Regarding the disparity between US and foreign carriers: Don't buy management's Bull Sh*t. The difference has very little to do with employee costs. I make about 100k USD as a 777 F/O. But EK pays for my house and utilities, private schools for the kids, medical for me and all the family etc. If you parrot the management line that we're successful due to lower costs, guess what their comeback will be?
It's also a copout to blame subsidies. We're not subsidised. Our fuel isn't free. There's no zero interest loan. We're a good carrier that takes advantage of geography. Force US airline management to do what they're paid for- manage. Increase employee morale, invest in people and product. Hot hosties are good for about 30 seconds- then you realise you won't be scoring with her, oh and you're married- after that it's attitude and product. That's where the foreign carriers kill you. Along those lines, I know the breadsticks and cognac was fairly 'toolish' and certainly deserved a nomination (which I think it received) the gist of the complaint is spot on. Go try and book a full-fare First or Business Class ticket from JFK to HKG for example. How much? I think the technical term for the amount of $$ is a sh**load. If that guy wants cognac and breadsticks, you should have it. Fly Emirates First or Business and we have a couple of litres of 20 year old Cognac and your meal will come with warm bread. Product matters.
Lazy management crying boohoo and blaming everything but their crap performance, that's the problem.
Oh by the way, the problem isn't a quick trip through customs in Abu Dhabi either.......