Originally Posted by
krug
Or they could need the extra dosh to pay for the amenity kits in coach (slippers, eyshade, toothpaste), the full fight complimentary bar (including spirits) in coach, the guaranteed provision of AVOD in coach on all 747 NYC flights, approaching double the number of flights from NYC than other major carriers, the $115 million investment in lounges alone at the LHR T5, the
www.newclubworld.com rollout, the planned new FIRST in 2008, new fleet programme, and the flexibility of the reward ticket.
Originally Posted by
krug
But this is all about generating profitability which goes into enhancing service.
Sure the fee could be dropped, but then initiatives such as the investment programme outlined above would have to be curtailed - and ultimately less investment leads to a cheapened product and devalues miles in the long run.
Sure, these are hefty charges, but frankly if one makes use of and appreciates all the perks on offer as part of a BA ticket, particularly when redeeming in premium cabins and using the lounges on departure and arrival for large snacks, complimentary champagne and massages, then the extra fuel charges become more understandable.
If however you view miles and air travel as a commodity which must be as inexpensive as possible, and do not appreciate the extras, then disappointment is understandable.
Absolutely -if you want to fly AA go ahead, after all they 'know why you fly'. For me, I would rather pay the extras -which are all advertised openly rather than enduring AA's excuse for service on their transatlantic flights. That's just my view -BA, despite its faults, does invest in keeping its product up to date and at the end of the day, it is still cheaper this way than buying a full F fare!