First-Class or Coach

There are two dramatically different experiences when flying.

The average flight experience looks like this:

• Cheap and distant airport parking and shuttle to the terminal.

• Regular security lines with queues the length of a few football fields

• Scarce seating of questionable comfort around the departure gate

• Long wait to board. Seat near the back. Minimal overhead bin space

• Average service during the flight. Standard drink and snack options.

An elite experience looks like this:

• Parking close to the airport terminal or Uber drop off curbside

• TSA Pre-Check for a quick breeze through security.

• Executive Lounge access with free food, drinks, fast internet, and a comfortable quiet place to sit.

• Early and quick plane boarding for a first-class seat.

• Comfortable flight with prompt service from flight staff.

Both these travelers are flying to their destination. The flight itself is the same length of time.

But the top-notch experience could require up to a couple of hours less time and lead to significantly less stress upon arrival (” Will the shuttle pick me up on time?”, “Will I make it through security quick enough for my flight?”)

This is the difference between the average company’s data experience and those at the top of the field. Both companies are “doing data analytics”. But the amount of time it takes and the amount of stress it causes them tells the real story.

The north star for data teams is to build better data experiences.

It was good to see you today,

Sawyer