Kirby says passengers choose price over seat pitch
Jun 19, 2017, 9:03 am
#196
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,907
E+ is an add on, unless you are elite, Y- to Y-- to get a cheaper fare is what we are discussing and what Kirby is referring to. I am not referring to E+, has nothing to do with "voting" for less legroom to get a cheaper fare.
Jun 19, 2017, 9:35 am
#197
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,361
Comparing E+ and a hefty price differential is not a fair comparison though. Perhaps someone isn't willing to pay $100 more but if all else was equal and they knew that they'd get a more comfortable seat for $10 more (3-3-3 versus 3-4-3 or 32 inches instead of 30), many more might pay. I don't know for sure, but that hasn't been tested.
Jun 19, 2017, 11:25 am
#198
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA PLT the rest, Kettle Power
Posts: 667
Both flights leave around the same time, both flights are $585+/- and yet the E experience on each flight will be very different. 757 vs A321, 17in width vs 18in, 31in pitch vs 33in.
The average purchaser isn't knowledgeable enough to know the difference. All else being equal, were a consumer provided with the relevant 'comfort' details why would they choose the less comfortable trip?
I don't think airlines or OTAs are necessarily 'hiding' this info, its more that it's too subtle in how it's surfaced - as someone else referenced earlier.
Jun 19, 2017, 11:34 am
#199
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,882
Agreed, I tend to think that is a function of transparency though. My point above was to say, all other things being equal (price, schedule etc), were a customer given the option between a 17in seat with 30 in pitch and an 18in seat with 32in pitch, they'd buy the more comfortable option.
Unfortunately, this comfort info is opaque at best and hard to discern at the point of booking. Hence, yes, customers are driven by the most important factor - price.
Unfortunately, this comfort info is opaque at best and hard to discern at the point of booking. Hence, yes, customers are driven by the most important factor - price.
Price is king for most here, and while many on FT have other things that we prioritize as much or more than simply price, it doesnt extend to most of the US market - even with some employers. I don't think it's a secret that AA, UA and DL offer a better product than Spirit, Allegiant and Frontier, including more pitch, yet the ULCCs are expanding because they can fill their planes. Why? Because their upfront prices are lower (forget about the fact that in the end, it's often more, but it's the price upfront that is going to get the majority to buy).
Jun 19, 2017, 11:41 am
#200
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: ZRH / SEA, DL PM
Posts: 1,158
Y-: No seat assignment or any sort of mileage benefits. Expensive change fees (or no changes) to make it unattractive for business travel. No free upgrades to Y+ or F for elites on Y- tickets.
Y+: More seat pitch, reasonable change fees, mileage benefits, seat assignments and upgrades to F for elites.
Jun 19, 2017, 12:10 pm
#201
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,524
+1. IMHO there should be 2 classes in economy: Y+ for people who are prepare to pay a bit more and Y- for people who just want cheaper ticket.
Y-: No seat assignment or any sort of mileage benefits. Expensive change fees (or no changes) to make it unattractive for business travel. No free upgrades to Y+ or F for elites on Y- tickets.
Y+: More seat pitch, reasonable change fees, mileage benefits, seat assignments and upgrades to F for elites.
Y-: No seat assignment or any sort of mileage benefits. Expensive change fees (or no changes) to make it unattractive for business travel. No free upgrades to Y+ or F for elites on Y- tickets.
Y+: More seat pitch, reasonable change fees, mileage benefits, seat assignments and upgrades to F for elites.