Single, simple airline fares: Good idea?
An Associated Press story in today’s Post-Dispatch talks about a plan by American Airlines to initiate the idea of paying a single, simple fare to fly on an airliner.
In the story, American Airlines to add more fees, we learn that beginning next year, the airline that began the practice of charging to check even a single suitcase, will eventually charge a lower basic fare, but then charge for the use of blankets, water and other soft drinks, or snacks.
The story points out that phone and cable companies have been using this pricing practice for years - such as charging for pay-for-view or premium channels.
But will this be good for the airlines? And will it actually lead to much lower fares for those of use that simply want to get from Point A to Point B with a minimum of amenities?
Anybody know when Southwest’s fuel hedge deal will be up? Saw a segment on 60 Minutes or something similar, where if I remember correctly, Southwest purchased options on some riduculous amount of jet fuel and locked in a comparatively low price for an extended period of time. I would guess this is what has allowed them to be so competitive recently. They are not getting killed at the pump like the rest of the big carriers. It will be interesting to see how they compete once the fuel arrangement expires???????