I came across this article yesterday in the New York Times by MICHELINE MAYNARD and it made me ill.
“As far as airlines are concerned, you are no longer just a passenger. You are an opportunity to raise “ancillary revenue.” And when it comes to charging for things that were once free, the sky’s the limit. In just a few short months, the airlines have discovered to their glee that their customers are willing to pay for most everything from checked bags to soft drinks to pillows and blankets — and are doing so without much fuss. With that knowledge in hand, the airlines aren’t about to stop.”‘
I’m off tomorrow on a connection to the east coast, four different carriers – I’ll be sure to tally up the bills. Why don’t they try charging for things we want, like edible food, Internet access. movies on demand, iPods, personal DVD players, personal concierge, child seats. What would you be willing to pay for?
Tags: advice, airlines, Creative Class, Travel
This entry was posted on Monday, August 18th, 2008 at 8:00 am and is filed under Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
August 18th, 2008 at 9:34 am
I’m a reader, so getting away from electronic connections for a few hours is ok with me… I would, however, be willing to pay for leg room, pizza, (good stuff – not cardboard pies), and the ability to request food henever I want it without having to wait for snack and meal times.
August 18th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Don’t get sick!
Air-sickness bag: $5.
Opportunity to turn revenue while stomachs turn: priceless.
August 19th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Doesn’t it make more sense for airlines to charge for things that make flying better (massage (or a massager of some sort)? good food? noise canceling headphones?) than making people pay for things that they expect to get for free? Wouldn’t people think it was an upgrade they were purchasing, rather than being nickled and dimed? Theatres have been doing this for years – charging an arm and a leg for a drink or a snack – and no one complains that they should be getting it for free.
August 20th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Matt,
Agreed! It doesn’t take a marketing whiz to know what perceived value means to a consumer.
August 21st, 2008 at 12:38 pm
“Theatres have been doing this for years – charging an arm and a leg for a drink or a snack – and no one complains that they should be getting it for free.”
Well, no, but we do complain when they refuse to let you bring your own with you into the theater, usually on grounds that are specious and transparent covers for rank protectionism.
Similarly, airlines aren’t arguing with the laughably stupid ’security’ restrictions on liquids that prevent me from bringing my own beverages on board. Why would they? It’s a gold-mine for them.