Comments on: Transaction Mode: Danger For Brands

By: Mark Disomma

Mark Disomma — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 21:30:11 +0000

Bruce and Ed – thank you both for your comments. As I say in the piece, radicalization of this business model seems to me to be inevitable. On the one hand, there will continue to be a volume model (based on low entry fares, crammed spaces and buy-if-you-want services). At the other end, frequent fliers and those with valuable corporate accounts will be treated to more extras. We’re already seeing that with limousine transfers airside etc. The difficulty with branding this new norm is that airlines are increasingly offering this dichotomy on the same flight. Branding either end risks diluting the P&Ls at the other end. Thank you both for your thoughts.

By: Bruce H. Anderson

Bruce H. Anderson — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 00:03:59 +0000

I fly for business, and mostly on one airline. The fares are basically competitive, but with my status (I fly a lot) I prefer one airline over others. Things like early boarding, free snacks, complimentary upgrades, and a more pleasant Customer Service experience make a difference. But I am not the typical flyer, and most people I assume are looking at price only, so a Wal-Mart mentality seems to be the order of the day.

By: Ed Roach

Ed Roach — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 19:15:47 +0000

Derrick,

We all know it’s essentially a shell game with airlines. Lower base fares then nickle and dime you back up to where they were before. In Canada I hate when they advertise fares as one way. Other than terrorists who goes one-way? The airlines and homeland security have sucked all the pleasure out of flying. Now I read that they’re drawing back on leg room 1″.

In Toronto there is one regional airline (Porter) who seems to get service and branding. They have food included, and it even includes the food in their terminal lounge with big cushy chairs. Believe it or not the stewardesses wear those pill box hats from the 50’s.

It’s too bad first class is double the cost. They’re the only one getting the airline’s love, the airline has only contempt for the rest of us. It’s as if they resent us flying on their planes. A necessary evil. If there is one industry that needs a brand shakedown it’s the airlines.