Originally Posted by
WestJet
We've been working on improving our schedule for a few years now. WestJet Encore has been helping with this (not only by offering more frequencies and O&D's, but by freeing up short-haul 737s to add additional service on longer routes).
Not quite *that* interesting, but it will address one of the most frequent wishes on this thread.
We're around! How can we help?
Have they?
There's one more nice little addition that we have up our sleeve.
WestJet Rewards Gold members will have access to priority security (where available), and advance boarding on all flights.
Cheers,
Darren
Darren, thank you very much for the post. You definitely have me intrigued and I will be watching for the announcement on October 29.
Just some feedback for you, most of it I am sure your marketing research has long since told you:
1. It's hard to win over AC FF members, especially once they have a taste of Star Alliance elite benefits (you know that). If WS was to join an alliance that may help, but I know your business plan for now is simply partnerships/interline agreements. There's something though about having gold status across an alliance....the customer definitely feels more connected to the world especially if they travel outside domestic itineraries. It also makes the entire airport and airline experience considerably more comfortable.
2. AC is a reputable company, very professional and they usually treat me very well; however, there have been times when they have treated me horribly; almost with contempt. Funny, although I have not flown with WS since 2006, I can almost guarantee I would never be treated poorly by WS. Perhaps there's something for WS to exploit there with the proper mix of FF incentives. A lot of AC FFs would love to be presented with a good reason to leave.
3. It would be tough for me to contemplate switching to WS due to both the hard product and the schedule. I don't find the 737s in general or your leather/pleather seats in particular to be all that comfortable. Again, though, I have not flown with you guys since 2006 so I have not been exposed to any cabin changes you may have made. Also, WS simply does not have the same frequency and overall fleet size to go toe-to-toe with AC. This is a big drawback. I know Encore is helping with that (for example, I'm hoping YQY will be year round one day!) That said, I know WS cannot go back to the days when Canadians saw AC and Canadian have the same routes departing within minutes of each other...that is simply not sustainable in Canada.
I need throw all that out there just to get it off my chest. There is definitely a subset of frequent flyer such as myself who simply wants to be comfortable when I fly. That does not mean business class upgrades, so the fact that WS does not have a business class isn’t too much of a concern (but hopefully you are still seriously contemplating it). Between personal and business flying, I probably would generate about $7000-$9,000 in fare revenue for an airline. It's not much, but it must be more than your average Canadian traveler. In return for that business, all I want is, again, comfort: priority everything (check in, security, boarding, baggage), some additional complimentary check baggage thrown in, access to a priority reservation line, easier or advance access to seats with a little more leg room than your standard 31 inch pitch (which I hate) and lounge access. Oh, and to be treated with respect and like my loyalty is recognized and appreciated. I am sure I represent a considerable number of AC Elites who aren't necessarily fixated on upgrades to J-class. Sure, upgrades are nice, but they’re going the way of the dodo bird. I am certain that I must represent a market niche that WS could somehow exploit.