"Budget" Airlines Fly South
#1
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"Budget" Airlines Fly South
As the article points out, the cities that they can serve is limited by the range of their aircraft, but if these initial forays prove economically viable, they may become more than mere irritants to the big carriers.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/09/16....html?src=dayp
http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/09/16....html?src=dayp
Last edited by Sabai; Sep 22, 2012 at 4:17 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Amsterdam
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But it would be very hard for any LCC to do well on mid-long haul, especially from the states. Look at a Y ticket from UK to US, and the fare may be £200 return. The real beef to the fare comes in airport fees and taxes. Of course they can land in the smaller airports, but beyond that, the model doesn't do well internationally. Look at Air Asia X. Their flights to London are often more than BA and Virgin. It is just hard to compete with the international carriers, because they make their money on their premium products, not their economy.
#3
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MEL
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But it would be very hard for any LCC to do well on mid-long haul, especially from the states. Look at a Y ticket from UK to US, and the fare may be £200 return. The real beef to the fare comes in airport fees and taxes. Of course they can land in the smaller airports, but beyond that, the model doesn't do well internationally. Look at Air Asia X. Their flights to London are often more than BA and Virgin. It is just hard to compete with the international carriers, because they make their money on their premium products, not their economy.
#4
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Bali, Indonesia
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Posts: 967
Spirit is making a killing.
The thing about South America is so many people have families there and want to go visit. Flying Ft Lauderdale (which is basically Miami) to South America is actually genius. The flights aren't quite as far as you think. I've tried booking some last minute flights w Spirit and they seem to fill up nicely.
Interestingly Spirit tried some LAX-Latin America flights and shut them down. The east coast latinos seem to travel a bit more.
The thing about South America is so many people have families there and want to go visit. Flying Ft Lauderdale (which is basically Miami) to South America is actually genius. The flights aren't quite as far as you think. I've tried booking some last minute flights w Spirit and they seem to fill up nicely.
Interestingly Spirit tried some LAX-Latin America flights and shut them down. The east coast latinos seem to travel a bit more.
#6
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MEL
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#7
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