As you know, Aircomplane.com™ is mainly focused on giving airline passengers a voice. Yes, we know we are consumers. Yes, we have “options.” Yes, we are aware of caveat emptor. (It just shouldn’t be the slogan for an industry…) Many of us, however, wish that the same airlines that spend millions of dollars trying to REACH us to sell us their services wouldn’t spend so much effort trying to AVOID us when we have a legitimate concern. By far the greatest number of complaints and concerns to Aircomplane.com™ revolve around unreturned phone calls, e-mails, letters, and various elaborate and diabolical versions of voice mail hell. ‘Dem sure are purdy full page advertisements in all da noosepapers, doh. We’re not stupid. We just really weren’t that organized — until now.

Read the fine print. Know what your tickets and frequent-flyer memberships offer and what they don’t. Protect yourselves. Many, many, many of you share the same problems and concerns.

And on the subject of voice, Daniel Beckmann is a reporter with ABCNews.com. He has asked your Spite Attendant Crew here at Aircomplane.com™ to notify you that they are looking for people to send in their video comments for a show they do each week called “Be Seen, Be Heard.” [According to Mr. Beckmann, they occasionally use these comments on other shows within their network, too.].

This week, they are looking for comments on airline mergers and service, and they want you to consider responding. Please go tohttp://abcnews.go.com/US/BeSeenBeHeard/story?id=2573119 and if you have something to contribute, submit the form. It asks:

“How do you think you and your family will be affected by big airliner mergers? Do you have any suggestions for fixing a broken airline industry? Do you have comments or questions about the situation or what could improve your flying experience?”

If you submit a video or are featured on the program, let us know here at Aircomplane.com™ and if ABC.com permits it, we’ll post the video clips.

This is a tremendous opportunity to get your/our opinions on the record and broadcast widely. Don’t be afraid of talking to a camera or being on the air. Just pretend you’re talking to one of the geniuses running an airline. Thanks.

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As we were writing the posting somewhat jokingly called “We’re from the government and we’re here to help you.” it has since occurred to us that we involuntarily perpetuated a meta-truth. Regardless of how tongue-in-cheek or sarcastic it was, our statement is in cyberspace.

What is a meta-truth, and why should we be worried? Well, it is nothing new…although the name may be. Basically, it is something that may only be true in the mind and from the mouth or pen of the source. But, when repeated or disseminated enough it becomes, in a sense, a “truth.” When written or spoken, it is on the record numerous times and it is moving too quickly through cyberspace and in the public consciousness to correct, address, verify, or stop. And meta-truths are dangerous. Thinking about it. We can name, um, ABOUT A THOUSAND airline meta-truths including “Sir, I’m doing everything I can to help your with your flight.” and “I AM the manager.” (Whoops! I meta-truthed again.)  OK, that’s the bad news.

The GOOD NEWS is that successful major corporations, politicians, and airlines no longer have complete control over what is perpetuated as a “truth.” We do! Bloggers, you, some of the media, and other independent people can challenge what we do not believe to be true. Use the privilege.

Make your voice heard about what’s being said, and if you don’t buy it, challenge it. And we realize Aircomplane.com™ is not for everyone, but use blog search engines like Technorati to find and participate in ones that are important to you. No politics here. Just fulfilling our mission, the airline industry needs significant improvement and taxpayers are tired of paying for arrogance and ineptitude. If perpetuating our message happens to  cross with some new terminology that needs clarification in order to protect us, we’ll mention it.  Damn, maybe we should have a meta-truth contest, too!

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Aircomplane.com™

On Monday, November 20th 2006, airline passengers will have a new voice – their own. And they will have a new forum to speak through – Aircomplane.com™(www.aircomplane.com). Millions of Americans will now finally be able to get the last word(s) on their airline experiences.

And we expect the airlines, and all of America, to be listening.

Aircomplane.com™ is a blog, or weblog, that will not only serve as a resource for frustrated, abused, and stranded flyers, but it will also allow them to voice their concerns, horror stories, mishaps, and tips and suggestions to help other passengers. Who among us hasn’t been treated with condescension, star-class rudeness, impossible pricing and restrictions, bumping, and the often arbitrary dictatorships that have sprouted up behind many airline ticket counters by the polyester pants-wearing “I AM the supervisor” set? Phooey.

How many times, after a particularly frustrating and unproductive exchange with an airline employee, have you seen (or said) “I’m taking my business elsewhere!” only to have them snigger behind your back. They know you won’t, you can’t, and you’re only one person. That all changes withAircomplane.com™. Our voices will resonate, and we will be heard throughout the blogosphere and the rest of the Internet. We provide a sounding board, a resource, and a directory for the wronged and down-trodden. No longer will you have to wait on an 800-number voice-mail robot to speak your mind; you can say it here, loud and clear.

First, know that Aircomplane.com^™ is patriotic. We will not permit any criticisms, “tips,” or unreasonable accusations or negative commentary on any security procedures or experiences related to airports, security, or flights. We live in a complicated time, and certain procedures – even if occasionally imperfect or inconvenient – deserve our cooperation and support.

Second, almost anything else goes. This is about the corporate suicide mission most of the airlines seem to be on where they deliver imperceptible pricing and reservation formulae, armies of the arrogant, and funky food (if at all). What other industry could develop such inconsistent technology as the lost luggage wormhole that sends a remarkable percentage of our belongings into the Twilight Zone? Hmm. Twilight Zone…Isn’t that just outside ofMinneapolis?

Beginning immediately after Thanksgiving (personally, I’ll be thankful I won’t be on a plane),Aircomplane.com™ will be launching a national public and media relations campaign to announce its existence and encourage contributors and those seeking help and guidance with air travel issues. One website, unlimited voices.

The herd getting heard.

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Thanks to ELizabeth Holmes of the “Travel Watch” column in the Wall Street Journal www.wsj.comfor featuring an article on Aircomplane.com™www.aircomplane.com on November 28. We appreciate the important exposure you’ve given us to WSJ readers — many of whom are airline travelers…

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