Why are they called "full service" airlines?
 

With the recent changes that involve selling food onboard as well as the years of declining service in 1st and coach I wonder why are the big 6 carriers still called "full service" airlines?

Most offer seat pitch that is less than WN or B6 or Song the so called "low cost carriers"

Many of the big 6 offer very few entertainment options on long flights and their f/a's are much surlier on average when compared to the "low cost carriers"

About the only thing I can think of where they have an advantage is Frequent Flyer Programs/Elite Upgrade Programs....other than that there is nothing full service about these airlines....why hasn't this title been taken away from these airlines yet?

Good question.

My answer is because they used to be full-service airlines, but I would not call them that anymore.

Please take a look at the ideas and thoughts currently being debated in the discussion in this thread.

After reading what has been posted in there, please let us know what you think.

another word for them is "network airlines."

Full service means they offer an F product or an international business class product, and they offer connections to all kinds of places.

Lowfare airlines serve certain markets with frequency but don't fly everywhere and do not usually offer separate classes. AirTran is one exception, they have at least one hub, and they have two classes.

All airlines are often "full service". That is, they offer you all the service they offer you most of the time and occasionally provide it too.

Really, when was the last time you heard an airline advertise as a "full service airline"? I thing this is an expression from the past and passe.