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On 10/29/2002 3:00:39 PM Oliver Twist wrote:
This is my opinion, take it as you see fit.
Our industry's revenue generating process is broken and should be discarded.
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Something along these lines has to happen. Airlines that don't move in this direction will be airlines of the past sooner than they expect.
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Look at this simple illustration of what it could be like going from ALB to MIA in coach. First class would carry a $50.00 each way premium and be for fare 1-3 only.
1. Business fare- Walk up: $275.00 each way
2. Business fare- 7 day advance $220.00 each way
3. Leisure fare - 14 day advance $175.00 each way
4. Leisure fare - 21 day advance $150.00 each way
5. Leisure fare - 30+ day advance $125.00 each way
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1) Why differentiate between business & leisure at all? Creating such distinctions and then trying to enforce them through fares & rules is what led to the current mess...
2) Why stop anyone from paying for (or otherwise obtaining) an upgrade? So what if they're a leisure pax that planned ahead? That's no reason to refuse their money. Next week that person might be your last minute walk-up fare. Which airline are they going to walk-up to? The one that put them in back on vacation?
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What are the rules you ask? Simple - I like the KISS principal myself.
Rules:
1. Totally refundable for 1 year- voucher after 1 yr.
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The only problem with non-refundable is the airlines insane idea that it means we get to pocket your money without flying you anywhere. The pre Black Tuesday policy was ok although it could use some work to make it more friendly. It was basically an in-store credit which is a reasonable and understandable policy familiar to most consumers (other than VPs in CCY...)
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2. Changeable without penalty - No name changes permitted.
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Why shouldn't name changes be permitted? Tickets ought to be fully fungible. Check out SWA.
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3. Purchase dates written in stone - no waivers.
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What does this mean?
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4. Standby permitted anytime during the ticketed day if fare class is full.
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Presumably you meant not full??? Why restrict it to fare class? Any empty seat is an empty seat -- why make the rule more complex than it needs to be?
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5. DM rules remain in effect.
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Good thinking
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6. Stopover rules remain in effect (hidden cities, short checking etc.)
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Why are these needed? If the fares are rational there would be little if any benefit in engaging in any of these practices and therefore little revenue to be protected by them. The rules would then only serve to prevent people from doing unusual, but useful, things like making very long connections in the face of poor schedule choices.
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For once I would like to see US make the first move instead of following all the time. Do I want us to be a SW clone? NO. Do I want my company to make it? YES. Let's take the bull by the horns and pray someone who can make it change reads this and other suggestions and LISTENS.
I may have missed a few points, but the concept is sound I believe. Thank you for your time.
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It needs to be done. The sooner the better.