sokolov

Some posters in this forum have promulgated that WestJet offer certain extra perks to frequent flyes. This would result in a significant number of AC-Elite-customers to move their travel budgets from AC to WestJet.

I put the validity of this argument up for discussion. How many additional pax can WestJet carry, given the current load factor? (Right now, 2014/2015, not several years down the road.)

After all, supply is limited. Are there enough seats available to carry hordes of additional pax? (Specifically: on routes those former AC-spendthrifts would need to fly.) Could WestJet earn enough extra revenue to pay for the suggested extra perks and still make more profit than before?

Of course WestJet raises prices when demand increases, but that would push some passengers to book with other passengers (including AC). The new passengers would be more profitable - but would they be profitable enough to make it worth it?

sokolov

Good point!

That could, in part, explain the lower load factor in September and October (compared to 2013). In the 70ies range there is room to welcome quite a few former AC pax on board. At the August-level of almost 90%, less so. :-)