Most of what you posted can be alleviated by becoming an affiliate member as they're not expected to provide all the same features as a full member.
Originally Posted by
YEG Guy
WS has zero interest in joining an alliance. They have very little interest in outbound codeshare (putting WS code on other airline flights).
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WS loses all negotiating power within the alliance as they will always be a smaller partner.
Hmmm. See any correlation? WS can't complain about being a small player when they do everything to ensure they stay that way.
Originally Posted by
YEG Guy
Lounges would be required in the following cities: YYC (2), YYZ (2), YVR (2), YEG, YOW.
I really wish people would stop using lounges as an excuse. Have you ever seen the amount of third party lounges BA contracts with?
As I said in an earlier post, WS wouldn't necessarily have to operate lounges especially as an affiliate member. If a OW member airline sees a need they can contract one of the independent lounges for their elite travelers.
OW has most of Canada covered as far as lounges go.
YYC- Servisair Chinook Lounge, Servisair Rocky Mountain Lounge
YYZ -AA Admirals Club, BA Galleries Club/First Lounge,Plaza Premium Lounge
YVR - BA Galleries First/Club, CX J & F Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge
YUL - Montreal TD First Class, Serviceair
Originally Posted by
YEG Guy
- Complications to the checkin and boarding process would reduce customer service and decrease efficiency. At checkin there are currently two lines (OLIC/bag drop, traditional checkin including ticket purchase). An alliance membership would require separate ticketing desk and elite checkin. At the gate, WS would have to stratify their boarding order by elite status.
AS, an airline that is posting profits, seems to be doing fine with their elite program. What makes WS so different that elite status would be so prohibitive?