<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Flatbroke:
You are correct about NWA not paying attention to cabin conforts. NWA in my opinion is trying to run a no frills type operation. I think if NWA's freq flyer program was not so liberal they would not have near the loyalty they have. NW's domestic first class is lousy. Unless you can chug down enough free drinks to make it worth it. The DC-9 first class seats are so thin that the person behind you can grope you just buy putting something in the seatback. I do not know how NW compares intl, But my opinion is that NW's product need serious improvement to remain competitive.</font>
Internationally, the disparity between NW and its competitors (in economy class) is even greater than in the domestic US market. All the major players in Asia-Pacific offer in-seat video screens in coach on at least some of their planes. Several offer extra legroom (ANA, AA, UA economy plus). Business class is a different story. I think NW's business class is very competitive. JAL is slowly introducing new flat seats but still has old, cramped 47-inch pitch seats on many planes. I believe the same is true of ANA.
I think NW has made a business decision to cater to the low end of the market in Asia Pacific. In talking with my colleagues and clients in Tokyo, I have found that NONE of them fly NW. (In fact, they laugh at me when I tell them I fly NW.) They all choose JAL, ANA, UA, or AA. When I fly NW, the planes are always packed, but as far as I can tell they seem to be packed mainly with infrequent, budget-minded flyers--backpackers, families visiting relatives, vacationers, students, etc. NW differentiates itself from JAL, AA, etc. by offering cheaper fares, the most generous FF program, and convenient connections through hubs at NRT, MSP, and DTW. The budget-minded clientele that NW attracts with this strategy does not care about personal video screens or food quality.