Westjet looking to charge for First bag
Feb 7, 2014, 10:41 am
#16
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,444
Southwest does not have the Passenger Sales and Services IT systems to handle first charge bags like all other airlines. With the other difficulties at WN regarding their basic IT infrastructure, there are more important projects than first bag fees.
WS, B6 and others on SabreSonic CSS system have the same IT issues (SabreSonic is hosted at HP). Every airline on SabreSonic does not charge for first bags except for Virgin Australia. VA was the last major airline to implement SabreSonic and their system meets all of Greg Saretsky's conditions for first bag fee implementation:
- VA system handles first bag fee,
- VA system handles both Velocity FFP upper tier members and has exceptions for codeshare alliance partners (example NZ Airpoints elite tier members also get first bag fee).
- VA system can charge for bag fees at the electronic kiosk and online checkin.
My guestimate is that WS and other SabreSonic airlines will have to complete a hefty enhancement upgrade with some significant implementation costs. The reference to working with a timeline and cost analysis with Sabre is due to the upgrade. Knowing a lot about hosted solutions the master services contract will force the client to remain on well defined upgrade path. At some point WS will be required to upgrade their SabreSonic system. Its just a matter of when, not if WS will implement first bag fees.
WS, B6 and others on SabreSonic CSS system have the same IT issues (SabreSonic is hosted at HP). Every airline on SabreSonic does not charge for first bags except for Virgin Australia. VA was the last major airline to implement SabreSonic and their system meets all of Greg Saretsky's conditions for first bag fee implementation:
- VA system handles first bag fee,
- VA system handles both Velocity FFP upper tier members and has exceptions for codeshare alliance partners (example NZ Airpoints elite tier members also get first bag fee).
- VA system can charge for bag fees at the electronic kiosk and online checkin.
My guestimate is that WS and other SabreSonic airlines will have to complete a hefty enhancement upgrade with some significant implementation costs. The reference to working with a timeline and cost analysis with Sabre is due to the upgrade. Knowing a lot about hosted solutions the master services contract will force the client to remain on well defined upgrade path. At some point WS will be required to upgrade their SabreSonic system. Its just a matter of when, not if WS will implement first bag fees.
The other technology adjustments that need to be made if WestJet implements a 1st bag charge relate to update of the check-in software for mobile, web and kiosk and in-line selling of 1st bag in Datalex. These items are dependent on the Sabre CET rules, but are fairly straightforward changes.
None technology changes have also to be made around airport processes and WestJetter training.
Feb 15, 2014, 1:43 am
#18
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Let me check my Logbook
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards; AAdvantage; Alaska Mileage Plan; Wyndham Rewards; Choice Hotels
Posts: 2,350
Southwest does not. They have two selling points: No luggage fees and no change fees. For that, I an willing to put up with their boarding process.
Porter does not charge for luggage within Canada. I have not used them cross-border since they introduced luggage fees there.
And every Star Alliance customer with status, even Silver, gets a free bag on AC, UA (and, until End of March, US).
Generally, I look at the bottom line, the total cost of travel (TCT). The problem with luggage fees in Canada is twofold: First, they are fully taxed. I pay C$ 3.75 HST on a C$ 25 luggage fee. Second, it is a hassle to go through yet another process when checking in. What a waste of time.
Porter does not charge for luggage within Canada. I have not used them cross-border since they introduced luggage fees there.
And every Star Alliance customer with status, even Silver, gets a free bag on AC, UA (and, until End of March, US).
Generally, I look at the bottom line, the total cost of travel (TCT). The problem with luggage fees in Canada is twofold: First, they are fully taxed. I pay C$ 3.75 HST on a C$ 25 luggage fee. Second, it is a hassle to go through yet another process when checking in. What a waste of time.
Feb 16, 2014, 7:48 pm
#19
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: YXY
Posts: 3,506
Not so fast about Porter. I flew Porter YQM-YOW-YTZ rerouted to YYZ due to curfew at YTZ and I was charged. I was charged not because I had two bags but the weight limit overall was 23kg instead of 23kg per bag. As a result I had a huge fee I had to pay even though the agent did cut me a break.