rjw242

Existing thread on this topic:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...solidated.html

MIA-SAT

The mods can decide if this falls within the other thread. The issue is not high fares per se on AA. The issue is whether fare structuring can create an incentive to merely shop fares to get into a premium cabin, especially when the other touted benefits of frequent flyer programs are becoming more elusive. But, mods if you think these topics overlap too much, consolidate away.

HofstraJet

formeraa

The other factor is that the premium cablins are generally much smaller than the main cabin. I would caution the OP about using one set of dates to start a discussion about an airline's revenue management strategy. It may well be that AA has sold out most of their premium cabin seats on those specific dates, which may have little to do with their general pricing/revenue management strategy.

If it is observed repeatedly over a period of time, then we can discuss strategy. AA is a strong carrier to Latin America and may be able to charge a premium over DL/AM.

Shawn02139

Yes, this must have been the value of three-class service. Still an incentive to buy J on AA with hopes of operational or instrument (or automatic, on some fare classes) movement to F.

I wonder if corporate policies will adjust to permit premium economy (which is not that far from the original business class, at least in hard product) and we will be stuck begging for upgrades to business (which is nicer now than the older first class).

MIA-SAT

You draw a good distinction. There is a difference between shifting completely to another program or to no program at all and making a trip by trip decision between carriers. Right now, I am just considering putting my long haul int flights onto whichever program gives me a substantial fare break getting into what you correctly identify as shrinking J cabins. With AM and LAN out of MEX and the cheap fares between SAT and MEX I can fly to MEX and place the FF miles into the corresponding legacy alliance account. I can sometimes save 50% or more on longhaul J out of MEX, even if there are fluctations due to previously sold inventory on AA with an SAT origination. For me at least Google flights is a game changer. The $4000 or whatever that I save could save can purchase plenty of leisure fares that Aadvantage miles might otherwise cover.

ckx2

Unless you mostly travel domestic, I do agree. Speaking of international travel however ... OWE is still a very powerful status and First Class lounges (BA LHR, CX HKG, QF SYD) are a top notch reason to keep it.

CMK10

Went to buy a CLT-PHL ticket today.

- Frontier Nonstop: $47
- United via IAD: $89 Basic Economy, $117 Economy
- AA Nonstop: $89 Basic Economy, $154 Economy

I bought the Frontier ticket.

CHOPCHOP767

And with restrictions on paid lounge membership, see Delta's revised policy for example (more of which is coming I'm sure), the benefits of FF status traveling internationally become even more valuable.

PHL

To each their own. $47 is the cost of entry. Then it's $30 to carry on anything that can't go under the seat. And another $6 to advance choose a standard seat or $20 for "Stretch seating". So, yes, it's still overall cheaper (like $85 one way) with those restrictions. But also consider there is ONE flight between PHL and CLT, and not even every day of the week so you're basically stranded and screwed if there are IRROPS.

AA knows this and will price accordingly. There's value in booking a carrier with a large network that gives options when things go South. Frontier, Allegiant, Spirit, etc. all have a niche market who only shop on price and then cry foul when a hurricane or blizzard ruins their 2 week vacation because there are no alternate flight options.

CMK10

Typically I'd agree but in this case I'm on a day trip with just my laptop bag so I don't have to worry about a carryon bag. I can also wait until the day of departure to get a seat as it's a Saturday so I'm still at only $47. Believe me I'd much rather fly AA for all the reasons you mentioned but not in this case.