Hey Arpey! What extras do you think I am getting for free?
Nov 5, 2004, 1:09 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 592
Hey Arpey! What extras do you think I am getting for free?
From USA Today on Thursday (http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/today/sky.htm):
"Got a good deal? Bye, bye freebies: American Airlines wants to charge fliers who buy its lowest fares for some of the "extras" they currently get for free. Few details were given, but CEO Gerard Arpey said the move is an effort to "drive incremental revenue" without raising fares, reports The Dallas Morning News (free registration). The carrier already has announced plans to charge $10-$12 for a new handheld entertainment system, and $5 for amenity kits on Tokyo flights."
So what "extras" does he currently think I am getting for free?
--A seat?
--Seat belt?
--Toilet paper?
--Surley flight attendant?
--Free time on the plane when the flight is delayed (or early and you cannot manage to get a gate ready)?
--Free weight loss when you decide to feed me nothing?
Gosh, now that I think about it, I sure am getting a lot of extras from American. It really would be appropriate for you to start charging, Arpey.
I flew United last night. Pleasant flight attendants. Economy plus was nice. Flights were early in both directions (and gates were ready for us). Ticket agents were helpful. Telephone was answered promptly even with no status. Aadvantage has been gutted. LRTC. I think that United sounds like a good option.
"Got a good deal? Bye, bye freebies: American Airlines wants to charge fliers who buy its lowest fares for some of the "extras" they currently get for free. Few details were given, but CEO Gerard Arpey said the move is an effort to "drive incremental revenue" without raising fares, reports The Dallas Morning News (free registration). The carrier already has announced plans to charge $10-$12 for a new handheld entertainment system, and $5 for amenity kits on Tokyo flights."
So what "extras" does he currently think I am getting for free?
--A seat?
--Seat belt?
--Toilet paper?
--Surley flight attendant?
--Free time on the plane when the flight is delayed (or early and you cannot manage to get a gate ready)?
--Free weight loss when you decide to feed me nothing?
Gosh, now that I think about it, I sure am getting a lot of extras from American. It really would be appropriate for you to start charging, Arpey.
I flew United last night. Pleasant flight attendants. Economy plus was nice. Flights were early in both directions (and gates were ready for us). Ticket agents were helpful. Telephone was answered promptly even with no status. Aadvantage has been gutted. LRTC. I think that United sounds like a good option.
Nov 5, 2004, 1:22 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: LAX
Programs: UA MM | BA Silver
Posts: 7,192
Would the amenity kits still be free on the Tokyo flights in F/C?
Nov 5, 2004, 1:35 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: EYW - USA
Posts: 774
Originally Posted by J S
So what "extras" does he currently think I am getting for free?
--A seat?
--Seat belt?
--Toilet paper?
--Surley flight attendant?
--Free time on the plane when the flight is delayed (or early and you cannot manage to get a gate ready)?
--Free weight loss when you decide to feed me nothing?
--A seat?
--Seat belt?
--Toilet paper?
--Surley flight attendant?
--Free time on the plane when the flight is delayed (or early and you cannot manage to get a gate ready)?
--Free weight loss when you decide to feed me nothing?
Nov 5, 2004, 1:56 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Texas
Programs: Aadvantage
Posts: 31
It wasn't Arpey who said "free"
Gosh, now that I think about it, I sure am getting a lot of extras from American. It really would be appropriate for you to start charging, Arpey.
Re-read the statement, which actually was not in USA Today, and try to maintain some objectivity before you start hurling accusations at Arpey; what the piece said:
Got a good deal? Bye, bye freebies: American Airlines wants to charge fliers who buy its lowest fares for some of the "extras" they currently get for free. Few details were given, but CEO Gerard Arpey said the move is an effort to "drive incremental revenue" without raising fares
Note, too, that this was not in the print or even online edition of USA Today proper, but in Ben Mutzabaugh's excellent online blog, . And Mutzabuagh didn't attribute that statement to Arpey -- he included a snippet of an article from The Dallas Morning News in which DMN airline beat reporter Eric Torbensen wrote that phrase in his lede, then went to a separate, presumably supporting quote from Arpey.
The phrase "extras they currently get for free" is Torbensen's, not Arpey's. Arpey is saying enough things reported on this board that are making FTers angry; there is no need to inaccurately put words in his mouth.
Re-read the statement, which actually was not in USA Today, and try to maintain some objectivity before you start hurling accusations at Arpey; what the piece said:
Got a good deal? Bye, bye freebies: American Airlines wants to charge fliers who buy its lowest fares for some of the "extras" they currently get for free. Few details were given, but CEO Gerard Arpey said the move is an effort to "drive incremental revenue" without raising fares
Note, too, that this was not in the print or even online edition of USA Today proper, but in Ben Mutzabaugh's excellent online blog, . And Mutzabuagh didn't attribute that statement to Arpey -- he included a snippet of an article from The Dallas Morning News in which DMN airline beat reporter Eric Torbensen wrote that phrase in his lede, then went to a separate, presumably supporting quote from Arpey.
The phrase "extras they currently get for free" is Torbensen's, not Arpey's. Arpey is saying enough things reported on this board that are making FTers angry; there is no need to inaccurately put words in his mouth.
Nov 5, 2004, 2:44 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,021
2 Way Street
Ok so the airline wants to nickel and dime us for "extras."
How about making it a two way street? I want some part of my fare refunded or extra miles awarded when:
1.) Flight is cancelled for whatever reason and I am forced to change my plans.
2.) I arrive at my destination (gate) late.
3.) My seat doesn't recline or it won't stay upright.
4.) My IFE doesn't work
5.) The flight ends before Everyone loves Raymond does
6.) I have to get from one end of DFW to the other on a tight connection
I'm sure there are a ton more..............
How about making it a two way street? I want some part of my fare refunded or extra miles awarded when:
1.) Flight is cancelled for whatever reason and I am forced to change my plans.
2.) I arrive at my destination (gate) late.
3.) My seat doesn't recline or it won't stay upright.
4.) My IFE doesn't work
5.) The flight ends before Everyone loves Raymond does
6.) I have to get from one end of DFW to the other on a tight connection
I'm sure there are a ton more..............
Nov 5, 2004, 2:58 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Maine
Programs: AA Plat, FI Silver, DL alumnus
Posts: 1,432
Originally Posted by sdix
I want some part of my fare refunded or extra miles awarded when:
...
5.) The flight ends before Everyone loves Raymond does
...
5.) The flight ends before Everyone loves Raymond does
Nov 5, 2004, 3:19 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: EYW - USA
Posts: 774
Originally Posted by mickwrites
[I]The phrase "extras they currently get for free" is Torbensen's, not Arpey's. Arpey is saying enough things reported on this board that are making FTers angry; there is no need to inaccurately put words in his mouth.
Nov 5, 2004, 3:45 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, DL MM
Posts: 4,245
Originally Posted by J S
....
I flew United last night. Pleasant flight attendants. Economy plus was nice. Flights were early in both directions (and gates were ready for us). Ticket agents were helpful. Telephone was answered promptly even with no status. Aadvantage has been gutted. LRTC. I think that United sounds like a good option.
I flew United last night. Pleasant flight attendants. Economy plus was nice. Flights were early in both directions (and gates were ready for us). Ticket agents were helpful. Telephone was answered promptly even with no status. Aadvantage has been gutted. LRTC. I think that United sounds like a good option.
Believe me, United sucks.
Nov 5, 2004, 4:14 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Texas
Programs: Aadvantage
Posts: 31
double-edged sword
Originally Posted by WingNaPrayer
He just needs to shut up for a while. Don't do any more press conferences if they are going to continually misquote.
Nov 5, 2004, 4:14 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 592
Originally Posted by mickwrites
Re-read the statement, which actually was not in USA Today, and try to maintain some objectivity before you start hurling accusations at Arpey; what the piece said:
Got a good deal? Bye, bye freebies: American Airlines wants to charge fliers who buy its lowest fares for some of the "extras" they currently get for free. Few details were given, but CEO Gerard Arpey said the move is an effort to "drive incremental revenue" without raising fares
Note, too, that this was not in the print or even online edition of USA Today proper, but in Ben Mutzabaugh's excellent online blog, . And Mutzabuagh didn't attribute that statement to Arpey
Got a good deal? Bye, bye freebies: American Airlines wants to charge fliers who buy its lowest fares for some of the "extras" they currently get for free. Few details were given, but CEO Gerard Arpey said the move is an effort to "drive incremental revenue" without raising fares
Note, too, that this was not in the print or even online edition of USA Today proper, but in Ben Mutzabaugh's excellent online blog, . And Mutzabuagh didn't attribute that statement to Arpey
I wasn't there (and hazard to guess that none of us were). That's why I accurately sourced my info. As for whether it is in USA Today, that's the name of the website (which I also accurately included).
I did not put any words in his mouth other than those reported on USA Today's website.
-J S
Nov 5, 2004, 4:20 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Texas
Programs: Aadvantage
Posts: 31
Okay, here's what Arpey <b>said</b>, according to Torbensen. The entire rest (first part) of the graph, which was the subject line of this thread, is unsourced material from the beat writer:
CEO Gerard Arpey said the move is an effort to "drive incremental revenue"
That's it. I've actually seen a transcript, and Arpey never once even hinted that pax get "extras for free." Torbensen came up with that on his own.
CEO Gerard Arpey said the move is an effort to "drive incremental revenue"
That's it. I've actually seen a transcript, and Arpey never once even hinted that pax get "extras for free." Torbensen came up with that on his own.
Nov 5, 2004, 4:30 pm
#12
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EP 3MM, UA Silver, Bonvoy LT TIT, Hyatt Explorist, HH Silver, Caesars PLT
Posts: 7,259
There are few, if any, things we get on AA for free that we do not get on WN (and don't forget that WN is toying with implementing assigned seats, thus making their service even more attractive than EasyJet and Ryan Air). I'm almost scared to ask what these things might be...or suggest on this forum, this giving AA ideas. Now, I might be interested in paying for new services that enhance my flying experience like the Tokyo Y Amenity kits, the entertainment, etc.
Nov 5, 2004, 4:31 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Dallas, Texas; AA EXP; AA 2 MM
Posts: 726
Before you know it, Arpey will have AA charging for fresh air (or resused air).
I had always felt in the past that AA was the one trying to take care of it's best customers and UA was the one who treated their best customers like crap. It's funny...now UA is bankrupt and AA is emulating what UA did before they went bankrupt while UA is now trying to take care of their customers so they can get back to profitability.
Funny how things work in this industry...I guess "what goes around comes around" is pretty applicable here.
I had always felt in the past that AA was the one trying to take care of it's best customers and UA was the one who treated their best customers like crap. It's funny...now UA is bankrupt and AA is emulating what UA did before they went bankrupt while UA is now trying to take care of their customers so they can get back to profitability.
Funny how things work in this industry...I guess "what goes around comes around" is pretty applicable here.
Nov 5, 2004, 4:40 pm
#14
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 1,439
I'm interested in the comment about charging fliers who "buy its lowest fares." The problem is that (other than with the hideous upgrade fee) they do a lousy job differentiating between those who pay exhorbitant full Y fares and those that buy discount fares. Last year on AC, for example, I was on a 3 hour flight right through dinner hours on a US$2,200 fare, and they had the gall to ask for $10 for a meal!
Come on - nickling and diming pax who have paid that much is absurd. There has to be a better way.
Come on - nickling and diming pax who have paid that much is absurd. There has to be a better way.
Nov 5, 2004, 5:47 pm
#15
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Dallas
Programs: AA PLT/5MM; AS MVP GLD 75K; DL DM; EK SLV; HHonors DIAM; Marriott GLD
Posts: 4,090
Originally Posted by Paulo
I'm interested in the comment about charging fliers who "buy its lowest fares." The problem is that (other than with the hideous upgrade fee) they do a lousy job differentiating between those who pay exhorbitant full Y fares and those that buy discount fares. Last year on AC, for example, I was on a 3 hour flight right through dinner hours on a US$2,200 fare, and they had the gall to ask for $10 for a meal!
Come on - nickling and diming pax who have paid that much is absurd. There has to be a better way.
Come on - nickling and diming pax who have paid that much is absurd. There has to be a better way.
