Brian Sumers, Skift
By adding a new premium-heavy configuration, United Airlines will be increasing operational complexity. It is hoping it can offset that with increased revenue. Will the plan work?
1 day ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Today, United's rationale makes sense. Premium demand in many markets is robust, and United could probably make more money with more seats to sell. But what happens if business class demand drops at some point?
1 week ago
Adam Minter, Bloomberg
When flight attendants say their priority is safety, they mean it. In rigorous training, they learn how to fight fires, evacuate airplanes and secure the cabin against threats. They serve drinks, too. But that's not their most important role.
1 week ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Over the past couple of decades, most U.S. airlines have focused on transporting customers from point A to B in relative comfort. Delta wants to go beyond, hoping passengers will view it as a trusted consumer brand. If they do, Delta may be able to command an even bigger revenue premium over its competitors.
1 month ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
The premium economy cabin many global airlines are installing isn't much like regular economy. So why do many airlines include "economy" in its name?
2 months ago
Eric Rosen, Bloomberg
You may be confused about what premium economy is and why airlines are adding it. Let us help you. Premium economy on long-haul flights is basically what business class was 20 years ago. But airlines have calculated it will sell better with "economy'" in its name, so that's what it's called.
2 months ago
Shivani Vora, Bloomberg
When the next recession hits — and it will come at some point — how many of these businesses will make it? We're guessing a lot of VIP travelers will decide they don't mind airport lines, after all.
2 months ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Remember when airlines used to give away their best seats for free? Ha! The economy is strong, and airlines are offering fewer upgrades. Passengers who want to sit up front need to pay for it. But don't worry. Another recession will come, and the good days (for upgraders, at least) should return.
2 months ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Will data science change how airlines stock food and drink carts? It could happen, and EasyJet is leading the way.
2 months ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Passengers sitting in the back of the airplane hate it when an airline runs out of food for sale. But airlines also hate waste, and they usually must throw out uneaten fresh food the same day. How do airlines decide how much food and drink to board? It's a delicate dance.
2 months ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines recently told investors they're making big revenue from premium-seat upsells. Not surprisingly, American wants a piece of that action. But it has some IT work to do first.
3 months ago
Aaron Kirchfeld, Joyce Koh, Manuel Baigorri and Richard Weiss , Bloomberg
Lufthansa owns more ancillary businesses than most airlines, and generally that works out OK. But airline catering is not a growth industry, so maybe it's time for the company to get out of the business.
3 months ago