Of course I want to face this year determined to be a happier, kinder, more empathetic and more just person. It’s very simple, really: We need to demand the resurrection of customer service and put large numbers of well-paid and trained employees back in charge. My point is not that travel should always go smoothly — things break, weather turns, accidents happen. I’m not saying it would solve all of our problems, but it would go a long way to lowering the national temperature. Not to mention all the jobs, and career paths, at all levels, restoring customer service could provide.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 19, 2026 14:22 UTC