Skybus' a la carte pricing may be industry future
Tags :
US,
Skybus Airlines
New LCC, Skybus Airlines, launched (29-May-07) services last week out of
Columbus, Ohio, with an a la carte price structure that may become more
widespread in the industry.
Skybus has open seating, like Southwest Airlines, and charges passengers USD5 extra to check a bag, USD10 for priority boarding and USD2 for a soft drink. The airline asks passengers not to bring food or drinks on board, instead selling these items, and pillows and blankets during flights. The airline does not provide a customer service phone number, only flies to and from Columbus and does not offer connecting flights. Passengers can purchase more than one ticket and create their own connections, but must claim and recheck their own baggage between flights.
Skybus' launch is stimulating discussion among other carriers. United Airlines and Frontier Airlines say they are considering similar price structures. "It's something the entire industry is looking at," said Frontier spokesman Joe Hodas. "We're looking at the advantages and disadvantages." United is also "studying the concept of offering our customers the option to choose the services they value most," according to spokeswoman Robin Urbanski. United already charges extra to check baggage at curbside and to sit in its Economy Plus section with more legroom.
Major airlines began moving in the direction of ‘a la carte pricing’ several years ago when they began charging for food served on board. They also began charging for other things that used to be free - such as booking a ticket over the phone or in person. Meanwhile, Northwest Airlines in 2006 began charging USD15 extra for reserving some of its most popular seats, including exit-row seats with more legroom. In Dec-06, United considered selling so-called "bare fare" tickets that would offer air transportation without baggage check, frequent flier miles or assigned seats. United also said it was considering selling fare flexibility for customers willing to pay for the right to change their tickets.
Date posted: 31-May-07
Other Skybus Airlines News |
Skybus' a la carte pricing may be industry future 
