Articles tagged “passenger experience”

It's difficult to imagine that middle seats on planes will be permanently removed after a recovery takes place. That's why coronavirus testing is so important. But if passengers won't fly with another flyer at their elbows, then expect airfares to skyrocket.

Don't fault airlines for lack of innovation. It's a risky business that doesn't always reward companies that act boldly. Instead, take solace in knowing that airlines are embracing smaller innovations that could make travel better.

Customers may not like so-called segmentation in airplane cabins. But almost every U.S. airline is using it to boost revenues.

After changing its fare structure to compete with low-cost carriers and earmarking $400 million to improve its cabins, Latam’s rollout of premium economy on domestic and regional routes makes sense. It puts the carrier in a position to offer higher-end services without the added complexity of a major business cabin reconfiguration.

If you think about it, airlines and meditation apps make a perfect pairing. Headspace currently has a stronghold when it comes to in-flight meditation, but the new Inscape and JetBlue partnership could chip away at its dominance.

This priority boarding craze is getting out of hand. Almost no one wants to get on an airplane 45 minutes before it departs. People go nuts over boarding early because they have overhead bin anxiety. Can we just start charging for bin space? It's a precious resource for which demand outstrips supply.

Sabre's acquisition of Radixx is yet another sign that the travel technology giant is shoring up its competitive position vis-à-vis its rival Amadeus in the lucrative market for selling airlines operational technology.

Airports and airline carriers should be equipped for an influx of competition in the air travel sector, much of it due to an increasing number of low-cost airlines and secondary airports. To be well-positioned, they should look for partners that have access to qualified audiences at scale.

American Airlines has made a lot of excuses for its performance this year. It blames so many of its problems on a labor dispute and the grounding of the Boeing 737 Max. But perhaps there's something more here?

The majority of U.S. travelers don't have to worry about how they'll upgrade on United Airlines. But United's most loyal customers, who contribute more than their share of revenue, care deeply about the process. United can't make things too difficult for them, or they will defect.