DiscountBusinessFlyer

A reporter found himself sitting next to an imaginary Jeff Smisek and filed this interesting report..

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/1...o-airline-ceo/

J.Edward

...but did he have a chance to tweet @fakeunitedjeff?

aacharya

Honestly, some of this stuff is well-said - the example of kettles going anywhere for the lowest price is exactly why we're in this baggage fee issue.

J.Edward

I'd agree - I thought this summed it up:Also of note is what Kellner said back at one of the big DOs (prior to CO implementing baggage fees) with words to the effect of, "we won't add baggage fees if we see an uptick in people choosing us over AA [the airline which had just implemented them, IIRC], but if people keep booking as usual, we'd be leaving foolishly leaving money on the table by not having them."

scnzzz

True enough - and considering real (i.e. inflation-adjusted) airfare costs in the context of jet fuel prices, we have today faster, (far) cheaper means of getting from point A to point B with more options in terms of schedules, routings etc.

We really shouldn't be complaining when we the consumer (and of course corporations in the last couple of decades) have spurred this race to the bottom.

Actually, what I find fascinating is the evolution of the gap between coach and premium cabins - I would argue that as coach has gotten less desirable (ignoring fares), biz and first have become much nicer (flat beds, more personal space, entertainment, lounges (LH FCT anyone?) etc.) The only way to subsidize the race to the bottom in coach I suppose.