Originally Posted by
yulred
No, it isn't. Here's why:
- no one is getting something for nothing. They are all paying fares to get a seat. Some are getting a little more space, but by most accounts they aren't paying for it (SEs etc). You could increase space across the board by getting rid of preferred seats and increasing legroom across the board. Any revenue loss (all incremental) is probably negligible.
- if pricing is at what the market can bear, there's not a whole lot of room to increase prices. Airlines aren't going to fly empty planes and charge more. They'll look to cut costs. There are ways to cut costs - but they won't be to the liking of the privileged few. Granted, the privileged few are more likely to have disposable income than the low rev pax ...so better prospects for revenue generation. Note that efficiency is not driven by prices increasing in lock step. It's forced on companies by consumers willingness to part with their money.
Indeed this is what we call
Price discrimination. Get everyone to pay their maximum willingness. While still getting everyone to their destination safely. A sound public policy.
I do like the idea of seat selection charges for J, since those pax are
a) the most willing to pay for it sincenthey wouldn't dare be associated with the cheap flying tribes
b) can easily afford it. And thereby less likely to roll the dice sitting in y hoping for an upgrade.
This would easily enhance Ac's triple bottom line.