In Europe independent *A carriers like TP/SK/LO compete for the premium market that the UA/AC/LH A+ plus partners have priced themselves out of. This is done by offering 2000-3000€ longhaul tickets with a transfer in LIS/WAW/CPH where the others want 4000-5000€ for the direct flight. Right now this is the only reason why they get this business. TP & LO atleast make a figleaf effort to pretend they are offering a premium end to end product. I know TAP has now copied SAS in removing lounge access in non *A hubs. Maybe that is a big cost factor that saves you from bk
