985X

Not sure how practical is, and I don't know the drama/contract between mainline and regional.. (e.g. UA CRJ550 constraints)

But if AS wants to use E175 while keeping mainline pilots, would it be possible for them to dedicate a subfleet and convert to all Y configuration to increase seat capacity? I don't really think E175 need 12 first class seats for interisland service. Given the flights are only around 30min, might as well get rid of first class altogether.

SNAnghbr

Not sure AS would do that. One of the reasons for the demise of the Q400 was the planes lack of first class and AS wanting a consistent experience across the fleet.

Baze

Sure it is a short flight but people do pay for F on the inter island flights. Sometimes as a continuation of an F mainland flight and sometimes just to go between islands. And it is a nice perk for Pualani Platinums to get upgraded to F.

Baze

Kama'aina discounts, memberships and rates are a nice way to try and get local residents to buy things local and do staycations. Hawaii is very expensive and tries to include local residents by giving us a break. I personally don't accept the kama'aina discount at small local shops so the proprietors can make enough to survive. But I will take advantage of them for large corporate businesses. And I don't think people who don't live here should be included in kama'aina discounts and rates. But this is a discussion for a different thread.

fly747first

UA used to offer F back when it operated Q400s... it isn't an aircraft issue but rather the configuration AS selected

StevenSeagalFan

look the main reason the Q400 was phased out was that the training and maintenance programs required were not tenable for long term. The new horizon pilots wanted jet time to go to mainline, not prop time in a complicated aircraft. It made it tough to compete for talent.

worldwidedreamer

Can go into Omni real fast. Still seems unfair that they refuse to sell an annual pass at any price to non-kama’aina. (And think identity-based (local/age/gender….) discounts anywhere can be ethically problematic.)

isaacchambers

I can understand some corporate entities want to attract locals....but hawaii isnt the only jurisdiction that suffers from high cost living...in fact overall hawaii is actually cheaper to live than California. Gas is cheaper in Hawaii than California for example. Yet, we see none of the discounts here on the mainland.

The biggest issue is how a public entity treats visitors. Say DLNR with Hawaii state parks.....or any county with camping fees and parking lots. They should be bound to not be discriminatory. Yet we segregate the resident versus the non-resident. hawaii feels like its not an issue because its not about any protected class.

Imagine a Hawaiian or <insert any other tourist> vacationing in California and we started to charged twice the bridge toll on the Bay Bridge to go into SF...or banning them from crossing altogether in the peak rush AM/PM. Just because they are out of state and country.....the headlines would be quick and prevalent decrying the move. And you would get the same attitude of people not wanting to go to SF bay area. Sure Hawaii may want less tourism. But to think it will solve thier current fiscal problems...it will not....better hawaii government and value will.

I dont like charging our guests more for the same product....especially when its a simple public use item. Its making them feel less than and looked as $$$. Thats not welcoming or friendly.....and frankly not practicing Aloha either.

dayone

The discussion has move away from AS so time to close.

dayone, AS Moderator