrong. There is plenty that was 'wrong' but at least there seemed to be some common sense and practicality in operation of the airlines we flew. Both are newer and as normally happens in a 'free market' economy, they are doing things to set themselves apart. But it was definitely a pleasant experience.
