EarlyReturns Possible Enhancements
 

In this article posted in another thread, Siegel mentions possible future enhancements to the Summit and Ascent levels:

http://business-news.thestreet.com/d...hy-do-list-6/1

I wonder what they are thinking about adding? Summit members already get a lot of benefits, and they are getting rid of the club so free access is out of the question. Without changing the product at all, all I can think of is free BOB snacks. I'm not sure what else they can give away...

On the low end, I would be intrigued if they introduced a "Trek" or "Hike" membership level attainable at 5,000 or 7,500 miles. The only benefits would be 2 free checked bags and access to SELECT seating at booking. I think it would be incredibly inexpensive for them to offer this, but it would target the 3-4 trips a year person who doesn't have loyalty to any airline. An amazing thing happened when I earned status, it wasn't that I always booked Frontier, but I always check Frontier first now. If they can change the buying habits of those 3-4 trips a year person, they can build some loyalty where other airlines don't reach out to.

Interesting and thought provoking. Certainly unique and like you say, totally under the radar of any other airline.

Before Republic, Frontier Summit's used to get a free snack from the menu. It's funny how it can be the little things that help cement loyalty. I was always the hero when coming home with a "big" bag of M&M's.

Just like the cookie helped YX develop its loyal following.

What ever happened to F9's attempt to link EarlyReturns with a major FFP?

They apparently had no takers.

How about a blocked Stretch middle seat? Kind of like European J class.

Would be nice, but I'm not familiar with how the European carriers handle it. Does the middle seat just get "booked" as if the person got 2 seats?

I don't know if I see F9 doing it, at least not as a Summit perk because that's one more STRETCH seat they won't be earning revenue on. Maybe if they hiked the price on Classic Plus (I kinda wish they could rebrand it business and go after FL's customers who are ticked they are loosing FL's business class) and offered it as a benefit.

Wouldn't be a bad idea, as it is rarely occupied. I only see it occupied if non-revs are onboard.

Intra-Europe, LH/BA/etc. just permanently block the middle seat and raise the armrest. The middle seat has a fold down tray table that becomes the armrest between A-C and D-F. A certain number of rows (something like rows 4-8) have flex seating so that can be converted depending on the route and loads. The cabin divider is a curtain which they just slide to the row they want. From a biz standpoint, it makes sense, but from a comfort standpoint, ugh. It's still Y seating and at best only a couple of more inches of legroom.

My girlfriend's DEN-SEA flights have the majority of the middle stretch seats occupied. Which flights are you seeing them vacant on?

Other possible benefits for elites:
1. Seat changes before check-in.
2. Earlier check-ins.
3. More time to confirm same day flight change - United offers 24 hours before original flight which is great if you are changing to an earlier(and early) flight. Sometimes with DEN weather, all those seats that looked available the night before are taken by morning.


MikeFromMKE's idea of a real low level status is interesting. I think even 1 checked bag or free/discount on STRETCH seating would be enough to steal some SouthWest customers away.