Comments on: It’s All About Positioning

By: Dane

Dane — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:08:19 +0000

I always watch in amazement as one of those monstrosities leaves the ground. It is a true marvel of the modern world. It boggles my mind that you can get up in the morning and in about twelve hours, find yourself standing in the middle of a foreign city on the other side of the world. Even more amazingly, I travel more in every two or three years than my parents did in their entire lifetimes.

I do miss the free peanuts, though.

By: Carmelo

Carmelo — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:38:44 +0000

I hate airtravel.

I hate it because there are stupid charges for everything.

I hate it because I’m wide in the shoulders and tall. If I take a window seat, my head touches the wall as it curves into the roof and I have no leg room. If I take the middle seat, I have no leg room. If I take the aisle seat, carts and peoples crotches or asses hit or rub up against me.

I hate checking in 2 hours early.

I hate taking my flip flops off to go through the metal detector.

I hate not bringing my own drinks, which is stupid!

I hate paying all those stupid charges they tack on (I know this is a repeat).

Oh, and I hate United Airlines. They break guitars and I recently read an article about this guy Brandon Ray, who was not let on because he was black. Isolated incidents… Perhaps. But nonetheless, I won’t ride United Airlines.

What I do like?
I like not having to drive for 3 days to visit my family in Canada.

I like not having to rent a boat to get to Hawaii.

So aside from everything I hate, I’ll pay the amount and be uncomfortable. (I still won’t fly United though)

It would be nice to be rewarded because I am a seasoned traveller and I know how to be a minimalist. I’ve packed for a three day business trip with nothing but my backpack that had my laptop in it and enough clothes for 3 days.

So, to answer your question, I would feel better if there was a reward system.

By: Jake P

Jake P — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:43:56 +0000

It wouldn’t make me feel better. Whatever the prices became, it would be a short-term buzz reverting to “the new normal.” And someone on the plane would have to pay more to make up for those who were discounted–as you point out, the airlines are already hemorrhaging money.

Personally, I like Southwest the best: You know exactly what you’re getting for the price. Plus, the employees always seem happier and friendlier, which goes a long way for me.

By: Beth Cochran

Beth Cochran — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:01:16 +0000

Interesting point of view. I never thought about the converse approach airlines could take to ticket charges. Personally, I think I would feel better if rates were higher to begin with and I was “rewarded” for taking the middle seat or packing a small bag. The discounts would have to be worth it though, or else consumers would feel like it was a slap in the face.