[michaelt]

  For most customers, maybe, but I suspect there's a pretty 
  sizable portion of the population (myself included) that 
  will happily pay more for an airline that treats me 
  extraordinarily well, considers my comfort while on board, 
  and gives me reasons to shout their name down the street.

I'm not an air travel expert, but as I understand it many airlines offer seats in classes such as 'economy', 'business class' and 'first class' with differing prices and comfort levels. Isn't there both demand and supply for higher comfort levels at higher prices?

When you fly, do you pay a premium for business class or first class accommodation?

[seanmcdirmid]

The difference between economy and business class is 3-5X. Its like a completely different world/price level, that those of us stuck in economy can only dream of.

To sleep on a 12 hour flight...that would be great!

[kunai]

I don't understand why economy is so berated by passengers. It's fine for me; I'm 5' 11" and I have plenty of legroom and the people I sit with are generally polite and well-groomed. All of the nightmare stories I hear just do not make sense to me. Perhaps it's because I fly internationally; and people are more willing to be neater.

Although, I must say one last thing: do not bring an infant onto the plane. They're messy, hard to deal with, and give everyone a headache in an enclosed area where you can never get any peace.

My parents had the sense to keep me offboard until I was 4. I think all parents should do so.

[tptacek]

I agree, and think that when you move cross-country for that new job you got, you should just tell your baby to drive himself and meet you there.

[seanmcdirmid]

Or take a boat if travelling internationally.

The kongjies always handle babies pretty well. And to be honest, a crying baby isn't going to add much to your discomfort 6 hours into your flight.

[seanmcdirmid]

On a 12 hour flight, you want to sleep, but its impossible in economy. At least we can watch movies now during our flight, but the level of comfort between economy and business is vast.

I've never had a problem with babies on flights. I travel between the states and China often, and there are always a more than a few of them on.

[greedo]

Most people don't have the luxury of leaving their kids at home when they travel, especially if it's not a business trip.