Originally Posted by elitetraveler

The message by Cush was this is the next agenda item AA has for the GDSs, so that their systems can be configured to charge on an a la carte basis.

I actually just went to the AC site and checked it out - if you put in a city pair - i did yyz-yvr at the top you can click on a "compare fare options" icon which lists out all of the differences. After you select flights, it gives you a menu of add on and deductions - i.e. - you can save a couple dollars if you dont want mileage or you are not checking bags - once you finish this page and it gives you a fare, you then get another sell up page with options again to get mileage, lounge access, etc.

It is easy to see how an airline would like this type of capability - pre-purchase food, pre-purchase lounge access -- I think the big "shoe dropping" will be the day major carriers actually un-bundle mileage.

Originally Posted by mwhitted

I could see this maybe backfiring on AA. Say they make FF miles an extra-charge option. I can see employers not allowing the purchase of FF miles. No FF miles = no loyalty to AA.

Originally Posted by elitetraveler

AA may see this as double dipping anyway - particularly with big corporate accounts that are getting discounts, upgrades, etc. as part of their deals. And in fact, they could use it as negotiating chip as part of corporate contracts. I believe that's what the car rental companies - at least Hertz did/or had done at one point. Of course, the fliers who would likely loose out are those who work for smaller companies that don't have corporate deals with AA, leisure customers/those on deep discounts who would have to calculate if paying for miles is worth it and probably customers in places like DFW were AA has a captive audience and is probably less generous in negotiating.

Originally Posted by DocD

The "pay-for-miles" option would definitely mean that I would not be able accrue miles for my work flying (technically I am state employee)...mwhitted's point is well put.

Originally Posted by mwhitted

And how is this going to compete with B6? AAdvantage is about the only thing AA would have over B6 and B6 would still probably be cheaper.

Originally Posted by elitetraveler

Just did a search NYC/MCO out 14 Mar ret 21 Mar and AA was $198; B6 $263. A couple times when I have had to buy tickets for family, I found AA lower than B6, so I'm not sure what % of the time B6 or AA have lower fares.

Originally Posted by sipples

Ah, no. They change them all the time, e.g. the recent oneworld tie-ups. These systems work and work well, with incredible uptime and live, on-the-fly deployment of new business function (like changing a tire on a race car running full speed, no pit stop), and the GDS vendors by and large run tight ships with ridiculously low per-transaction costs.

Actually, the real reason is that U.S. airlines are broke. They aren't investing in capital of all kinds, from new airplanes to core IT application changes such as this one. And remember that a couple big U.S. airlines spun off the GDSes a slump or three ago to raise cash, which presumably they burned right through a slump or two ago.

Originally Posted by grahampros

Cush is actually right on this one. As someone that is very familiar with the topic, its actually very expensive and time consuming for traditional GDS companies to implement these types of "ancillary" services for sale via travel agency channels.

Originally Posted by elitetraveler

It is easy to see how an airline would like this type of capability - pre-purchase food, pre-purchase lounge access -- I think the big "shoe dropping" will be the day major carriers actually un-bundle mileage.

Originally Posted by rploehn

*plus extras:

[Present your Citicorp AAdvantage MasterCard for any of the below. If non-AAdvantage card, add 10% surcharge, added onto final bill on monthly statement.]

Ticket Agent check-in...$49
Kiosk check-in...$0
Pre-boarding...$99
Regular Group Boarding...$49
Boarding last...$0
Rolling baggage on carpet...$8
Using luggage bins...$29
Using under the seat storage...$39
Pre-purchased rest room ticket...$1
On-board purchase of rest room ticket...$49
Unticketed use of rest room...$99
Baby on board...$50
Two babies on board...$150
Cup of water...$10
Bottle of water...$20
Exit row seat...$89
Window seat...$49
Aisle seat...$79
Exit row plus aisle special discount...$159
Center seat...$0
Last row on MD-80...$0
Business Class seat...$249
Snack pack...$10
Meal...$50
Question to Gate Agent...$14
Question to Gate Agent (2nd time)...$24
Question to Gate Agent (3rd + times)...$34
Checked baggage (each kg)...$4 plus ticket agent check-in
Checked baggage (each kg above 20)...$6 plus ticket agent check-in
Gate connection information...$10
Ticket service charge for any extra fee...$49
Discount for AAdvantage Gold...10% (no other perks)
Discount for AAdvantage Plat...15% (no other perks)
Discount for AAdvantage EXP...20% (no other perks)

Originally Posted by mwhitted

I could see this maybe backfiring on AA. Say they make FF miles an extra-charge option. I can see employers not allowing the purchase of FF miles. No FF miles = no loyalty to AA.

Originally Posted by Daze

Without mileage programs, no one will care what airline they are flying, it will all be about price, and, oh, the airline with cleaner planes, friendlier employees, better snacks and beverages, and larger seat pitch will attract more travelers.

Memo to legacy carriers, including AA: Are you really sure this is what you want?