Originally Posted by
jackal
Where did I mention needing Chateaubriand and lobster tail? The person who started this discussion framed it in the context of wanting an E+ section (something several other airlines are doing) with just a tad more leg room or at least a humane amount of space on-board. AS Flyer then objected, saying that fares are too low to allow that and that fares today don't compare to fares back then. Then a few of us began to discuss that the differences in costs are from back then to now and how that affects fares.
Nowhere do I see anyone advocating a return to cart-served steaks and free food in coach and all of that.
And I am saying the fact that air travel IS much more available to the masses at the current price point it's at ("mass transit", if you will) IS a vast improvement. And the fact that you can get into that F cabin without having to spend for an F ticket? Pretty glorious.
http://www.slate.com/articles/busine...than_ever.html
The fact is that we're not "all" going to get 3-4 inches extra (if by "all" one means "all passengers")- airlines that have done it for free for all passengers, like AA's More Room Through Coach or Westjet have taken it out when they find it doesn't work. The airlines that have traditionally offered E+/equivalents (where you can pay or get it for free as an elite) have generally done this by cramming the "masses" into E-, reducing pitch and comfort down for everyone else. AS hasn't been interested in doing that, preferring a model more like WN or VX where everyone gets similar pitch, save for exit row/bulkead/F (so something like 20+ seats on a plane with added pitch).