Originally Posted by
PVGMSP
Point #1: SkyMiles/RailMiles/HighwayMiles are ALL generic (i.e., NOT unique) names for a travel loyalty program. Any airline, no matter how small, can call their FF program SkyMiles, but a domestic airline as large as Southwest probably can't use WorldPerks, since they fly, well, only within the U.S. Isn't DL now boasting flying to 6 continents? How fitting will WorldPerks be?
This is the best point you have made yet!!
Originally Posted by
PVGMSP
Point #2: Not all mgmt's decisions are better than FTers' common sense thinking. Nobody was comparing DL's mgmt with NW's. DL's trip to Ch. 11 illustrated they had made some bad decisions, the same for NW. Still NW picked a better FF program name years ago.
I might agree more than you think. I think to your relatively infrequent traveler (which ironically FF programs still target), SkyMiles still has a better brand presence. But your point is well taken at least for the semi-seasoned traveler (I don't think it matters much to the ultra FF). And especially for those that do a lot of international travel (which Delta itself says is most important) and those based abroad.
Originally Posted by
PVGMSP
NW:
The "World-" prefix conveys/implies: 1) Scope, i.e., worldwide; 2) Quality: i.e., world class
Definitely. As I have said, I believe that WBC is the best brand for them to use here. We will find out what they will do. I also think they should take it a step forward and it "Domestic Business Class". This might attract some business customers that are prohibited from buying "First Class" fares but are able to buy "Business" class fares. I think it would be also more consistent when you have that plane that has WBC type seats but DBC type service...a domestic flight with a plane that is typically used internationally.
DL:
Originally Posted by
PVGMSP
Business Elite - A class only for elite people? A bit condescending on people in coach, isn't it? A class for elite SM members? Well, no free upgrades there.
The "Elite" term might actually get them some extra business for those that think they are whether they are or no. I doubt many people that have that mindset care how condescending it is on people in coach. Of course, some people in coach take "First Class" to have the same condescending tone. If that is all you are worried about then "Front Cabin" is all they need to call it.
Originally Posted by
PVGMSP
Crown Room - This is the worst. Sounds like a special exhibition in a museum.
SkyMiles - See all my previous posts.
I haven't thought too much about this actually. The "Crown" someone implies this royalty connection. I don't have any heartache over losing the CRC brand. As said before, we will see what they do.
Now, don't take this the wrong way, I do think they need to use some of the branding from NW. I think they need to use the ones that they think are the best....and only for that reason. But, also, by using some of them "to reach out" to the NW customer base. I only used that term "to reach out" because someone else used it but it seems to fit. In the long run, I think they will be fine either way with the mass of the NW customer base because of
1) Massive Route Network.
2) They will still be competitive on price.
3) Limited competition in many upper midwest markets.
4) Everyone can't leave. There isn't capacity available on the competition
5) Once people actually see more of Delta they might be surprised about some of the good things they do (because to average flyer, there is a lot more than a FF program to an airline, in some of them, many of them could care less).
This is NOT to say they don't still have to be competitive on all fronts including FF stuff and quality of service and direct airline stuff from the markets they serve.