The discussion was on high rev pax., not the low end pax. WS already has them. All I have been saying is WS needs to up their game to develope the high rev pax. Please follow the discussion next time,
I think this further adds support to Mr. Sim's point. The high value business passenger doesn't even think of flying WS when they cannot get the basics right such as a proper domestic F service, or priority services to handle IRROPs. As much as I enjoy chewing out AC generally, they know how to treat their VIPs right in terms of concierge, customer service and of course having the necessary lift in their network to minimize delays for the pax. They also have the products businesses need like flight passes that allow workers to book last minute travel effortlessly (a product WS had 5-6 years ago but discontinued for some unknown reason). These are all items WS could improve on. Other basics, like access to a Business Centre are things AC has figured out early on are necessities. If you're a road warrior in Canada, you don't always have access to an office you can use to get work done. One of the nice things of the MLL is I can pop into the lounge, print off some work using their printers, use one of their stalls to work on work whilst waiting for my flight to board. Sure WS does contract with lounges like Priority Pass but IME they're not nearly as good as the stuff AC has. An argument could be made that WS should open lounges up at their major airports like YYZ, YYC and YVR.
Originally Posted by
Symmetre
AC is actively chasing low-end passengers because there aren't enough high rev pax out there to pay all the bills. This is precisely why rouge not only exists, but is growing.
Are they really? With high earning requirements on their FFP and fares that often exceed $500 CAD for short-hop flights like LHR -> YYZ I would hardly call them a discount airline! If anything UA is doing a better job attracting the low end loyal customers that drive demand and profits for the company. They offer 3 checked bags, free E+ seat selection and a number of other perks for their Gold members, even whilst travelling in Economy Basic! Their MilagePlus program doesn't have any revenue requirement for non-US residents, and I can often find Europe->North America fares in the $400 CAD range, to say nothing of the $700 CAD k fares I often see from YYZ to Asia. Last year I snagged Gold with approximately $2000 CAD in spend. Try doing that with AC!
-James