Final Word from Friday, August 11, 2006
Americans, with their "customer is king" attitude, are considered the leaders in customer service. Often, though, ČSA's ground personnel and flight attendants are friendlier and more accommodating than their U.S. counterparts. The same can be said of the ground staff at Prague airport (although the immigration lines, the baggage handling and the Schengen-arrival mess at the new terminal need attention). The decline in air-customer service in the U.S. can largely be attributed to the war on terror. Airline staff and security brutes are now the "kings," and the passenger is merely a potential terrorist who dares not step out of line. Temporary restrictions and security enhancements in Prague are understandable after yesterday's terrorist scare in the U.K., but it'd be a pity if ČSA and the airport staff used this as an excuse to permanently become more like their U.S. colleagues. [Czech Republic United States of American United Kingdom England terrorism]