Originally Posted by
TWA Fan 1
Agreed. E+ would simply be a fourth product. Where is it written in stone that three products is acceptable in terms of operational simplicity but four are too complex? Especially if that fourth product can be effectively targeted on the ultra long-haul routes (777 & 787's only) in order to meet demand and make a profit for CAL.
Also, in terms of the numbers of products CO offers, you left out one more variation a la Hawaiian BF, this one the "International First Class" which is offered to the Caribbean and northern Latin America which features BF service but on domestic FC-equipped ships.
So the fact is CO tailors its product to its various markets.
An E+ on ultra long-haul and even TATL would effectively meet the demand in that market place the same way that having BF service but on a B73NG is appropriate for northern Latin America.
But you're ignoring the fact that this are still only three different types of seating offered, regardless of what they call it or the service that's provided on board. It is still fundamentally the same product offering.
I don't think E+ with just extra leg room can cut it. I think they have to offer a product differentiation on par with BA, NZ, VS etc. Having said that I don't think CO is going to offer an E+ product unless it can be operationally justified on
all long haul aircraft. It is not in CO's best interest to set an expectation that they have econ plus on TATL flights, except for every market that has a 757 on it. That would a customer service nightmare particularly if you're charging a premium for the product. And since I don't think the 757 can handle E+ seating, and given that it is a significant portion of their long haul fleet, I don't see it happening in the near term.
That being said it may happen one day in the future, when the 757 is not plying the Atlantic.
In regards to UA not charging for E+, I took a flight several weeks ago and that was exactly my experience., they didn't charge. This was also true on several flights prior to that all within this year.