Originally Posted by
VegasGambler
We have people in our office who live in LA and commute (to SFO) for the week 2-3x per month. Sometimes they have to stay late. Sometimes they are dond early and want to get home to their families for the weekend a bit earlier. Flights get moved around a lot. I don't think that our company is unique in this regard.
Offering a use-it-or-lose it fare to "compete" with WN shows a complete misunderstanding of this market.
+1. I remember United Express offered free changes to everyone for intra-California flights. Southwest defeated United Express by offering much greater frequency and an insane earning rate (4 cheap round trips to earn an unrestricted transcon round trip, which was almost a 100% effective rebate). But United understood the rules of the game. They gave themselves a decent chance to win, had Southwest not been willing to dip into its pockets without apparent limit.
Alaska's $30 premium, or even a $20 premium, combined with less frequency and longer block times, gives it no chance to beat Southwest intra-California.
With the new "use it lose it" policy for elites, these Saver fares should be called Loser fares. Elites lose and Alaska loses. It's an own goal.