Originally Posted by
emcampbe
really?
Wasn’t Virgin America supposed to be that? And look what happened to them.
Also, B6 was somewhat trying to be that in their early days (for all pax). But they’re no different than the legacies these days.
There are lots of examples of US carriers aiming to provide a better experience and charge more, and it never works financially. Ask those of us old enough to remember the MRTC experiment on AA. These things just don’t work on any level in the US.
I seriously believe times have changed. On my last flight, the F-cabin was filled with a group of young women (22-25) who worked together in Manhattan. They didn't even know about PlusPoints and UGs and hadn't even applied to join any FF program, yet there they were in F. They told me that they were on vacation together and were sorely disappointed in the food and service. They asked me if this was normal. I told them that it was and that almost every carrier was striving to cut costs to compete with the LCCs. They told me that they're willing to spend their money on luxury travel and hotels when they were on vacation because they saw no benefit in saving anymore due to inflation and the impossibility of finding affordable housing to buy in the city. These women want to feel like they're getting special treatment when they pay for F, and there may be a market for a better F product if this paradigm takes hold with young professionals across the country.
Just one data point, I know. But F is being purchased by non-FFs at a higher level than I've ever seen before.
Also, as a counterpoint, UA wouldn't be thinking about upselling a better
Polaris experience à la carte.
if they didn't believe that there was a market for it.
As always, the market will decide.