Airlines in a Tailspin!(article)

[Beverly Lynn]

Airlines in a Tailspin
Delta Air Lines last week reported a second-quarter loss of $123
million. Northwest posted a $55 million loss for the latest quarter.
Earnings at Southwest and Alaska are down from year-ago levels, too.
The reason? Well, the airlines are blaming it on you - business
travelers. They're upset that you're refusing to pay the exorbitant
fares for unrestricted travel. They're honestly puzzled by your
refusal to fly the unfriendly skies, to be treated like cargo, fed
like cattle, handled like children. When will the carriers get it? We
can only hope that the hard times will force them to take a good look
at how they're doing business, and to change their ways.

pretty interesting I thought. what do you think?

 

[cigar95]

Well, simplifying the rate structures to be less "punishing" to business travellers would almost certainly result in noticeable increases to fares for leisure travel. Honestly, this will make a lot of vacationers unhappy, but the reality is that it's probably more fair.

It would take a bold decision by one of the major carriers to take this step - who wants to be first?!

 

[CarolA]

American tried to simplify the rate structure years ago and no one else would play along! So...I don't know if anyone else will be brave enough to try!

OH WELL!

 

[travelcoupons]

Three reasons they are losing business travellers: Airtran and Jetblue and to a lesser extent Southwest.

 

[scrappinmom_2000]

Beverly Lynn, it's been almost a year since I wrote to you, but I don't know what we'd do without you. The airlines may sway in & out, but I'm glad you're here to help us along!

 

[Disnydad]

Our regional headquarters started using satellite video meetings about 6 months ago. They are using it more and more as the bugs get worked out. My wife has gone to a couple and says they are getting used to it. Could be one reason. Instead of flying folks out to Bloomington, IL they are using more of these.