Informed passengers truly can affect the airline industry. Today’s example comes at American Airlines, where carry-on bags will soon be included in the carrier’s Basic Economy fares, owing to a better educated consumer and websites that help them suss out the difference.
basic economy
A not-quite-Basic Economy across the Atlantic
Fares are going up across the Pond. All three major alliance JVs now offer some sort of Basic Economy for transatlantic travel. The Star Alliance A++ group launched its version this week, with sales starting 5 June 2018. No checked bag, no changes and no upgrades are the main limits, though there is more nuance in the details.
Return of the Skyrider: the saddle seat returns
The Skyrider is back. After disappearing for a couple years the infamous saddle seat returned at AIX 2018, brighter than ever. And just as unlikely to ever be on your airplane.
Air Canada launches Basic Economy fares
Air Canada joins the ranks of Basic Economy airlines this week. The carrier now has five fare families for its economy class passengers and this rollout may be one of the most advanced we’ve seen to date.
Delta brings points payment to its upsell market
Post-purchase upselling to drive ancillary revenue is big business for Delta Air Lines and poised to grow. Adding frequent flyer points to the mix is part of that plan, with significant potential upside for passengers and the carrier.
Basic Economy goes global on Delta
Market “segmentation” revenue is growing faster than ever at Delta and the carrier plans to maintain that pace. Basic Economy on a global scale is the next step on that path.
Put another way: Get ready to pay more for less everywhere you fly.
American Airlines highlights Basic, Premium successes
Is Premium Economy or Basic Economy a bigger deal for American Airlines? The short answer is “yes” though President Robert Isom offers some interesting stats to consider about the profits the company is seeing from the two products today and where they are expected to go.
Passengers don’t care about perks
What’s an airline to do when 60% of those surveyed say they won’t pay extra to avoid a middle seat? In part looking at who was asked could offer some respite.