Dear Editor,
Criticisms have no impact on any company, especially when that company or firm knows that it holds the balance of power and you very well know that people don’t have anything better to go to. This is exactly the case with our flag carrier, Caribbean Airlines.
At this point, it is the only airline that travels to New York from Georgetown and I believe it is exploiting customers, with the high fares. Just take a look at other world-class airlines; I mean airlines that are in the business of competition, and see the customer- focused service. Not so with Caribbean Airlines. Caribbean Airlines knows Guyanese depend on its services to get to New York, and elsewhere so it takes advantage of the fact.
Just imagine, if you want a non- stop flight to New York, the price of the ticket goes up. So, in other words, if you want to experience less hassle of the in- transit nightmare in Trinidad (by going through security, etc all over again), this airline is making sure you pay—literally—for it. Other world airlines will go to far lengths to make the traveller comfortable, but not Caribbean Airlines; simply because—as I said—they know they hold the market here.
A non-stop return flight to New York costs nearly US$1,000! Insane! And routes of similar mileage cost less with other overseas airlines. It is unjustifiable that Caribbean Airlines overcharges Guyanese this much, when it is supposed to be the flag- carrier of Guyana—the mother airline of this country—but it does not treat Guyanese, its ‘children’ the way it should!
Guyanese are at a high disadvantage when it comes to the airline industry. I don’t need to mention the failed airline industry that has been etched in our history. But when we settle for mediocre services from Caribbean Airlines, it is because we cannot do any better; there is not a better option—there is no option at all when it comes to the Geo-NY route!
JetBlue is America’s number one airline for its on- time departures, low fares, excellent in-flight service (unlimited snacks and cable TV), and friendly cabin attendants. I have been a part of ‘the JetBlue experience’ and though it’s a tall order to ask, Caribbean Airlines should meet with them and learn to run—or fly— an airline.
Yours faithfully,
Leon Suseran
