Airline expert Terry Trippler has seen a lot of changes in the travel industry since he started traveling by air. In the nearly 40 years since he took his first step inside an airplane, the industry has been revolutionized many times. BabyBoomerTrips.com interviewed Mr. Trippler to see how much the industry has changed.
BabyBoomerTrips.com: We’d like to take you back to a time when you started thinking about traveling independently. Can you pass on some personal travel experiences from when you were just starting out on your own? Were your travel experiences very simple, like going to the nearest “lake” or “big city,” or was it something more exotic like backpacking through Europe, hiking through Nepal, or taking a Volkswagen van cross-country? How much planning was involved then and what were your sources of information?
Terry Trippler: My first independent trip was in 1967 when I traveled with my brother to his Navy base in Memphis, and I flew back from Memphis to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He had never flown before and was on a Delta flight from Memphis to Chicago connecting to an Ozark Airlines flight from Chicago to Sioux Falls. The Delta flight was late and when it arrived it was a 4 motor electra booster, noisy and not very smooth. When the stewardess came with dinner, I turned her down, not sure what to do with it. Imagine, now knowing what to do with food, let’s talk about a newbie! We got into Chicago late and had a 10 minute connection to Ozark. Again, I had never flown before, let alone been to an airport like Chicago O’Hare, but I started running in one direction and saw a sign listing a bunch of airlines that were in another terminal and Ozark was one. from them. Running, and simply following the signs, I made it to the Ozark gate in time to board. (He may not have known how to eat dinner at Delta, but he knew how to read a sign and follow the arrows.) When I boarded the Ozark flight, it was a brand new DC-9 jet. So smooth and quiet that I immediately thought Ozark must be a much bigger and better airline than Delta. At the time, my source of information was what I thought was the only source: the airline. I went to the Sioux Falls airport, went to the counter and bought a ticket. I thought that was how it should be done. In a way, so did many travelers of that time.
BabyBoomerTrips.com: In your first days of travel, how did you see the idea of flying to some distant or third world country? How does this compare to now?
Terry Trippler: The idea of flying to some distant or third world country was completely out of the question. Today, I don’t feel any different.
BabyBoomerTrips.com: It’s been quite a while since you started traveling independently. How has the travel industry changed since then? How have your personal travel habits changed?
Terry Trippler: Travelers are much more educated and capable now than ever before. Back in 1968, when I started working for an airline, our goal wasn’t just to convince people to fly our airline, we were also trying to convince the general public to “fly.” Flying was a new experience for many people. In 1971 I escorted charters to Las Vegas and the Bahamas, and with 252 people on board, it was not uncommon for more than half to take their first flight. Today, flying is no longer an “event” but simply “how to get there”. When I worked for the airline in the late 1960s, people “dressed” to fly. Today, they “barely dress” to fly. My personal habits have changed drastically. Unless I can get a seat in the front (business or first class), I won’t go.
BabyBoomerTrips.com: Do you still have a “Dream Trip”? If so, where/what would that be?
Terry Trippler: My wife and I have our dream trip and we do it every 5 years or so. We met in Hawaii (I was her date on tour), so we love Hawaii. Our dream trip is a first class flight to Honolulu and 7-10 days at the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel in Waikiki. We can relax on the beach or around one of the many pools with excellent service in lush surroundings. When we want we have Honolulu and Waikiki available for night life etc. We rent a car for a few days and drive around the island, but more and more we realize that relaxing on the beach or in the pool, with several good books, is really a “dream vacation” for us.
BabyBoomerTrips.com: List Your 5 Favorite Travel Destinations
Terry Trippler: Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, Portland, OR, Disney World in Orlando, Great Lakes resorts in Michigan and Minnesota
BabyBoomerTrips.com: In your opinion, what do you think will be some of the most attractive destinations for baby boomers in the near future?
Terry Trippler: While many will explore the world, particularly Asia and Australia-New Zealand, I think many boomers will stay closer to home, opting for traditional US destinations, particularly in the off seasons (i.e. between Labor Day and November 15). , the first half of January, between Easter and Memorial Day).
Biography of Terry L. Trippler
With more than 37 years of experience in the commercial travel industry, Terry Trippler is considered America’s foremost authority on airlines and the rules that govern their operations. Mr. Trippler began his career as an airline ticket agent and has since held various positions in the industry from which he honed his craft. Today, he specializes in airline rules and regulations, earning respect within and outside the travel industry for his unbiased and balanced view of the air transport industry and its effects on the consumer. His mission is to educate travelers about their rights and responsibilities, as well as to offer constructive input to the fair operation of our nation’s air transportation industry.
Terry Trippler’s renowned domestic and international travel experience has resulted in him being featured in major publications around the world and has led to extensive television exposure in the international, national and local media markets. Terry has also consulted with members of the current US government administration on the state of the airline industry. He has acted as a fact witness for several law enforcement and private law firms throughout the country regarding airline and ticketing procedures.
Corporate information
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