Wednesday, February 27, 2008
US Airways: Devaluing Miles, Adding Fees
US Airways has given you another couple reasons to fly with someone else. Like United Airlines did earlier this month, the Phoenix based carrier is adding a fee of $25 to check a second bag on their flights. Unlike United, however, no consideration to the consumer was ever provided. Also, they've recently announced a big downgrade to their frequent flier program, by cutting the miles earned on shorthaul flights.
With United, if you paid the highest class of ticket, you can check a second bag for free. Elite frequent fliers also are exempt from the baggage fee and the new baggage policy only applies to domestic flights. Although this is a clear case of wanting to maximize revenue based on higher fuel costs, the conditions of the fee seems reasonable compared to how US Airways is applying it.
With US, you will pay the same fee - regardless of the ticket price. International flights? You pay the fee. Elite and first class passengers are exempt, but given the recent frequent flier enhancement on earning miles, it is getting a lot harder for road warriors to acheive that elite status by eliminating the 500 mile minimum award for flying with them. Cranky Flier has good insight on both this change and the new baggage fee.
Will other airlines follow suit? It's possible, but probably with some more customer friendly provisions attached. Given its recent enhancements, and poor baggage handling history, US Airways is quickly becoming an airline to avoid, providing Ultra Low Cost airline service at legacy prices.
With United, if you paid the highest class of ticket, you can check a second bag for free. Elite frequent fliers also are exempt from the baggage fee and the new baggage policy only applies to domestic flights. Although this is a clear case of wanting to maximize revenue based on higher fuel costs, the conditions of the fee seems reasonable compared to how US Airways is applying it.
With US, you will pay the same fee - regardless of the ticket price. International flights? You pay the fee. Elite and first class passengers are exempt, but given the recent frequent flier enhancement on earning miles, it is getting a lot harder for road warriors to acheive that elite status by eliminating the 500 mile minimum award for flying with them. Cranky Flier has good insight on both this change and the new baggage fee.
Will other airlines follow suit? It's possible, but probably with some more customer friendly provisions attached. Given its recent enhancements, and poor baggage handling history, US Airways is quickly becoming an airline to avoid, providing Ultra Low Cost airline service at legacy prices.
Labels: baggage, fees, frequent flier miles, travel, united, us airways
Roger, 2:44 PM
2 Comments:
stupid baggage handlers. they lost 2 of my baggages
Jen, at February 27, 2008 9:01 PM
Unfortunately, it's a 2-way street when it comes to airline dissatisfaction. As a consumer, I'm looking for the best prices, the tightest route, the best customer service - and that's hard to find in one neat package.
I don't know what the answer is, but I think the whole industry is gaining a fast-food mentality, which is frightening consider what we're actually buying.
Safe flying anyone?
http://www.gogirlfriend.com/travel-news/lufthansa-landing-attempt-7860
I don't know what the answer is, but I think the whole industry is gaining a fast-food mentality, which is frightening consider what we're actually buying.
Safe flying anyone?
http://www.gogirlfriend.com/travel-news/lufthansa-landing-attempt-7860
