The New Yorker is on a roll bashing airlines, in November it was how bad United was which was really a piece complaining about mergers and a subtle attack on telecommunications mergers. This week we again we see a New Yorker piece bashing the airlines, another sideways social commentary that’s really about income inequality rather than air transport. (HT: @bhanau) The piece is called “Why Airlines Want to Make You Suffer” and much of it is focused on fees. This is the meat of the argument: [T]he fee model comes with systematic costs that are not immediately obvious. Here’s the thing: in order for fees to work, there needs be something worth paying to avoid. That necessitates, at some level, a strategy that can be described as “calculated misery.” Basic service, without fees, must be…
basic economy
Search Results for "basic economy".
Delta Plans to Expand Use of Their Restrictive No Seat Assignment, No Change, No Upgrade Fares
Cranky Flier points out that with Delta’s rebranding of their cabins they’re going to be rolling out restrictive ‘basic economy’ fares into more markets. Last week I wrote about Delta’s cabin rebranding efforts, but I failed to really grasp something that is likely going to become a big issue. The lowest fare, Basic Economy, is going to roll out into more markets and become much more restrictive. It’s structured in a way that virtually guarantees a segment of people who buy it are going to be really pissed off. Those who may not understand what they’re buying have no way to remedy their situation. Not even ultra low cost carriers like Spirit do that, probably because it doesn’t make financial sense to do it that way. Delta’s ‘Basic Economy’ fares will no longer offer same-day…
Delta Eliminating Domestic Elite Upgrades on Their Cheapest Fare
In March 2012 Delta introduced “Basic Economy” (“E” class) fares that were more restrictive than regular coach fares. The idea was to offer them only in specific markets where Delta is competing against a low cost carrier — Delta has to match the low cost carriers on price, so gosh darnit they’re only going to give the same product that those airlines do at that price. Put another way, instead of beating low cost carriers by offering better value for the price, they were going to only offer what those carriers do. Basic Economy fares were not changeable, and didn’t allow pre-assigned seating. But Delta’s elites, at least, could still receive upgrades. For tickets purchased starting February 1, 2015, Delta’s elites will no longer be eligible for upgrades on these fares. I wasn’t sure if…
U.K. Raises Tax On Business, First Class Flights – Your Award Tickets Will Cost More
There’s a lot of confusion over taxes and fees when flying from London, because there are so many of them. European and British airlines like British Airways add fuel surcharges or ‘carrier-imposed surcharges’ onto tickets. These are extra fees for no particular reason, that are quoted as part of the total price when buying a ticket for cash. They are extra fees collected on top of your miles when you redeem points, making them even worse.
Exclusive Insight: American Airlines Strategy To Add More First Class Seats On Airbus A319s
American Airlines is planning to retrofit its Airbus A319 fleet to include more first-class seats, enhancing the premium seating options available to passengers – but, it appears, only on those planes that still have seat back entertainment screens. They’ll be taking those out.
Dramatic Showdown: American Airlines CEO Grilled by Flight Attendants After Earnings Call
American Airlines flight attendants, amidst union officer elections and ongoing wage disputes, are escalating their efforts to strike by confronting CEO Robert Isom and pushing for government mediation, despite upcoming negotiations and a previous rejection for a strike during the holiday season.
Delta’s Desperate Austin Strategy: SkyMiles Deals Expose Disaster [Roundup]
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.
New Airline Hassle: Now You’re Expected To Tip For Return Of Your Lost Luggage
Shouldn’t the airline cover the tip? They’re the ones who lost your luggage, all costs of returning it to you should be on them. You pay an airline to check a bag. They’re supposed to deliver it to you at baggage claim after your flight in exchange for the money. They don’t have to refund you when they fail to do so.
When they finally find your bag, and set it up for delivery, and it shows up at your house or hotel you find this: a code to Venmo a tip?
Why Traditional Business Travel Is Dead – Even Years After The Pandemic
In early 2020 white collar professionals stopped going to the office. People worked from home, and went online. They stopped flying. And there were varying schools of thought on how much they’d return to office and return to business travel.
Some people were waiting for the economy to tighten, expecting employers to insist that everyone go back to office and get back on the road. Others thought it was just a matter of time.
Why Coach Travel Is Bad For Sex (And You Should Splurge On Business Class Instead)
It’s not just that the coach seats are smaller and more constraining. It turns out that flying coach is bad for the male sex drive, and the specific problems are ameliorated by premium cabin travel.
That’s because the stress of coach travel, confined spaces and long lines, lead to the release of chemicals in the brain that drive down male testosterone. This retards libido and can harm sexual function.