Comments on: United’s fares go naked

By: Upgrade: Travel Better » Blog Archive » Pack light: Spirit Airlines charging fees for 2nd checked bag

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 14:34:52 +0000

[...] As usual, the airline’s business case is understandable. Less luggage means lower expenses for the airline, and we’re already seeing signs that we’re headed for a-la-carte ticket pricing. But that doesn’t mean we have to like it. For those who are traveling with a second suitcase, this is effectively a fare hike. [...]

By: Upgrade: Travel Better » Blog Archive » A brilliant idea: Pre-select a specific hotel room

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 15:13:45 +0000

[...] In an age when airlines are toying with the idea of charging a fee for a seat assignment, it’s nice to see a hotel chain moving in the opposite direction. [...]

By: gadgetfanatic

gadgetfanatic — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 01:36:27 +0000

I like that, $40/degree of incline. I know cable TV operators do this in some markets. Also, MickeyD’s does this now with their morning breakfasts letting you choose your beverage and thus letting you get the “standard” price or “premium.”

With the current absence of general service lately (counter agents, food, etc), I don’t see this as much of a change…

By: Better Living Through Miles

Better Living Through Miles — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 02:06:22 +0000

Whatâ€™s next? Paying to recline or open and close the window shade?

Don’t give them any ideas.

By: Embarcadero1

Embarcadero1 — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 23:47:16 +0000

The air canada model is horrible for consumers. As the post points out, this will simply be a way of milking passengers by getting them to pay for things they currently get for free. Paying for a seat assignment? That’s beyond belief. I’ve been a 1K flyer on United for years and am already appalled by their declining cabin service. This is one more reason to hope that Virgin opens their US carrier soon.

What’s next? Paying to recline or open and close the window shade?

By: Better Living Through Miles

Better Living Through Miles — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 16:26:44 +0000

Gopher:
True, these “bare fares” will be in addition to other fares — to start. It may become the norm, though, depending on whether or not other airlines pick up on this.

The comparison with a hotel chain starting a separate brand isn’t quite right, though. It’s more like the Hilton selling some rooms in the same hotel without television or housekeeping services. A separate hotel chain (say, the Hampton Inn?) can lead to different expectations. But if it’s different service inside the same brand, that leads to friction.

But who knows, it may work out well. If I can buy a fare that earns miles and gives me a seat assignment in Economy Plus, but gives me a discount for not making changes or not checking luggage, then it could work for me.

I’m more pessimistic about how these fares will be received by people who aren’t as obsessive-compulsive about travel as I am. Comparison shopping is about to get harder. To avoid confusion, perhaps the airline will only sell these bare fares through their own website, and not on Orbitz or Expedia.

By: The Gopher

The Gopher — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 15:14:10 +0000

One thing that a lot of the commentary misses about this story is that these are *in addition* to the regular fare structure. In other words, it’s like a Hilton Hotels adding a discount hotel chain. If you don’t want to stay there, that’s fine, there is still the regular Hilton chain. Same with Bare Fares… you can always purchase the fares that you always have. Bare Fares are not a replacement of the current fare structure, but an addition to it.

By: Diane

Diane — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 01:53:07 +0000

If this catches on, I’ll quit flying with United. Flying al a carte isn’t in my plans. This, I feel is just going to piss off customers.

It seems that the airlines are trying to make a buck off of everything that should be included in the price of your ticket.