Would the Midwest Express model work on a larger scale?
 

Imagine if we didn't have to worry about upgrades? That's the best part of flying YX (and even WN, to a decree). Would people here be willing to pay a premium (yet not a ridiculous one) for solid one-class service?

What would you expect of the FFP with an airline like this?

Yes, I'd probably pay a reasonable premium for better seat and service. Unfortunately it would not work well on a large scale in this country where "cheapest possible fare and never mind service" is king. Midwest Express has been around for a pretty long time (since 1984 or so?) but is still relatively small airline and doesn't seem to expand much, although they finally expanded to AUS. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Midwest Express has said in interviews that a plane with 3+3 seating reduced to 3+2 is not optimal. That leaves the 717 as the only plane still made that fits. They did say that they would not rule out the 3+3 planes.

The majors haven't even followed American's increased seat pitch so they won't take out more seats like Midwest Express. In theory, it's possible to charge a little more, cut costs a little bit, but it won't happen.

But Midwest Express is 2+2 seating using DC9s. Why can't they continue with the 2+2 seating and newer equipment, to expand?

I can see why they don't want to expand. They have a geographical niche, similar to Alaska Airlines. They have generally been profitable until recently.

Going to 3+3 on an narrowbody would negate the major attraction of Midwest Express, that of seat width. To me, seat width is nearly as important as seat pitch. Economize service if you have to, but keep the 2+2 on the narrowbodies please!

Only the MD80/DC9/717 series have typically 2+3 in economy, so 2+2 is only one seat removed. All other narrowbodies are 3+3, so it is a much more substantial reduction in capacity to have 2+2, and apparently they don't want a 2+3 config (and can you blame them?)

I don't think the ME model would work nationwide. Right now, they have a good niche that doesn't require them to compete with rock-bottom airfares. They "own" a lot of routes by themselves. (From Kansas City, I've flown them about a half-dozen times: always because they were the only choice, and always at a somewhat premium fare.)

If they went national, they'd have to compete with low airfares, and I doubt they could be profitable.

Midwest Express has a very bare-bones FFP. Very simple, and not overly rewarding - probably because the demand/competition doesn't require ME to roll out a great program. Their pax want the good service and unique route structure, and aren't going to leave because the FFP is weaker than most.

The Midwest Express model doesn't seem to be working on its current scale, so I doubt anyone would be willing to try it on a larger scale.