Originally Posted by
Xero
You're right. The tech companies tend to have buy the lowest fare policies. They love WN because there are no change fees there.
Finance companies seem to be less cost conscious when it comes to airfare. I know people in both industries and the difference is very apparent. If high tech companies spent like finance companies on airfare, then SJC would definitely be a hub for some legacy.
The tech guys seem to be lower maintenance in terms of things they want on a plane vs the finance guys. I bet 9/10 would take an all-coach flight with wifi over F on a plane without any. They like the convenience of WN and its somewhat quirky style of doing things probably appeals to that personality.
I also don't think they do the same kinds of long-distance travel as bankers do (since, surprise surprise, they make the bankers come to them), hence less concern with things like premium cabins and lounges.
It's also worth pointing out that there is a significant amount of finance activity in Silicon Valley as well; the tech bankers and VCs all tend to be on/around Sandhill Road which last I checked was closer to SJC than SFO (if only by a half mile or so)...