FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Alaska ditching Virgin's great first class
Old Mar 27, 2017, 6:22 am
  #54  
sfozrhfco
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,848
Exactly. It is great that AS has done a good job in motivating staff. The customer experience--especially when compared to Mint however is not even remotely comparable. Mint is also often less expensive and the service is fantastic with free high speed Wifi, 100+ TV channels, satellite radio, streaming Amazon for those that have prime, better food and seats and the ability to order special meals. AS will continue to lose premium business on transcons. VX's yields have already been on a steady decline. In a few months, Mint will be coming to San Diego and Las Vegas with Seattle coming in spring 2018. AS's competitive position will only get worse as the product is degraded. AS's costs will also go up as VX staff get wage increases. This means the razor thin margins at VX will likely be a drag on AS.
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