Other airlines are trying to segment their customers as much as possible. But that's not something Southwest plans to copy.
3 months ago
Amtrak, thankfully, says it's not trying to generate revenue by charging fees to passengers exceeding its already generous baggage allowances.
12 months ago
These ancillary fee revenues will only continue rising until passengers get totally tired of them or the government steps in.
1 year ago
It's somewhat amusing that JetBlue states its mission is to "Inspire Humanity." As the airline's revenue initiatives highlight, JetBlue's latest mission actually is to win over skeptical shareholders and increase the bottom line.
2 years ago
Even U.S. and European airlines are barred from charging bag fees when transporting passengers to Brazil. The practice is under review in Brazil, but authorities are taking their time in considering any changes.
Although the fee would be optional give the new fare options, the decision would give JetBlue's competitor Southwest Airlines -- the only U.S. airline to never charge for the first bag -- enough marketing fodder to last the year.
With contradictory bills in the House and Senate, there's almost zero chance this bill will pass soon. But that doesn't mean the industry won't continue to come up with creative ways to advertise one cost while charging another.
Frontier is hoping to become the nicer of the U.S. ultra-cost carriers by giving flyers the opportunity to pay for the amenities they want or choose a fare that includes them all.
The lure of bag fees may be too much for JetBlue to resist, but it would take a big brand hit if it decides to do so. Coupled with the airline's new business class service, many passengers will wonder if the JetBlue they loved is gone forever.
Passengers trying to stuff their over-stuffed carry-on bags into overhead bins can really annoy other passengers waiting to grab a seat or impatient for takeoff. The airlines created this dynamic with bag fees and now some, such as United, are cracking down on passengers lugging huge carry-ons.
3 years ago
Extra fees are making airlines' profits healthier while keeping base fares low for consumers. They're on track to increase each year, which is becoming a good thing for the industry and flyers.
After a few quarters of slowed profit growth, outspoken O'Leary is stepping out of the spotlight and the airline is making major changes that will help it compete for business travelers in Europe.
