United’s newest aircraft type takes flight this week and the CRJ550 interior really is as special as the company has been hyping. Airbus orders and Boeing delays plus some fancy new wifi and upgraded airports on the horizon. Another busy PaxEx week.
basic economy
JetBlue launches a new – and maybe useful – carry-on bag fee trial
Since airlines started charging for checked bags the overhead bins are more crowded and passengers more stressed. A new (optional) fee from JetBlue related to carry-on bags may help solve the problem. Or at least mitigate it slightly.
Hawaiian Airlines Basic Economy goes live; $30 increase to pax
The airline will insist that the move is about increasing options. But Hawaiian Airlines launched its Basic Economy fares in three markets today, resulting in a $30 fare increase to passengers.
JetBlue eyes a more mature TrueBlue loyalty program
The co-brand revenue is great and JetBlue intends to continue expanding that stream. But the carrier also knows its TureBlue loyalty program needs a little more to become a mature offering for consumers. That should be good news for travelers, assuming the carrier can execute.
A pair of delays hit Hawaiian’s growth plans
The most punctual airline in the United States is facing a pair of notable delays affecting the company’s revenue. Hawaiian Airlines detailed the impact of aircraft delivery issues and new fare products that did not arrive on time.
Record ancillary revenues won’t derail Basic Economy expansion at JetBlue
JetBlue realized $33 per passenger in ancillary revenue last quarter, an all-time record for the carrier. But the company is not resting on that accomplishment. Rather, JetBlue sees significant opportunities for further growth with more unbundling (and rebundling) of fares.
Delta tweaks boarding groups for premium passengers
Delta passengers get to learn a new boarding process starting in January. The carrier announced a revised, “Branded Boarding” process today, aiming to “create a consistent, clear experience from booking to on board” as well as minimize crowding at the gate.
United revamps Basic Economy in Transatlantic market
Just six months ago United Airlines introduced a not-quite-Basic Economy fare option for transatlantic travels. Next week the company will complete the transition, formally rebranding the offering as Basic Economy. NOt surprisingly, the new version is even more restrictive than before.
JetBlue goes Basic, plans fare families revamp
Is there such a thing as humanity in the Basic Economy world? JetBlue is planning a new suite of fare families to include a more basic option, while also maybe fixing the more expensive options, too.
United bringing “Preferred” seating to economy class in Q4 2018
United Airlines passengers will soon have the option to pay more for assigned seats on board. These are not the Premium Plus premium economy nor the Economy Plus extra legroom seats. The “Preferred” seating section will sit behind those and be an option for selection starting in Q4 2018. This news was obliquely referenced in today’s announcement of the new United Corporate Preferred program at GBTA in San Diego.