Originally Posted by
Gig103
I guess I understand why people wouldn't want (or could be approved) for a credit card, but $59 for some drinks versus $99 for a free first checked bag is huge. And if you pay this $59/yr do you get Main1 even if flying Basic Economy?
I think FT overall mis/underestimates a lot of things about Regular People.
Consider that there is a big chunk of people (largely on the younger end of the population) who do not use credit cards at all, choosing instead to just use debit cards, cash, Venmo, etc. But they are still gainfully employed, have the means and desire to travel, and are culturally oriented to want to feel "special" or "included" in some way. And then look at the success of subscription-based lifestyle services that have successfully entered that market (clothes/shoes subscriptions, Zipcar, Barkbox, streaming apps).
It's not a balancing act of $99 vs. $59 and how many bags will they check. Obtaining/using a credit card is not even a consideration at all in their world, but subscribing to a service that provides some benefits and also includes them in a special group is front and center of how they consume products and services.
There absolutely is a market for this.