New Service from SAS from March - Live from press-conference
#31
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: AF/KL FB Plat ; A3 Gold ; HH Gold ; IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 2,380
i think they will keep the 25% for the classes they don't want to give EB points. To give 150 points for CPH ARN doesn't cost much (it is 1/80 of what is needed to redeem a return CPH ARN) and this allow them to market "all fares earn EB points!).
I am however very sceptical regarding one way fares strategy in general, this allows business travellers to buy cheap tickets (and therefore spending less) and since the costs are still the same, it means that the leisure traveller will need to pay for the difference. It is what happened with the European one way concept. I guess the same will happen for intercontinental.
Regarding Eco/Ecoflex, i would have see Eco P class for fares under 100 EUR / segment, where they can compete with no frills airlines. No or 25% EB points. Eco Extra with free food and drinks for all 100% EB point booking classes. Depending on the booking class afterwards, there is a fee or no fee to change the ticket...
but that's just a dream, just a dream...
I am however very sceptical regarding one way fares strategy in general, this allows business travellers to buy cheap tickets (and therefore spending less) and since the costs are still the same, it means that the leisure traveller will need to pay for the difference. It is what happened with the European one way concept. I guess the same will happen for intercontinental.
Regarding Eco/Ecoflex, i would have see Eco P class for fares under 100 EUR / segment, where they can compete with no frills airlines. No or 25% EB points. Eco Extra with free food and drinks for all 100% EB point booking classes. Depending on the booking class afterwards, there is a fee or no fee to change the ticket...
but that's just a dream, just a dream...
#33
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These are some good improvements for EBG. ^ (I think some more are needed, but this seems much better than what's the current state.)
Now, I'm left wondering what SAS will do to keep non-EBG *Gold business? Why go for a carrier like SAS when the alternative provides more miles on discount economy fares and some food and drink?
I still don't think their EconFlex/Extra strategy is that good.
Now, I'm left wondering what SAS will do to keep non-EBG *Gold business? Why go for a carrier like SAS when the alternative provides more miles on discount economy fares and some food and drink?
I still don't think their EconFlex/Extra strategy is that good.
#34
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#35
#36
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Note: "... but, in practice, I get E+ across the oceans even when using OAL *Gold".
If SAS does the better earnings on SAS flights only credited to EuroBonus but not when to OAL *Alliance accounts, what will you do then? (Seriously, I hope they don't even consider that.)
#37
#39
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Are you against them sweetening the pot even more?
How does it hit up against Norwegian? (Are DY flights between ARN and OSL representative of Norwegian's other routes in terms of service?)
#40
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: AA LT G (1MM);DL G, UA GM
Posts: 2,028
piping up from the back of the plane
Not a road warrior here, nor even an EB member. I love to travel, but paying my own fare for business or pleasure makes me price sensitive. My first flight on SAS in '96 was a real pleasure and I've tried to fly them whenever possible, but since then I've only seen fares climb as service declines. With the final insult of those stingy 25% *A awards, I've been using other carriers to fly to and within Scandinavia. I don't relish the idea of visible discrimination between me and EB customers (I assume you need status for those free meals etc.) so this month may be my last SAS flight.
My point: doesn't SAS needs the more casual customer as well true FFers? Especially, as some posters point out, if these changes inevitably mean higher Economy fares? Isn't SAS risking emptying out the back of the plane? Can't be good for the bottom line.
My point: doesn't SAS needs the more casual customer as well true FFers? Especially, as some posters point out, if these changes inevitably mean higher Economy fares? Isn't SAS risking emptying out the back of the plane? Can't be good for the bottom line.
#41
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Stockholm SE, London UK
Posts: 1,167
According to the presentations today, 60-70% of SAS customers are travelling on business - i.e. business is their purpose (not necessarily what they have bought...). That's important to remember, and a good reason why they are taking this route now I believe.
#43
Not a road warrior here, nor even an EB member. I love to travel, but paying my own fare for business or pleasure makes me price sensitive. My first flight on SAS in '96 was a real pleasure and I've tried to fly them whenever possible, but since then I've only seen fares climb as service declines. With the final insult of those stingy 25% *A awards, I've been using other carriers to fly to and within Scandinavia. I don't relish the idea of visible discrimination between me and EB customers (I assume you need status for those free meals etc.) so this month may be my last SAS flight.
My point: doesn't SAS needs the more casual customer as well true FFers? Especially, as some posters point out, if these changes inevitably mean higher Economy fares? Isn't SAS risking emptying out the back of the plane? Can't be good for the bottom line.
My point: doesn't SAS needs the more casual customer as well true FFers? Especially, as some posters point out, if these changes inevitably mean higher Economy fares? Isn't SAS risking emptying out the back of the plane? Can't be good for the bottom line.
The economy prices will not go up.
The economy pax on cheap fares will always be there and with the increases in travel we see now, it will be full house. These pax don't care about anything but the price, that's not a challenge for SAS
The challenge has always been the pax that pay higher fares, they have felt so screwed the last years. Now they get something back
#44
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The economy prices will not go up.
The economy pax on cheap fares will always be there and with the increases in travel we see now, it will be full house. These pax don't care about anything but the price, that's not a challenge for SAS
The challenge has always been the pax that pay higher fares, they have felt so screwed the last years. Now they get something back
The economy pax on cheap fares will always be there and with the increases in travel we see now, it will be full house. These pax don't care about anything but the price, that's not a challenge for SAS
The challenge has always been the pax that pay higher fares, they have felt so screwed the last years. Now they get something back