I’ll Take a Side of DIRECTV, Please
I’m reading a lot of blogs in 2009 about how fed up people are with the airlines. Let’s face it - the holidays were a nightmare for most of us. Although weather played a substantial role in all the hassles and delays, the airlines didn’t exactly help the situation. I was delayed on average three hours per segment before and after the holidays flying from Colorado to Fort Myers. Agents were brusque, unsympathetic, and sometimes downright mean. In fact, we showed up at the airport on January 2nd to drop off my brother’s girlfriend, only to find that her Delta flight had been canceled for ‘mechanical problems’ (gotta love that one). The agent at curbside check-in took a look at her ticket and sneered, “Flight’s canceled. You’re not getting out today. Try again tomorrow.” When we tried to inquire as to what the different options were to fly out that same day, he retorted, “You think you’ve got it bad—-I’m losing out on a bunch of tips.” Not exactly the poster child for stellar customer service, but what do I know?
Anyhow, rather than moaning and groaning about airline customer service follies, I’m going to talk about a change the airlines are starting to make to their pricing structures that could be a win-win for travelers and airlines alike.
Frontier recently announced a new flexible pricing structure called “AirFairs.” So next time you search for a flight on Frontier, you will be presented with three different options for booking your flight:
- Economy: We’ll get you from point A to B, but don’t expect much else. Water? Cha ching. Seat Assignment? Pff…only 24 hours ahead. Checked bags? $15 for the first and $25 for the second. DIRECTV? Only in exchange for your credit card.
- Classic: This is the best value, folks. Two complimentary checked bags! You get to choose your seat when you book (exit pleeease!!) You only have to pay $50 instead of $100 to change your ticket. Oh, and DIRECTV is free again. Phew.
- Classic Plus: Fly like a king! Get all the classic benefits plus a fully refundable ticket, no change fees, complimentary snacks and premium beverages, good seats, and the kitchen sink.
Frontier also threw in a couple of bonuses for EarlyReturns members. First and foremost, you still get 100% of your mileage credit for choosing Economy, (i.e., being a miser). However, if you go up to Classic, your mileage credit increases to 150%, and if you GO BIG at the Classic Plus level, you get a whopping 200% credit! And if you’re an Ascent or Summit flyer, you’ll still get the advance seat assignment, priority boarding, bonus EarlyReturns mileage credit and free DIRECTV, regardless of your menu level.
I predict that all the other carriers in the U.S. will eventually go a la carte. Air Canada did it first and it’s been a success. American Airlines is saying they’ll introduce menu pricing this year. It’s now up to us to appreciate the transparency and enjoy the freedom to pay for what we want and leave out what we can live without.
Gone are the days where you get a thick blanket, a warm meal with real silverware, and a movie on every flight. Shed a tear and then get over it. ☺
