Recently, I took American Airlines from Phoenix back to Atlanta.

The flight lasted almost 4 hours. Having lived in the U.S. for a long time, I still find that people's expectations can be quite hopeful.

Perhaps because I still remember flying Korean Air back and forth to Gimpo in the 90s, I had some expectation that at least something would be served.

I was sitting by the window, and next to me were two well-built middle-aged gentlemen with a dignified presence.

As the plane reached cruising altitude and the cart came by, I thought, 'Well, at least something will come out,' but what was placed in front of me were two small bags.

When I opened them, I found a few stale pretzels, an extremely sweet cookie, and a drink served in a disposable cup. And that was it.

The gentlemen next to me received the same.

Seeing us all sitting together, tearing open our bags and sipping Sprite, was oddly amusing.

For a major airline like American Airlines, the in-flight snack offering was quite sparse.

For a moment, I thought, 'Isn't this atmosphere reminiscent of snack time at an orphanage?' and I couldn't help but smirk to myself.

Suddenly, I was reminded of 30 years ago. Back then, even on domestic flights, a warm meal was served.

There would be a small tray with bread, salad, and a main dish neatly arranged, and the flight attendants had time to spare.

Flying was not just a means of transportation; it was an event.

During the time when the Korean economy was rising after the Olympics, flying itself felt like a symbol of success.

Now, everything has changed. Aviation has become a strict transportation industry rather than a service industry.

Efficiency, cost reduction, and turnover rate. These three factors determine everything.

In terms of the main cabin, whether it's a 4-hour or 6-hour flight, snacks like pretzels or cookies are standard.

I later learned that peanuts are no longer served due to allergy risks.

Americans are becoming genetically more vulnerable. So, additional food must be purchased.

Delta is the same. They reduce service and lower costs while keeping ticket prices cheap.

In fact, round-trip flights from Atlanta to Phoenix range from $300 to $450 depending on the season. Considering the prices from 30 years ago, it's much cheaper now.

So, looking at the structure, it makes sense. Passengers no longer have high expectations.

Everyone opens their laptops, puts in their earbuds, and enters 'travel mode' until they reach their destination.

Even up in the sky, everyone is in their own world. That day, the gentlemen next to me finished their pretzels and immediately looked at their phones.

Clouds were drifting outside the window. The sky is the same now as it was 30 years ago. What has changed is people's mindset.

In the past, flying itself was part of the journey, but now it is just a process of moving from one place to another.

Romance has decreased, but time has sped up, costs have lowered, and accessibility has improved.

It seems that systems take precedence over emotions, and efficiency over atmosphere. A single bag of pretzels seemed to reflect the direction of the American economy.

Still, as I landed in Atlanta and headed home, I thought.

Romance is not given by airplanes; ultimately, it is created by people.

Next time, I should bring kimbap or a sandwich instead of pretzels when heading to the airport. That's the way things are these days.

Of course, keep in mind that drinks like water or juice will be confiscated during TSA screening.