Had to catch up on this thread. Whilst I read some interesting facts, assumptions, opinions, and sentiments I've come to this point in the thread to scratch the back of my head, and pick a post I like because it's a very pragmatic viewpoint.
Originally Posted by
brunos
Let's stick to the J pax.
I agree that there is a long list of reasons for choosing a one-stop over a nonstop and that price is the major one. You keep alluding to "studies" and "facts" without giving any reference. Let me counter by a sample of size one. Fares exHKG to CDG are similar on AF and BA J, even often cheaper on AF nonstop. In the past ten years, I chose BA over AF because of the mediocrity of AF product, mostly the seat. A second less important factor was the FFP (before the recent BAEC downgrade). I could earn a free J flight with a couple of paid J flights and some cc expenses. In a way you are right as this should be factored in the price
. But really the awful seat is the major reason I avoid the AF nonstop. And we fly often, you wish to fly in decent conditions even if that means adding a short hop.
For airlines having a flat bed, price becomes the major element as comfort is more or less comparable.
For me, a flat bed is also a valid reason to base my choices on, especially on 6+ hour flights. I do also weigh in price. I glady make a connection if a J seat costs 2.5K versus 4.5K (Except if it's a poor seat!). And I weigh in miles accumulation, an extra stop can add nicely to the balance. And yes also elite benefits, like recently choosing AF over LH because I had a lot of heavy luggage in the planning. Or direct flights versus connected flight, it's all part of the decision making process for me.
I am CDG/AMS based yet I do choose different airlines as well because I base my choices on what appeals most to me. Aspects of the FP and status benefits are certainly part of that. IMHO its all about making the choice attractive. But if I may believe some of the points mentioned in this thread, the airlines couldn't care less. But IMHO saying that the captive market would still take AF in J even if they still had Espace 127 can't possibly be the outcome of a study?
Having said all that. Could some of you please stop giving them crazy ideas?
