Every seat is not the same
Mar 21, 2006 | 1:56 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,083
Every seat is not the same
As a FF I disagree with NWAs decision to change different prices for different seats.
However, as business person and as seen by by many posts in this web-site all seats are not created equal and thus are worth different amounts to different persons.
From a business perspective it makes sense to change for items that are valued differently.
From a business perspective they could even charge for more carry ons, etc.
However, as business person and as seen by by many posts in this web-site all seats are not created equal and thus are worth different amounts to different persons.
From a business perspective it makes sense to change for items that are valued differently.
From a business perspective they could even charge for more carry ons, etc.
Mar 21, 2006 | 2:26 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Los Angeles, CA USA
Posts: 34,033
Originally Posted by AAaLot
As a FF I disagree with NWAs decision to change different prices for different seats.
However, as business person and as seen by by many posts in this web-site all seats are not created equal and thus are worth different amounts to different persons.
From a business perspective it makes sense to change for items that are valued differently.
From a business perspective they could even charge for more carry ons, etc.
However, as business person and as seen by by many posts in this web-site all seats are not created equal and thus are worth different amounts to different persons.
From a business perspective it makes sense to change for items that are valued differently.
From a business perspective they could even charge for more carry ons, etc.
Mar 21, 2006 | 2:30 pm
#3
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Join Date: Dec 1999
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, IHG Diamond, United Silver
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Originally Posted by AAaLot
As a FF I disagree with NWAs decision to change different prices for different seats.
However, as business person and as seen by by many posts in this web-site all seats are not created equal and thus are worth different amounts to different persons.
From a business perspective it makes sense to change for items that are valued differently.
From a business perspective they could even charge for more carry ons, etc.
However, as business person and as seen by by many posts in this web-site all seats are not created equal and thus are worth different amounts to different persons.
From a business perspective it makes sense to change for items that are valued differently.
From a business perspective they could even charge for more carry ons, etc.
The question yet to be answered when it comes to RoachChoice, though, is this -- will they gain more than they lose from people defecting from the airline?
Mar 21, 2006 | 2:59 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: ATL
Programs: UA Global Services, Bonvoy LT Titanium, National EE
Posts: 889
Do restaurants charge more for outdoor seating than for indoor seating??
A seat is a seat. You're paying for the service. If it's coach/economy (not debating premium economy or other classes), and the meal service is the same and everything else is the same, it is unethical to charge IMHO.
I feel like something is gonna change REAL quick with NWA's decision to charge for exit row seats. Either something is gonna change, or people are just gonna deal with it because they have no choice.
A seat is a seat. You're paying for the service. If it's coach/economy (not debating premium economy or other classes), and the meal service is the same and everything else is the same, it is unethical to charge IMHO.
I feel like something is gonna change REAL quick with NWA's decision to charge for exit row seats. Either something is gonna change, or people are just gonna deal with it because they have no choice.
Mar 21, 2006 | 3:33 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: STL
Programs: WN, DL, AA; Hyatt or Wyndham
Posts: 1,105
Originally Posted by SamZeb
Either something is gonna change, or people are just gonna deal with it because they have no choice.
So either something is gonna change, or it's not.
I like a man who covers his bases.
Mar 21, 2006 | 5:07 pm
#6
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Originally Posted by AAaLot
However, as business person and as seen by by many posts in this web-site all seats are not created equal and thus are worth different amounts to different persons.
The fundamental lesson that utterly escaped NW in its "Coach Choice" endeavor was that is is a very, very shortsighted idea to alienate your most frequent customers: your elites.
Penny wise and pound foolish.
Mar 21, 2006 | 5:30 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2004
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I think the market will tell us how much they can charge. If you don't want to pay it, don't. But don't pay it and whine about it. I wish bread was still $.29 a loaf, but it isn't....so I don't buy it.
Mar 21, 2006 | 5:40 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2005
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It would also make sense business wise to cut salaries, benefits etc and lay off some of the workers. However, I'm certain the OP would have a different feeling about that.
Airlines have been hemoraging for years because of poor management. Are we all of a sudden going to accuse them of good business decisions?
Airlines have been hemoraging for years because of poor management. Are we all of a sudden going to accuse them of good business decisions?
Mar 21, 2006 | 5:46 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Pennsylvania
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Posts: 9,791
Price differentation, which is what airline use, is a way to squeeze every penny out of potential consumers.
That's why they have so many fare buckets - each person can pick and choose what they want in their ticket - free changes, refunds, upgrade opportunity etc
Cheers
That's why they have so many fare buckets - each person can pick and choose what they want in their ticket - free changes, refunds, upgrade opportunity etc
Cheers
Mar 21, 2006 | 8:02 pm
#11
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Hertz Gold 5*
Posts: 246
The fare buckets are one way that seats aren't the same: some are worth more because they're the last seat available, or because they can be changed to another flight, or because someone else is paying for it and price is no object. This pricing model has been working pretty well for a while.
Another way is that some seats have more legroom, etc. I guess we'll see if this second difference can translate to different pricing.
Another way is that some seats have more legroom, etc. I guess we'll see if this second difference can translate to different pricing.
Mar 21, 2006 | 11:59 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,083
Originally Posted by SamZeb
Do restaurants charge more for outdoor seating than for indoor seating??
A seat is a seat. You're paying for the service. If it's coach/economy (not debating premium economy or other classes), and the meal service is the same and everything else is the same, it is unethical to charge IMHO.
I feel like something is gonna change REAL quick with NWA's decision to charge for exit row seats. Either something is gonna change, or people are just gonna deal with it because they have no choice.
A seat is a seat. You're paying for the service. If it's coach/economy (not debating premium economy or other classes), and the meal service is the same and everything else is the same, it is unethical to charge IMHO.
I feel like something is gonna change REAL quick with NWA's decision to charge for exit row seats. Either something is gonna change, or people are just gonna deal with it because they have no choice.
Mar 22, 2006 | 12:33 am
#13
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Portland, Oregon
Programs: AA EXP UA 2KMM AMB
Posts: 2,415
I agree, seats, specifically Y seats are not all the same.
But that's why it's typically on a first come first choice basis. Now, certain seats, such as the ones on exit rows, can be a little bit more special given the extra legroom, thus I think it makes sense, on a business perspective, that access to them should be restricted to the airlines frequent fliers, for free.
It's still a coach seat after all and the ability to access these seats is one of the ever decreasing benefits that an airline could provide its loyal customers.
But that's why it's typically on a first come first choice basis. Now, certain seats, such as the ones on exit rows, can be a little bit more special given the extra legroom, thus I think it makes sense, on a business perspective, that access to them should be restricted to the airlines frequent fliers, for free.
It's still a coach seat after all and the ability to access these seats is one of the ever decreasing benefits that an airline could provide its loyal customers.
Last edited by jef7; Mar 22, 2006 at 7:48 am
Mar 22, 2006 | 12:46 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Posts: 2,009
Originally Posted by SamZeb
Do restaurants charge more for outdoor seating than for indoor seating??
I many places in Europe they do charge more for outdoor seating. I remember one coffee stand in a Paris train station that charged more if you wanted to sit at all instead of standing at the bar.
Personally I choose the cheap seats and if I fly NW I guess I will be picking the non extra fee seats. So what happens when the "standard" seats are full and only "premium" seats are left? Do they still require the fee?
Mar 22, 2006 | 7:46 am
#15
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Originally Posted by mcrt
...I choose the cheap seats and if I fly NW I guess I will be picking the non extra fee seats. So what happens when the "standard" seats are full and only "premium" seats are left? Do they still require the fee?
Q: What if there are no other seats available?
A: Coach Choice seats will be free of charge if there are no other remaining seats.
