Midwest Airlines = Mid Century Service

I’m not a road warrior by any means. But I do fly 10-12 trips a year for business and pleasure. That translates to roughly 30-40 flights when you count multi-leg journeys. And I’m increasingly annoyed with air travel, to the extent that if I can drive I will. We’re taking the train for my birthday because I refuse to deal with the airlines if I don’t have to.

But today? Today I found an airline that I could really love. Unfortunately Midwest doesn’t really serve Seattle very well. Seeing as how we’re not in the mid-west and all. However, if they are in your area I would wholeheartedly recommend them.

First of all, the seats are huge by comparison to your standard large US airline. And there’s real legroom. And the service is with a smile. They were upfront about today’s delay - why, when and how were all answered without prompting. The meal service, while requiring you to pay for it, was the best food I’ve seen in coach on a US airline in years. I brought my own lunch since airline food usually sucks, but I won’t bother on the way home.

And finally? They brought around complimentary warm, hot-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies about halfway through the flight. Now that’s service that weasels its way straight into your heart.

Obviously they probably have their share of infuriating habits and shortcomings. I don’t think there’s an airline that doesn’t. But I’ll put up with a lot to have room to work on my laptop, to knit, to read. And the food and free cookies definitely put them over the top.

If I get the chance I’ll definitely try them again. After all, airlines with a commitment to the kind of service that was standard in the mid century hay day are few and far between.

*****

And no, I was not paid to post this review. If you’ve been reading along for a while you know that I definitely have my air travel issues. It was just so refreshing to not have any today that I had to share!